Paranormal Cirque settles in Sioux Falls for the weekend

If you’ve been near The Empire Mall recently, you’ve probably noticed an interesting addition to the parking lot in the form of a giant black-and-white tent. The explanation? The circus has come to town. But not the type of circus you’re probably imagining.

The Paranormal Cirque is a travelling horror show that draws on concepts of theatre, haunted houses, cabaret and the circus to create a decidedly unique two hour event. Founded in 2018 by Italian entrepreneur Manuel Rebecchi, Paranormal Cirque was created after Rebecchi found success with Cirque Italia, a traveling European-style circus that’s since expanded to many different types of shows. 

General manager and contortionist Ben Holland joined the circus immediately after graduating high school, and since then has spent the past seven years travelling with Cirque Italia and Paranormal Cirque.

“(Paranormal Cirque) is different from anything that’s ever been done before,” Holland said. “There is no one doing what we’re doing anywhere in the country.”

Paranormal Cirque contains all the elements of a traditional circus including hair hanging, a high wire and a wheel of death, but also contains unique elements. Visitors pass through a haunted maze before the show, there are comedy and magic acts and a narrator. The main tent contains 1.200 seats and a large circular stage where the tricks take place.

Consider yourself warned: If you sit too close, Holland said, you may be pulled up for some interactive events.

Paranormal Cirque shows sell out in nearly every city, Holland said, and Sioux Falls is no exception. The tour began with six shows in town over four days, but they’ve already added another and will continue to add shows as tickets sell out.

“Sometimes we’ll end up doing four shows a day,” Holland said. “People love this kind of stuff.”

One of the few traveling circus events to continue operations during the pandemic, Paranormal Cirque is continuing its tour after this weekend in Sioux City and Omaha. The show itself isn’t necessarily scary, Holland says, but it does contain adult content and therefore is rated R, those under 17 will need to attend the show with an adult over 21, and no one under the age of 13 will be allowed to enter. There are six shows left and tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth on site or online at paranormalcirque.com.