Paranormal Cirque unites a cast of talented creatures under one scary big top

It’s thrilling! It’s exciting! It’s scary! And it’s all under one macabre big top.

The traveling Paranormal Cirque II returns to the area with shows in Victorville on Nov. 17-20, Woodland Hills on Nov. 24-27, Thousand Oaks on Dec. 1-4 and in San Diego on Dec. 8-11. The two-hour show is a mix of a traditional circus, theater and cabaret with improvised comedy and a not-so-subtle horror theme that’s packed with zombies, monsters and all other sorts of talented creatures.

“All of our acts have a horror twist to them. We have demon sword swallowers, we have zombies that walk on a wire high above the stage, we have a serial killer that murders a man with his bare hands and a machete right in front of your eyes before amazing you with his juggling skills,” said Steve Copeland, one of about two dozen circus performers who make up Paranormal Cirque.

New acts coming this year include the demon sword swallower and an aerial act where a woman awakens from a nightmare and is confronted by a giant beast on stilts that lumbers around while she performs on rings above the stage. There’s also a new pair of creepy contortionist dolls that will captivate and maybe even freak out the audience, Copeland said.

“We attract people that love horror, that love something unique and different. It is a very immersive experience,” he added.

But before all that, there are preshow thrills in a separate tent that’s been turned into a scare zone for early arrivals.

“If you come out one hour before showtime, all of the performers are roaming around like scare actors and terrifying people,” he said. “It’s definitely scarier this year. It’s more immersive so you definitely want to check that out.”

For this circus, no one under the age of 13 is permitted and minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult since there is foul language and some sexual humor, Copeland said.

Paranormal Cirque II

When: Various times Nov. 17-20

Where: SBC Fair, 14800 7th Street, Victorville

Tickets: $20-$65 at paranormalcirque.com

Also: Various times on Nov. 24-27 at Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills; Various times Dec. 1-4 at The Oaks Mall, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks; various times Dec. 8-11 at Montgomery-Waller Park, 3020 Coronado Ave., San Diego. Tickets to these shows can also be purchased at paranormalcirque.com.