Introduction:
Circus Fans are excited about Rossi’s novel “Spangles, Elephants, Violets and Me: The Circus Inside Out.” Vickie has graciously agreed to this interview which we are grateful for.

 

Question:

Vickie, thanks for giving us the time to chat with you about your experiences which are many. You and I are about the same age and thinking back to when I started grade school I can’t imagine how tough it would be to be sent off to boarding school at age 5 or 6. It has been my perception that circus families are very close and protective. Isn’t it unusual that your Dad and Mom would have sent you to boarding school at such a young age?

 

Vickie's Response:

Yes, unusual indeed, but not unusual for my immediate family. The Cristianis suffered terribly to reach the pinnacle of the circus world. Daddy, being the oldest of the siblings, and thirty-five years old when I was born, looked to the future. He lived by the motto: No one will give you anything, you have to earn it. A lesson learned at a tender age from Papa Cristiani, who had raised his family to believe that success was not a dream, it was duty.  Daddy placed education on the front burner and, knowing first hand the tortuous demands of the business, he wanted a less complicated life for his children.         

Question:

In your book you indicate that the experience of going to boarding school had a lasting impact on your life. All negatives aside I gather that you got a very good education and were probably more advanced than other children your age? Did you find this to be true?    

 

Vickie's Response:

In many ways yes, and in many ways no: Naturally, by virtue of being a product of the circus, I can’t deny the fact that I may’ve been worldlier than most of my peers. On the other hand, my early convent teachings had an incredible hold on me. Unfortunately, I was gripped by fear throughout my childhood and well into my teens, which no doubt kept me from maturing in a normal way. Aside from that, I am dyslexic, which could be the reason why I never had an interest or aptitude for math. For whatever reason, my disability (discovered later in life) never affected my reading ability nearly as much. Like most students, I excelled in the subjects I loved most: English, history, social studies and of course religion. But let’s face it, having been labeled as the proverbial circus kid in the various boarding schools I attended, I was a target from day one—forever vying to survive in the privileged world of the rich and so-called normal lifestyle of my fellow classmates. I’m sure the weight of that burden affected my grades, at least to some degree, and ultimately kept me from reaching my full potential as a student.   Thankfully, writing was a liberating force, even as a child. Words fascinated me early on. When I discovered a great word I wrote it down, studied the meaning and figured out a way to put it to good use in homework papers and essays. It’s entirely possible that Scallywag and lobotomy may’ve sparked my initial interest. All I know is the words stuck.

 

Question:

I have observed that the circus family as a whole have created a closed society and outsiders are rarely if ever invited in. I find it hard to believe that people in the inner circle are not at least a little miffed at your tell it all approach in your book. Has there been any negative feedback from the inner circle?

 

Vickie's Response:

Thank you for asking this very legitimate question … a question I’ve found as of late to be foremost on everyone’s mind. To be perfectly honest: no! As I said in the acknowledgement page, Spangles would not have been possible without the full support of my relatives. Although  Daddy, Aunt Ortans and Uncle Lucio had passed years before Spangles became a reality, all the negative issues regarding the family split had  been discussed in detail before the polished manuscript went into final production. Pete had his say, Corky had her say, Mogador had his say and Daviso had his say. And of course I already knew Daddy’s views.

 

Over a period, I considered my family’s logic along with my thoughts and formed what turned out to be not only the most revealing but the most painful chapter for me to write: the epilogue. After my change of heart, I decided it was about time to clear the air. Thereafter, I approached Spangles with the understanding that, clearly, my relatives would never have a chance to answer back so I prayed for guidance: that those who had since passed could, by some means, channel their thoughts through me so I could record their feelings to the best of my ability. As it turned out, that aspect played a vital part and, in no uncertain terms, actually triggered the necessary cleansing process that eventually led to the miracle of reconciliation. Accordingly, my deep comprehension of the brothers’ internal anguish made me all the more cognizant of the fact that I had a real responsibility to present both sides fair and square. Hopefully, my words came across—as intended—with heartfelt love and utmost sensitivity.

