Circus Maine announces a fast­paced and electrifying Winter Solstice cabaret celebrating the evolution of circus arts through the ages. Set to coincide with the theatrical release of The Greatest Showman, a new movie musical about circus mastermind, P.T. Barnum, the cabaret weekend (Dec 15-­17) will feature not only astounding feats of skill and artistry, but also a Sunday evening post­show panel with circus luminaries and a movie­ticket giveaway. “Circus Maine has always incorporated the foundations of circus history and the showmanship made famous by Barnum into our ‘new circus’ sensibility, but this show will celebrate that connection more than ever before,” says Michael Trautman, show creative lead and youth performance troupe director. Circus traditionally was a family profession, with skills taught as part of growing up ­­ passed down from parent to child, Trautman says. “In a nod to that tradition, the Winter Solstice show will feature performers from the youth performance troupe and the professional training program, as well as from our staff of professional circus artists. “Audiences will have the opportunity to see acrobats and tumblers of all ages perform aerials, hoop­diving, handstands, trampoline, juggling, human pyramids, and feats of strength and daring,” he says. In addition, a special Sunday evening post­show panel will feature a discussion and Q&A with rising young performers from the professional program along with notable circus veterans, such as renowned physical comedian John Towsen, a Ringling Brothers alumnus and author of the book Clowns; tumbler and comedic performer Fred Garbo, who performed as Barkley the dog on Sesame Street and as the chief juggler in the broadway musical version of Barnum; Cory Tabino, former Cirque du Soleil performer and Circus Maine artistic director; and Trautman himself, a versatile mime, clown, and new vaudevillian with performance credits with the Big Apple Circus, New York International Festival of Clown Theater, and many others. Full bios available upon request. Attendees of the Sunday performance also will have a chance to win free tickets to the movie, The Greatest Showman. Friday and Saturday 7 PM, Sunday 4 PM.