CIRCUS JUVENTAS

Opening: North America's largest youth circus brings more than 70 performers to its annual summer show in St. Paul, opening Friday. The production, "Showdown," is an adventure set in the Wild West, with portrayals of Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, Black Bart and others. Among the feats is a seven-man pyramid on a high wire -- Circus Juventas is only the second youth circus to perform this. The show also incorporates dance and theater, in the tradition of Cirque du Soleil. Circus Juventas is in its 18th year as a nonprofit youth performing-arts circus school based in St. Paul. The troupe performs under a big top on Montreal Avenue. (7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 1 p.m. next Sun. $13.50-$30. Ends Aug. 19. 1270 Montreal Av., St. Paul. 651-699-8229 or www.ticketworks.com.)