Circus Circus

Things just aren't how they used to be anymore, and crime seems inescapable. Why, it's even infiltrated the circus -- the happiest, most wonderful place on Earth! Good thing Circus Flora (314-531-6800 or www.circusflora.org) has Dondi the elephant to help solve its cases. If only we could get more crime-fighting elephants outside the big top, what a wonderful world this would be! The massive mammals could even have roles on the Laws & Orders! Ah, we can dream.... For now, people will just have to visit the giant tent at the corner of North Grand Boulevard and Samuel Shepard Drive to catch a sleuthing elephant in action. All this detective work happens during Marrakesh, a 1920s-style mystery that gets all of Circus Flora involved, including Nino the Clown, the horsemanship acts and the Flying Wallendas on the high wire! Performances are scheduled Tuesday through Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m. (June 7 through 24); there are also two special one-hour shows at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 13 and 20. Tickets cost $6 to $30.

And it should be noted that this circus tent is not like those of yore, either: It's much better! It's air-conditioned!
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: June 7. Continues through June 24