As for the negative material I included about Uncle Pete and Aunt Norma, they were fine with everything I wrote. For all of you who have come to know my aunt Norma, you won’t be surprised to hear that she is an up front “place all your cards on the table” type of person, and therefore had no qualms about the printed copy—nor did she suggest even one minor modification in the storyline. In fact, shortly after Spangles came out, she called me, expressly to say how much she loved the book. For the record, Aunt Norma hasn’t touched a drink for thirty some odd years. She is an amazingly truthful, smart, and caring person and I love her dearly, always have. As for Uncle Pete, the shoe fit. He knew he was going to get ripped. While pondering his villainous role, speaking the tongue of angels was never an option. Father Time has a way of shocking one into sobriety … so earning his wings has become a top priority. “What the #@$%, if they make a movie,” said Pete, “Brad Pitt will beg to be ME.” I laughed back, “Sure thing, but I’m afraid Ben Davenport’s character may steal the show—that is, if Jack Nicholson has anything to do with it.”

            

Question:

The Great Alaska Tour for a fifteen year old teenager must be a great memory for you. Were you able to capture the experience in pictures? In other words do you have a scrapbook or photo album of your trip to Alaska?

 

Vickie's Response:

Naturally, my mom took notes throughout the tour, which certainly proved to be a great help when jotting down memories of the Cristiani family’s unprecedented adventure to the “Land of the Midnight Sun.” And of course there are numerous personal photos—although scattered among households.  Former CFA president and devoted Cristiani circus fan, Jack Painter, very generously shared his treasured collection of newspaper clippings of the entire tour. Ed, if you like I’ll be happy to provide the full set for your perusal.

 

Question:

The family experience with Charles Van Doren had to be a real downer. As you describe it the family put a lot of effort into the production and with no reward. Did your family ever consider suing NBC?

 

Vickie's Response:

No, the subject never entered anyone’s mind. Besides, I’m not at all certain what the money exchange was, if any. The documentary was all about free national publicity … ten’s of thousands of dollars worth. As far as I know, there was never a guarantee (in writing at least) that the Kaleidoscope special would air for a second time and then remain in the archives for future showings. Remember, at that point in time, videotape was still in its infancy. Furthermore, I believe the question of exactly how long the footage could withstand the test of time was anybody’s guess. Irregardless, shortly after NBC executives previewed what they called a sure winner, it was determined that, had the Charles Van Doren issue been resolved in his favor, a rerun would have been a given.

 

Question:

For me the most dramatic part of the book is when you describe the terrible accident that you had when Mary tossed you out of the ring in Los Angeles and caused your many broken bones. Do you ever have nightmares of that event? David and Ricky Nelson were favorites of mine. I always enjoyed the Ozzie and Harriet TV series as I think most people our age did. It must have been a real high for you to have David and Rickie visit you in the hospital. Were you grief stricken when you learned of Rickie’s untimely death? Did you enjoy his music?

 

Vickie's Response:

Yes, I was haunted by the circumstances of my unfortunate accident, but only for a short period. To be perfectly honest, at nineteen my life was changing so fast I could barely keep from hovering above the ground. After all, being a “head over heels in love” young woman bursting with long suppressed emotions worked to my advantage. Nightmares? Heck no, I was to busy living out my fantasies.
    

Ricky Nelsen appeared to be a very shy, soft spoken and sweet as can be young man when he and his brother David came to visit me at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Goodness me, what a thrill! It didn’t take much guesswork on my part to notice the love David and Ricky felt for each other. Sadly, much later in Ricky’s short life he became a lost soul, his failed marriage had him spiraling downward faster than his loved ones could have imagined.

I felt absolutely terrible when I heard the news of his sudden death. The pain his protective brother must’ve felt upon hearing the news of the dreadful plane crash that ended Ricky’s life took its toll on David. When David Nelson was a guest on the “O’ Riley Factor” back in 2007, I noticed that he had aged way beyond his years. Ricky was an extremely talented singer and song writer, more talented than he was given credit for, even at the height of his career. I was a huge fan of his music, Rose Garden being my all time favorite.

 

Question:

In your book you go into great detail about the annual Cristiani Christmas parties as a great family tradition. Now that you have your own family do you carry on the Cristiani tradition of having a family reunion at Christmas?

 

                                           Vickie's Response:

You bet … it’s a tradition. But you know what, I’ve make my coffee and I’ve cooked my turkeys.  Spare me … enough is enough.  Nowadays, we dine out for birthdays, holidays and special occasions. What a relief!

 

Question:

You must be very proud of the success that your two sons, Ben Jr. and Ryan have had. Do you have any grandchildren?

