UPDATE UPDATE, 5/21, am, PST: Ho, Ho, Ha, Ha! Yes, I'm becoming addicted to this strange stumble out of the barn. Try connecting to Cole Central via the telephone number on their website. You will be quickly transferred through to Ma Bell suggesting you hang up and ... yes, you know the drill!
UPDATE, 4:36 pm PST: I have learned that Branchwater Productions, which appears on the website as the operator, would probably be John and Brigitte Pugh, for they live on a street named Branchwater Bend in Deland. A search for Brancwater brings up a tape-distribution company n Sarasota. The currently observable fact that "Big Top Circus" has not replaced the Cole Bros. title suggests, and I stress suggests, that Johnny is still somewhat if not completely in charge.
Yes, this has become a rather amusing guessing game that just keeps on guessing! So beware, my speculations below may prove to be just that. I am close to placing a moratorium on myself for coverage of the Cole Bros. saga for a certain period of time.
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In some ways, fresh new compelling poster art seizes on the elephant act issue by promising patrons a "last chance" to see them.
Early dates look to follow traditional routing -- only, says Agent X, who raced me the news, "just uncharacteristically late in the season!" --
It will likely stir some increased business from those wishing to have that chance, especially with kids in tow going to their first circus. And, even more so, by the presence of the Chicago Boyz, a familiar act off the popular television show, seen by millions. Shrewd marketing, I'd say.
How will it stir the dissidents?
Yet to be seen. True blue activists cheered the earlier news that Cole would NOT be going out with any wild animal acts. Will they play nice and let circus lovers have one last season with a complete traditional big top? Or make life even more difficult for the troupe?
Hard core protesters will claim a promise made not kept. And, technically, they will be correct.
And so, they may intensify their harassment out of a paranoia that this circus -- especially when they get wind of the sale -- has no intention of retiring its performing pachyderms.
Considering that Dick Garden, when last I heard, was in charge, it could be a suicidal season in more ways than one. But I do think, in poster art, he's off to a blazing good start.
And, yes, you heard it from me.
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