Family Portrait: The Lepiarz-Lewis Family
With a combined total of 70 years of circus experience between them, itâs no wonder that John Lepiarz and Lisa Lewis have made performing a family affair. The Boerum Hill couple, who founded the Super Scientific Circus in 1994, introduced their daughter Lea, 9, to the trade when she was just a tot. âLea did her first show with the Bindlestiff Cavalcade of Youth when she was three. She danced with spinning plates and put a needle through a balloon,â says Lisa. Today, the fourth grader choreographs her own work each year for the groupâs annual showâeverything from walking on stilts to emceeing a magic show. Most of all, though, the trio loves performing for family audiences. âItâs so nice to watch people of all ages sharing a moment and laughing together,â Lisa says. âI love it when we can be a part of that experience.â
THEIR FAVORITE...
THEATRICAL EXPERIENCEâWeâve been members of the New Victory Theater (209 W 42nd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves; 646-223-3010, newvictory.org) for years. Leaâs favorite show was Lookingglass Alice, which played a few years back. We also like all of the theaterâs circus actsâespecially since we know some of the performers. Weâre excited to see our friend Bello onstage this season.â
RESTAURANTâLea loves the spare ribs at Michael and Pingâs (437 Third Ave between 7th and 8th Sts, Gowanus, Brooklyn; 718-788-0017, michaelandpings.com), a certified-green Chinese restaurant. Theyâre made with a really good sauce. The restaurant is right across the