 

Vickie's Response:

You can say that again, I’m proud as an eagle. In fact, I’ve often been accused of being a Jewish mother: brag, brag, brag! In answer to your second question: No. Not one. Ben Jr. and his beautiful girlfriend Amy (also an attorney) have been together for almost nine years. She’s a real gem. As for Ryan, he seems very happy with his present girlfriend, Joanna, who I happen to adore. Confirmed bachelors? Perhaps, but who knows what the future holds?

 

Question:

Do your sons have an affinity for the world of the circus?

 

Vickie's Response:

Not really. They have a passing interest, but only because it’s part of their heritage. In actuality, both my boys are hooked on sports … it’s their number one passion: boxing, football, soccer, baseball, tennis, horse racing, you name it. They’ve been known to fly to NYC and back in a day’s time to root for the Yankees.

 

Question:

Your post circus career is impressive. How many years did you perform in night clubs? Did you sing a particular kind of music?

 

Vickie's Response:

My night club engagements mostly took place in between my dinner theater roles. Without exception, my kids came first.  Benny and I were on the same page when it came to that mindset. Way back, when Benny was working in films (by day) in Miami he had no problem babysitting, which gave me the freedom to do my thing at night: acting and singing in various professional theatrical productions in the area.  I mostly sang old standards and some jazz. June Christy and Sarah Vaughn were my favorite singers at the time. Although I wouldn’t think of comparing myself to the great singing sensation, Sarah Vaughn, I did try to emulate her famous throaty style.  My present tastes range from England Dan//John Ford Coley tunes like (Where Do I Go From Here); Dan Seals (I’d Really Love To See You Tonight); and B. J. Thomas (Hooked On A Feeling)—to Rod Stewart’s, Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, including his latest oldie albums; Carly Simon, oldies (My Romance, My Funny Valentine) and most definitely all things Nora Jones. I must admit, when it comes to music, I am a “uTube” junkie.

 

Question:

Impersonating Mae West must have been quite an experience. Wasn’t it Mae West who said, “Why don’t you come up and see me some time?” Did you learn anything about Mae West that would be of interest to fans? I had a friend whose parents lived in the same apartment building as Mae in New York City and she often baby sited him.

 

Vickie's Response:

Not really, but there’s one story worth passing on: Many years back, the day after Mae West attended the night performance on some winter date where my parents worked the Cristiani elephant act, Mae West called the building office and specifically asked to speak with the “very lovely Marion Cristiani”. Mommy said Miss West complimented her impressive performance style and ended the conversation by asking her to “come on up and see me sometime.” I’m not at all sure what that implied but Mommy relished the memory.  Pretty cool, I’d say!

 

Question:

You saw the demise of the great Cristiani Bros. Circus and pronounced the end of the tented circus in America. Looking at what is left in America with shows under canvas absent the side show how would you rate today's Carson and Barnes Circus and the Cole Bros. Circus to the Cristiani Bros. Circus? 

 

Vickie's Response:

To be perfectly honest, I haven’t seen these shows for many, many years so I’m afraid I couldn’t give you a reasonable answer—although I certainly give the show owners due credit for hanging in there, fighting the fight, for as long as they have. Regardless, there’s not a doubt in my mind that the Cole Bros. Circus in its glory years—the show that still holds a special place in my heart—was a far cry from the Cole Bros. Circus of today. But in all fairness, nowadays, survival is the primary issue, especially having to deal with PETA spies on a daily basis. It has crossed my mind that those well-funded alien lunatics might’ve beamed down (unnoticed) from some weird planet beyond the solar system. And to think the immigrant issue has yet to be resolved! If not, how on earth will the few existing truck shows manage to survive in this hostile climate without the immigrant pool of workers? Sad, but that is what it has come down to: the final countdown to stay afloat. All the same, I should disclose that the new crop of fandangle circus tents do nothing for me. You see I remain a hopeless romantic—and, in a sense, the same little pigtailed circus girl who savored her fantastical visions of the old-fashioned Cole Bros. Circus big top (gilded by the setting sun). Frankly, the thought is still really quite thrilling.

 

Question:

I have often heard it said by circus professionals that this show or that will not make it because they don’t have a good front end staff. Do you think this could have been the problem for Cristiani Bros. Circus when they left LA?

