The Classics
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| Aussie Artists-Today |
| Aussie Artists-Retired |
Cornelius Sullivan born in 1899 Lismore, NSW, his mother Aboriginal-West Indian and his
father of Irish decent. Con became famous in America's Ringling Brothers Circus as Con
Colleano. Colleono also appeared many times at the Tivoli Circuit
In 1924 it was said that Colleano performed a somersault on the wire at a show in New York,
he had fallen badly, succeeded on his fourth attempt, which was followed by a 10-minute
ovation, it was said after the show Colleano was rushed to shopital where he spent 10 days
recovering form his injuries
In 1994 The Fruit Flying Circus made a production around Colleono called "Skipping on the
stars" and was played by famous actor Noel Tovey.
Colleano made his Spanish style routine combining bolero dancing with acrobatics on the high
wire.
Colleano retired in 1960 at 61 yrs of age
Interesting Colleono facts:
Jack Stehlin, nephew of Colleano
keeping up the showbiz tradition
with his company
"Circus Theatricals"
http://www.circustheatricals.com
father of Irish decent. Con became famous in America's Ringling Brothers Circus as Con
Colleano. Colleono also appeared many times at the Tivoli Circuit
In 1924 it was said that Colleano performed a somersault on the wire at a show in New York,
he had fallen badly, succeeded on his fourth attempt, which was followed by a 10-minute
ovation, it was said after the show Colleano was rushed to shopital where he spent 10 days
recovering form his injuries
In 1994 The Fruit Flying Circus made a production around Colleono called "Skipping on the
stars" and was played by famous actor Noel Tovey.
Colleano made his Spanish style routine combining bolero dancing with acrobatics on the high
wire.
Colleano retired in 1960 at 61 yrs of age
Interesting Colleono facts:
- Con Colleano apparently performed for Hitler. Hitler apparently said that Colleono was
his favourite act and could come back to Germany any time. Hitler then issued Colleano
with a special Reichspass to allow him to enter Germany at whenever he pleased.
- It is said at the age of 50 Colleono still performed his famous tricks on the wire
- his last performance was in Honolulu, Hawai.
- When Colleano arrived in America, he was announced as "the Australian Wizard of the
Wire", but then later replaced the Australian with Spanish and Mexican
- In the early 1920s, the Colleanos joined the Tivoli Circuit where he met his wife to be,
Winnie Trevail.
- Winnie was a front-line dancer, and helped Con perfect his act by adding dance to the
wire, Con became the star of the show
Jack Stehlin, nephew of Colleano
keeping up the showbiz tradition
with his company
"Circus Theatricals"
http://www.circustheatricals.com
May Wirth
Equestrian circus artist May Wirth, was adopted by the Australian Wirth’s circus family as a small child.
Her dark beauty was inherited from her French and Creole background,
May toured the USA with Barnum and Bailey in 1912, and soon became one of their rising stars, she was described as “the
Brightest Light” of Barnums.
May displayed her talents in 1913 before King George and Queen Mary at London’s Olympia Hall.
During her performing career may travelled back and forth between Australia and America
She has gone down in Australia's' circus history as one of the most stunning and talented artists
Equestrian circus artist May Wirth, was adopted by the Australian Wirth’s circus family as a small child.
Her dark beauty was inherited from her French and Creole background,
May toured the USA with Barnum and Bailey in 1912, and soon became one of their rising stars, she was described as “the
Brightest Light” of Barnums.
May displayed her talents in 1913 before King George and Queen Mary at London’s Olympia Hall.
During her performing career may travelled back and forth between Australia and America
She has gone down in Australia's' circus history as one of the most stunning and talented artists
Con Colleano
| Photos; May Wirth with aerialist Lillian Leitzel |
The Two Leslies
The two Leslies, an adagio duo
Many performers will remember 'Latzy' as the lovable Peter Pan who also managed several
of the spectaular Cabaret shows staged by Tibor Rudas in Montreal, Las Vegas and
Paradise Island casinos. He is sadly missed.
Marsha now does graphic and webpage design from Sydney Australia. She added the
graphic effects to the photos on these pages.
Their son Robert Szarka now travels the world, performing an acrobatic adagio with his wife
Lisa, they are known as "Szarka Duo" www.szarkaduo.com
The two Leslies, an adagio duo
Many performers will remember 'Latzy' as the lovable Peter Pan who also managed several
of the spectaular Cabaret shows staged by Tibor Rudas in Montreal, Las Vegas and
Paradise Island casinos. He is sadly missed.
Marsha now does graphic and webpage design from Sydney Australia. She added the
graphic effects to the photos on these pages.
Their son Robert Szarka now travels the world, performing an acrobatic adagio with his wife
Lisa, they are known as "Szarka Duo" www.szarkaduo.com
Archie and Diane Bennet