Juggling, comedy act Cirque du Todd returns for summer program

Laurens County Library continues their weekly summer reading program with the comedic juggler Todd Key, who is known for his lively and engaging show named Cirque Du Todd.

Key, a well versed performer with 45 years of professional juggling experience, delighted the audience with a series of impressive and interactive acts. The show featured traditional juggling routines with bouncy balls and bowling pins, as well as unique balancing acts involving stacked blocks and various objects.

One of the highlights of the show was the audience participation segments, which brought an extra layer of excitement and engagement. In one act, Key invited a child to assist him by holding pointy sticks in each hand while he balanced spinning balls on top of them. Another memorable moment was when Key juggled three bowling pins, periodically tossing one to a young boy from the audience who eagerly threw it back.

A crowd favorite was Key’s lasso trick. He used a wide lasso and had a participant walk under it to stand in the middle while it circled around them. The theatrics escalated when Key introduced three more children, managing to lasso all four together, much to the delight and laughter of the crowd.

Key spins a lasso around a volunteer/ANNA BOURASSA

At the end of the show, Key generously handed out free copies of his children’s book, “Who Stole My Homework?” to every family in attendance. This gesture was part of his effort to further promote the summer reading program among the children, emphasizing the importance of making reading a fun and lifelong habit.

Key shared his unique perspective on juggling, explaining, “I have my own definition of juggling. My definition of juggling is manipulating it in a weird way.” 

This captivating approach has taken him to 14 countries around the world, including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Djibouti. Key’s performance traveling has even led him to perform for the Obamas at the White House during former President Barack Obama’s presidency.

Reflecting on his experiences, Key stated, “Doing these shows are super fun. Something fun at the library to keep encouraging your kids to read during the summer. You make it fun for the kids and it’ll become a lifelong habit for them.”

He performs about 75 library shows each summer, with this year being his seventh summer performing at the Laurens County Library.

The summer reading performances will continue at 2 p.m. Wednesday with the long anticipated snake show from Jason Clark and Southeastern Reptile Rescue.