History is made in moments like these. For 178 years and seven generations, the Zoppé Family has upheld the love and fun of their uniquely intimate Italian Circus and has fought to preserve their creation through countless trials, including wars, political upheavals and even the 1918 pandemic.
Today, they begin again. The circus has performed annually in Arizona for the past thirteen years and after debuting their drive-in show in Ventura and Redwood City, the Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus is back in Arizona for their 2020-2021 season with a vehicular twist with their live, Multimedia Drive-In Show.
Zoppé has become the nation's front runner for live and Covid safe family entertainment. They have successfully created a historic multi-media event filled with acts and an originally produced Zoppé film which intertwines throughout the live circus show to create a full and engaging multi-media experience.
Giovanni Zoppé, the circus director, clown and a sixth-generation descendant of the founders, said that when the pandemic began, he returned to an idea he first had a year earlier: a drive-in circus.
The drive-in circus represents a novel way of adjusting entertainment to an era in which large, indoor crowds are forbidden. Zoppé’s new production will take place in Tempe in the Big Surf parking lot on an elevated traditional circus ring viewed from the safety of the audience’s own vehicles. Show-stopping acts include a Human Cannonball, Tulga the Strong Man from America’s Got Talent, the Wheel of Death, Aerial Silks, Rings, Equestrian Vaulting, Hand-Balancing Contortion Acts, Swinging Trapeze and more.
The cupola of the Big Top is suspended in air on to a large LED screen to allow for close-up viewing. Fans arrive in cars and trucks and stay safe inside while the action unfolds in front of them. Sound from the performances will be transmitted via their FM radio.
Gates will open one hour prior to the show and close 15 minutes after show starts. The Zoppé circus family will be welcoming cars 30 minutes before every show with the special circus pre-show that they are known for.
Zoppé’s Drive-In Circus will take place from December 26, 2020 - January 4, 2021 with both nightly shows and daily matinees. Tickets range from $49-199 per car load and can be booked at Zoppe.net.
