MONTPELIER - Circus Smirkus, Vermont's own non-profit, international, traveling youth circus will be coming to Montpelier again this year in an all new production where fractured fables and treasured tales come to life in Smirkus Ever After: A Big Top Fairytale.

Twenty-six stars, ages 10 to 18, bring youthful exuberance and polished skills from all parts of the country and the world. This year's troupe hails from Vermont, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, with international troupers from France and the United Kingdom.

Vermonters on board include returning performers Ben Bond of Williston and Jacob Tischler of St. George, and newcomers Al Mireault of Waterbury Center and Emma Bradford of Guildford. Artistic Director Troy Wunderle practices his circus skills in Saxtons River when he's not traveling with Smirkus; his daughters Ariana (age 5) and Emily (age 8) perform in the ring with him as the youngest "Smirkos in Training." This year, the famed youth circus will turn the pages on Aesop, the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen, bringing classic stories to life through the spectacle and enchantment of circus. Quicker than the Big Bad Wolf can say "Rumpelstiltskin!" center ring will be transformed into a fairytale kingdom, complete with astounding aerials, clever clowning, high-wire hijinks and fabulous feats of contortion, acrobatics and juggling. It's fee, fi, fo fun!, sure to delight circus-goers of all ages. So race the tortoise all the way to Grandmother's house, grab a seat by the Storyteller, and get ready to hear your favorite tales, told once upon a big top.

Tickets went on sale in May 1 at 1-877-SMIRKUS (1- 877-764-7587), or on-line at http://www.smirkus.org

AUGUST 12 & 13 the circus will be at Montpelier High School, 5 High School Drive with 4 shows: 2 & 7 p.m. $18/Adult; $15/Child; free for under 2.