Medical Marvels, Mysteries & Miracles...

( Fine Sights & Wild Wonders )

We're off the circuit and we picked up with a brand new act without show consultation. This is weird wrong unusual. I don't like it.

[Note left for Jack by Archie.]

Feenix is heading out to Nueva Laredo. Tail him. Be quiet about it.

- Management

Six more days of anticipation, expectation and contemplation! We may not be set up in a comfortable suburban neighborhood or the type of folks who'll be handing out candy, but damned if I'm not looking forward to the big day!

( [Horror] )

Hell almighty, the weather out here... Shreveport's a go, Professor. You can pack 'em up as soon as you want -- we're good for a three-day weekend. The locals are aching for another Mardi Gras, so might want to consider hamming it up.

I can be back by close tonight, soon as I gas up the truck.

( [Corvina] )

A jaunt down to Texas, then westward ho and we're off to California before the weather turns. To keep my band of roustabouts on their toes, the show may just be wintering there rather than Florida. We'll see how well Midway Plaisance and all its glories are received by the locals first.

Feenix! How goes our newest addition to your act? I want a full report from each of you delightful delinquents before we pack it up.

Stanley, boy, you're off to Shreveport. Clear the way for what will be a brief stay -- three days maximum. And keep your eye on the prize, boy, rather than young misses. I'm old, not blind; slacking in your duties won't earn you anything pleasant.

( [Horror] )

Pennsylvania's as fit as she's liable to get after our stay. The Midway Plaisance is on a firm course toward Georgia next. We'll be playing overnights -- two days a pop if the weather holds, three if the money flows freely at best until we arrive at the Empire State of the South.

Now let's see if Southern hospitality is as good as they say it is.

Pennsylvania! Virtue, liberty and independence! Or something to that quaint effect. The show has moved on past Philly and settled in Allentown, a good working man's place where the folk could afford a proper shake-up. And perhaps a bit of indulgence, t'boot -- any state that names its towns things like Bethlehem can obviously afford the carnival's tender touch!

The weather is cooling and fall fast approaches, which means time for the country's finest performers to hustle and bustle before we head to warmer climes.

( [Horror] )

Ah, New York, you fine and crass old dame. It's good to have brought the sideshow home, but the time for greener pastures has arrived!

Pack it up, children! Stanley has checked in, and we'll be making our way to Allentown.

...there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."

It's off to Philly this weekend -- time to scout out where the show's gonna be camping when we pack it up and head outta town. I don't know the next time we're gonna be back here.

I think we did okay for ourselves. Dunno about how well I did, though.

I'm heading out to get sauced get laid for the night. Need to get the hell away from camp for a bit. Any suggestions for a watering hole? Don't know enough about this damn city to figure out what's worth going to.

( [Management] )

( [Private] )

Two more weeks before the show leaves town, ladies and gentlemen! The likes of this Carnival is unequaled, unparalleled, and you'll not see shows like ours until we return again next season!

( [Locked to Carnies] )

( [Horror] )

[There are ads placed in Billboard and other more professional arenas, but desperate times, etc. Notices are posted around and about the city in high-traffic areas.]

( Wanted: Professional Performers Of The Highest Caliber )

A more stupendous opening I've not seen since days of yore, and if I'm lyin', I'm dyin'! My fine feathered lads and ladies, you ought to be proud of yourselves for work well done. We'll endeavor to reach even higher every show -- that goes without saying, of course -- but overall I dare say we've made a damned fine impression.

Stanley, my boy! I'd like for you to sniff out the following for potential improvements on the 10-in-One:

- Anatomical wonder
- A new bender
- An elephant
- Tell me how many sword swallowers are available right now, would you?
- We need a full-time talker for the ladies' tent

And of course, Management would be more than delighted were some of our more long-lived compatriots to pay the Midway Plaisance a visit these coming weeks! Your presence is like a balm upon our travel-weary soul, ladies and gentlefolk.

That's right, folks, the Carnival is in town! New York City, bruised beauty that she is, has been kind enough to loan out Coney Island to Midway Plaisance, finest show in all the world! This is the show you've read about, the one you've heard about, and we're coming to town for opening night on Friday, July 31!

Rides, games and feats of wonderment will be on exhibit all evening -- bring your kids, your families, your loved ones and friends, because you won't want to miss what Midway Plaisance has on display!

Ride the towering Colossus or the vintage carousel! Test your luck at games of chance and skill! Don't miss our sideshow, home to fire eaters, bearded ladies, alligator men and other human curiosities!

See: Feenix the Knife Thrower! Master illusionist, Macarius the Magus! Speak of your future with the Madams Zelda and Zorina! More than words can describe is on display at Midway Plaisance, and the carnival will be open to all starting at dusk on Friday, July 31!

( [Notice left for Midway Plaisance workers.] )

[A Midway Plaisance flyer is delivered to The Room c/o Colden Delaney. Attached to the flyer is a letter written in a flourishing, completely over the top hand.]

Colden,

Greetings and salutations, old friend! If you haven't already heard, we'll be visiting the city starting this Thursday and setting up camp for the next few weeks. Young Stanley has let me know that we have the local constables' go-ahead, and it would be an honor and a pleasure for this old man if you join us on our opening night's performance this Friday.

There's been some additions to the sideshow since you and your girl left the family, and oh, there are things you'll want to see with your own eyes! All our best, chum. We'll be waiting for you. And bring Corvina!

- Archie

[Locked from Management]
"Don't get surly", he says. Maybe I'm surly because you kicked me outta my home and told me not to come back.

For the good of the show. I got it, I got it. I'm not dumb; obviously the intentions were good. Doesn't mean it hurt any less. So yeah, throwing me to the rubes felt pretty miserable, but shit, Boss, that doesn't mean I'm not going to do my job. I got that damned degree, didn't I?

There just isn't any pleasing some folk.

Dad Archie Boss,

Hit the city last night and made a few phone calls. I'll be meeting with folks this morning to get the ball rolling for setup. They're going to raise a fuss about the kootch tent -- you know that, right? Of course you do, that's why you want to keep it. Anyway, there's some laws about burlesque I'm gonna have to walk through with them. And yeah, before you ask, I already brought my books of the really archaic stuff to haul out.

Tell Dorrie to crack a smile, and I'll send up a flare as soon as it's safe to roll in. Don't expect to sit too long.

- Stan

P.S. - Don't think I didn't notice that we're down a dancer and a contortionist. If you wanted me to go scouting talent, you could have just said so.

( Take a gander, folks, don't be shy! )