For three days each year, David Pierce brings to life a vaudevillian Halloween variety show, Cirque De Horror, in coordination with Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival. Since its inception in 2009, Pierce has assembled top musicians, singers, actors, and circus performers from North Texas and beyond to create a unique Halloween experience.
Inspired by his uncle's writings, Pierce initially set out to compose music for a collection of spooky poems, ultimately evolving his vision into a full-fledged Halloween musical. Over the years, he has continually expanded the show, introducing new pieces while also reviving audience favorites, accompanied by the 13-piece “Orchestra of the Undead.”
Cirque Du Horror is celebrated for its blend of humor and mild fright, offering a family-friendly atmosphere that appeals to all ages, which embodies the creative spirit of Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival.
Creatures stir up from around the tent as "This Halloween Night" opens Cirque du Horror on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 in Denton, Texas. Cirque du Horror had interactive moments in the show where cast members would be in the audience engaging with people and making the experience more than just watching the stage.
David Pierce works on composition for "Thirteen Seconds" in his home office on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in Denton, Texas. The premise of the piece is based on the concept that you retain some sort of consciousness for 13 seconds until you completely shut off. Pierce makes the piece seem like it is running out of time by starting in a meter with 13 beats per measure, and every verse the beat goes down by one until it is just a single note. Pierce works all year round to create new pieces and update pieces from previous shows.
Miranda Stockhausen, Catherine Brunet, Tara Linn Hunter, Chris Taylor and David Pierce discuss early plans for the stage set up of Cirque du Horror on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, in Denton, Texas. They spent hours discussing the layout of this years stage and the addition of more virtual stage props. With the help of Joel Olivas, they decided to use projections to add another element to the production and were able to create more in depth scenes. The group talked through the whole show with Olivas to go over each scene in depth and the descriptions of what visuals they wanted.
Most of the props used in the show were created by volunteers of the staff and cast of Cirque du Horror. Goblin masks were created out of cardboard glued together and sharpies to create definition. "We're building masks right now that... [are] made out of cardboard and they have Sharpie shadowing and stuff like that," Chris Taylor said. "So, I mean, it's got a balance of handmade and elevated, heightened experience."
Tara Linn Hunter makes goblin masks while her son plays with toys on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Denton, Texas. Hunter took her con along to many parts of the planning of Cirque du Horror. In the previous year, Hunter was pregnant with her son and was not able to be as involved as she usually was. This year, she could be more involved while taking him along.
Tara Lynn Hunter and her son visit Rosas Costumes for outfits and props on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Denton, Texas. Hunter spent a few hours at the costume shop looking for the right clothing for each number in the show. For years, Cirque du Horror has used Rosas Costumes for their show. Typically, they had to haul all the clothing from the old location but this year, Rosas moved to the square, providing easier access and transition to the tent.
Five days before opening night, children of the cast and crew of Cirque du Horror watch David Pierce lead orchestra rehersals at Little Guy Movers on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Denton, Texas. Throughout these months of preparations, many of the cildren have been present for prop making, rehersals and shows. Jonah, Pierce's son, is on the far right. In Pierce's office reads a note, "Get up every morning, every day or night, and work. Teach Jonah (his son) the meaning of following your dreams, hard work and never giving up."
Gallery of portraits featuring some of the cast and crew members of Cirque du Horror. Actors are dressed as various characters and change costumes throughout the evening as the show goes on.
Cirque du Horror is featured as a part of Denton's Day of the Dead Festival. This three day weekend features art, food and intereactive events throughout the weekend for residents and visitors of Denton. In the middle of the festival is the Cirque du Horror tent. A painted archway invites people in to discover a world created by David Pierce.
Inside the tent, the Orchestra of the Undead gets prepared for a week of dress rehersals and shows. This orchestra is comprised of 13 talented musicians from North Texas and around the United States. They are led by David Pierce throughout the show.
Melanie Taylor is transformed into a cat for the final act of Cirque du Horror. The makeup crew made sure to prepare actors for their stage appearances. Using head lamps, they worked throughout the show transforming actors just acts apart for their different roles.
Every seat was filled this year as Cirque du Horror sold out every night. One of the main acts, "The Goblin King," featured a handmade puppet that was taller than eight feet that talked and moved. Audience members were amazed and scared as the creature moved and talked.
Roni Gan, violinist of the Orchestra of the Undead, hand upside down while playing the violin during Cirque du Horror. For a few years now, she has performed aerial acrobatics while playing the violin. Crowds would cheer as they realized what was happening and Gan changed up her performance almost every night of the show.
Months of preparation led to three days of constant work for cast and crew members of Cirque du Horror. Light floods the stage from the front of the house as cast members went on stage for bows.
Confetti cannons rain down on the audience and stage after the finale, "Le Chat Noir," featuring Mimi Pierce. Cirque du Horror will continue on throughout the years as a Denton staple and a show for the whole family.