subject: Star of Branson Shows Really Is a Born Performer [print this page] Star of Branson Shows Really Is a Born Performer
Because Branson shows are well known for their high quality, visitors often wonder how the performers became so skilled. One performer in Yakov Smirnoff's Dinner Adventure really was born to be in show business.
Anthony Soumiatin, a unicyclist in the show, is the son of the show's stars, Andrei and Marina Soumiatin. Andrei has toured with the world-famous Moscow Circus as a clown, juggler, and acrobat. He won the Gold Medal and the Silver Cup at the International Circus Festival. Marina is a ballerina who performed with the renowned Bolshoi Ballet for many years.
With that history, is it any wonder that their son, Anthony, became a performer at a young age? Anthony started riding the unicycle at the age of four and quickly rose to the top of the ranks. He has won many awards, including "Best Young Artist" at the International Golden Circus Festival in Rome and the US National Unicycle Championship.
Anthony's specialty is the seat-less "ultimate unicycle." He pedals and balances on a wheel about the size of a standard bicycle tire all the while performing many amazing feats involving rings, additional wheels, and much more. As difficult as these feats are, his 15 years of experience make the astounding leaps and spins look effortless.
Anthony is now 22 and has performed in many Branson shows as well as in shows all over the world. He has also compiled a primer on ultimate wheel tricks that can be seen on YouTube. One of his tricks, known as the "Leap of Faith," was featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not.
As a featured performer in Yakov Smirnoff's Dinner Adventure, Anthony gets the pleasure of performing with his parents in a show that is reminiscent of their past. Andrei portrays a Russian clown looking for his love, Marina, as well as freedom. Anthony is just one of many performers the couple meets during their odyssey.
The show's themes of love and freedom are especially poignant given the history of the Soumiatin family and of Yakov Smirnoff himself. They started out as artists under the repressive Soviet regime, but later left to find success and happiness in America. Perhaps the true-to-life tale is why the Dinner Adventure has become one of the most popular shows in Branson, MO.
Of course, the dinner part of the Dinner Adventure is important as well. Russian and Eastern European favorites such as pierogis and babka are served at the mid-point of the show. These dishes are based on authentic recipes used in Yakov's family. Anyone of Eastern European heritage can vouch that the food offers a real taste of home.
Top-notch Russian-circus-style acts, delicious food, a stirring plot, and zany comedy are just a few reasons why Yakov's Dinner Adventure is one of the most popular Branson shows. You'll be amazed at how much is packed into this 90-minute show.
Andrei, Marina, and Anthony Soumiatin have spent a lifetime honing their skills and are longtime performers at the Yakov Smirnoff Theater. If you want to see the best that Branson shows have to offer, look for them - a great time won't be far behind.
