The show that evening was a grand affair. The Theatre was heaving with clientele who had paid handsomely to attend. The general hustle and bustle as the excited theatregoers searched for their seats and the gentle murmuring as they conversed with family and friends gradually grew in volume to a loud, excited chatter. Even the warm-up strains of musical rifts and chords from the orchestra in the pit were almost drowned out by the noise. The front of the auditorium held tables and chairs where the audience could dine while watching the circus show. These had been reserved months in advance by the crème de la crème of Rio’s society. They sat in their refinery; the men smoking thick cigars, flashing Rolex watches and thick gold chains. The women wearing sleek evening dresses that clung to thei
