Wake Up Fresco! - Paranormal Cirque III

Article and photos by Fresco Alessandro

Welcome to Paranormal Cirque III

Prepare yourself—this is no ordinary circus. With an R-rating, you must be 17+ to enter, or at least 13 if accompanied by an adult. Paranormal Cirque III blends horror with theatrical and cabaret elements, creating an experience that’s both thrilling and artfully executed.

How I Discovered This Unusual Event

You won’t believe how I stumbled upon this rare spectacle. I was on a routine trip to my local mall when I noticed something unusual. Where there used to be a large parking lot, a massive red and white tent had taken its place. It was just before sunset, and the lights cast an eerie red glow, making it look like the tent had appeared out of nowhere from another world. I wasn’t the only one drawn to it—the line for the event wrapped around the tent. My curiosity was piqued, but I knew tonight wasn’t the night. A few days later, with only three days left before the tent would disappear, I seized my chance. Here’s what I discovered.

The Experience

The show is split into two parts, with a much-needed intermission in between. Trust me, you’ll want that break. It’s a two-hour performance packed with nonstop action, thrills, and chills. As of writing this, I’ve seen the show five times, and it’s still just as entertaining each time. When you first enter, you’ll be greeted by all sorts of haunted creatures, setting the mood for what’s to come.

Showtime!

The show begins with a dark, ceremonial scene. Objects—and even people—are whipped as ominous lighting and smoke fill the stage. Don’t worry; you’re safe… for now. We’re introduced to our newest friend, payaso and ringmaster, Rafinha! He’s the one who’ll be engaging with the crowd and dodging the Devil Priest.

Before we go any further, consider this your spoiler alert. If you want to experience the surprises for yourself, now’s the time to stop reading. That said, even with the spoilers, you’re in for a great time. I’ve seen this show multiple times, and it never gets old. It’s a perfect date night—definitely leave the kids at home.

East Coast Chainsaw

This chainsaw-wielding character looks familiar, doesn’t he? But what’s under that cloth? Wait, is it a young woman? And now he’s tying her hair to a rope? Yes, and yes! She’s just as shocked as the audience to still be alive. Will she manage to escape? You’ll have to see for yourself.

Graveyard Juggle

This show is full of terrifyingly grand acts, but let’s not forget—it’s still a circus. And what’s a circus without a juggler? In this case, a gravedigger who juggles. Talk about a unique resume! All the acts are impressive, but this guy stands out with his maniacal presence and energetic performance.

Femme Fatales

As you make your way in, you’ll notice the promo materials highlighting cabaret. Paranormal Cirque III makes sure to keep your eyes glued to the stage, especially when the femme fatales take over. They have several performances throughout the show, sometimes coming off the stage to get up close and personal with the audience.

Our Favorite Payaso, Rafinha

We can’t forget Rafinha. I won’t spoil why he’s disrobing, but let’s just say he’s trying his best to fulfill a mission from the Devil Priest. And yes, it’s not just the girls who get close to the audience. Rafinha takes every opportunity to tease, delight, and antagonize the crowd.

The Last Living Dance

When the music starts for this next performance, you’ll know something special is about to happen. A vampire king awakens, fixating on a beautiful young woman lying motionless in white. They dance with passion—maybe he’s finally found true love, or maybe she’s just another victim for his harem of the soulless. Either way, it’s a spectacle you won’t forget.

Crossbow Hunters

Next, we meet a couple of hunters with a knack for arrows and a ferocious crossbow. First, the male hunter enters, followed by his female partner, each with an entrance that’s both precise and brutal. They hit every target in their way, making for a thrilling act. I can only image what creatures their arrows have slain.

Criminally Insane

The psych patient is wheeled out, rabid and seething with rage. His eyes say it all. But as the gate opens, we glimpse another side of him—a side that longs for freedom but is trapped within his own mind. Throughout his performance, you can feel his desperate struggle to regain his sanity, and even more so, his humanity. But the question remains: will it be torn away?

The First Dance in Death

When these two return, it’s clear this isn’t just another vamp chick—he might actually have feelings for her. Why else would they do a solo performance on roller skates? Must be love! And yes, you saw that right—she’s hanging onto his neck using only her feet. If Dracula can walk on walls, it makes sense that a vampire could pull off a stunt like this.

The Exorcism

As the prior romance ends, the eerie laugh of a giggling child fills the air. Creepy, right? Blue-green lights illuminate a possessed woman battling a demon. A priest tries to exorcise her, but it may be in vain. She levitates, fighting for her life in a mesmerizing aerial silk performance that shifts between grace and intensity. Her name is Roxa, and she’s a personal favorite. She embodies the rawness and beauty that make Paranormal Cirque III so captivating.

The Nun-Monks

Nun-monks? Drunk nun-monks? Drunk, jump-jacking nun-monks? It starts with a sip of beer, and before you know it, you’re clapping along to gospel music as they entertain with breakdancing, rodeo-roping, and of course, jump jacking. I don’t know what genius came up with this bizarre idea, but it works—and it’s a lot of fun. In a show full of paranormal elements, this part adds a surprisingly wholesome touch.

A Cabaret Close-Up

Remember the cabaret? There’s more, and this time, one lucky guy gets a personal performance from one of Paranormal Cirque’s queens of the night. If it were me, I’d do the same as this guy—freeze and shove popcorn in my mouth. After all, I’m a gentleman, and these performances are for watching, not touching.

The Wheel of Death

Nothing can prepare you for this. Zombies shuffle out, constructing a metallic machine. A man appears in a large wheel and begins his Sisyphean task. With sheer brute force, he must endlessly move this “Wheel of Death” as penance to the audience for his sins. The audience’s appetite must be satisfied, or the consequences will be even more painful.