 

Vickie's Response:

Good grief, that’s a complicated question. Bare in mind, as I pointed out in the Spangles epilogue, the Cristiani Bros. Circus was on very thin ice after LA. Who knows, my uncle Mogador may’ve been right in his argument that the show should‘ve shut down immediately after LA, wintered somewhere in southern California—thus making better use of the windfall to map out a plan for a spring tour throughout the state. But “what ifs” are pointless. The plunge in business after LA sucked up earned revenue faster than greased lighting. Almost overnight, the problems had grown to monumental proportions. Therefore, in my view, a good front end or the lack thereof was inconsequential. Either way the Cristiani show was on a collision course.  So there you have it. 

 

Question:

Did Cristiani Bros. Circus ever play for sponsors like Kiwanis or Rotary or the Jaycees?

 

Vickie's Response:

Absolutely … more times than I can count. These upstanding charitable organizations were always considered to be conscientious, hardworking sponsors and valued friends of the circus world, to boot.

 

Question:

In your book you are very complimentary of circus fans. Dave Orr tells me that you joined CFA this past October. You are a welcome addition to our Association. Do you have any special memory of when a circus fan did a favor for the Cristianis?

Vickie's Response:

I can’t remember a day when my family didn’t pay tribute to the circus fans … all of whom should be forever viewed as true heroes of the industry. Know, too, that I grew up educated on the Cristiani philosophy: circus fans should be treated with utmost respect and never ever should they be perceived as an annoyance. On numerous occasions throughout the years the Cristiani Bros. Circus was in existence, a multitude of influential fans came to the rescue by offering sound advice in their field of expertise—not to speak of the many generous favors extended to the family out of sheer loyalty. True to form, the Circus Fans Association of America has come to my rescue, only this time, in a way I would’ve never imagined. The support I have received has been nothing less than inspiring. As a result, I’ve fallen in love with each and every member. Believe me when I say that I go to sleep every night and wake up each morning, basking in the knowledge that I am one lucky gal ... I am, I am!   As for my very dear friend, David P. Orr, I could never repay him in a million years for spending countless hours working tirelessly on my behalf, despite putting up with my shockingly disorganized nature. I think he’ll agree that I’ve added more than a few new gray hairs to his head. (Sorry David.) And, in the way of unwavering support, the list goes on: Fred D. Pfening Jr., Mort Gamble, Ernest Albrecht, Don Covington, Paul Ingrassia, Pete and Shirley Adams, Ed Limbach, John Hart, Father Jerry Hogan, Clark and Cathy Beurlen, Berry DeChant, Bob Connor, Robert W. Johnson, Kristen Bird-Parra, Harry Kingston, Jim Cole, Buckles Woodcock, Bob Snowden, John and Mary Ruth Herriott, Bill and Trudy Strong, Jack Painter and Hank Fraser, Gary Payne, Bill Biggerstaf, Duke Shumow, John and Mardi Wells,  admired old-timers, Frank Robie, and Mike Piccolo—and lastly, Denny Gilly and  the entire group of incredibly talented Circus and Carnival Model Builders. (Please forgive me if I have left anyone out.)  Hey guys, have I been blessed or what? Remember, P. T. Barnum’s famous quote:  "You know what happens without advertising and publicity.?        ....NOTHING!

Question:

Vickie, you are one outstanding personality and I appreciate the fact you took the time to talk with me today. You have a great story to tell and I hope that your book does well. I think that the compliment Don Covington of the Big Apple Circus paid you says it all. Let me close by saying that we circus fans are looking forward to your appearance at our 2008 CFA convention at Sarasota in April.

 

Vickie's Response:

Indeed, the brilliant and well-respected Don Covington was very kind in his remarks regarding Spangles. Mr. Covington’s extremely gracious comment, via e-mail, “You’ve done us all proud” brought me to tears.  My goodness, how could it not!

 

Ed, I appreciate your encouraging words more than you will ever know.  I’m smart enough to recognize the fact that CFA members have been a godsend in my heartfelt quest to inform the present generation about the half-forgotten wonders of my heritage. Only in my wildest dreams could I have asked for a more loyal group of supporters to cheer on this very green first time writer. Trust me, I’ll do my best to satisfy, entertain and deliver a meaningful message at the 2008 convention. By the way Ed, “COME ON UP AND SEE ME SOMETIME” was only one of Mae’s irreverent quotes, but we all know there’s a whole lot more to that story.  Hummmmm!

"Precha"

Spangles, Elephants, Violets & Me
Copyright © 2014 Victoria B. Rossi. All rights reserved