Starting at the age of five, in his family-owned circus in Argentina, Jonathan Rinny knew that being a performer was his destiny. He recalled, “I started playing a clown with lessons from my grandfather. In my first performance, the string on my fake nose broke, and I just held it in place and went on with my ‘act’.”
He went on as a teenager to perform with his family’s troupe in more than 15 countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, and the majority of South America. Along the way, he learned more circus skills.
Following in the tradition of his great-grandparents, his grandparents, and his parents, Rinny has added to his performance skill set, including unicycling and juggling (rings and clubs). He also learned Rolla Bolla, where he balances on a two-piece balance board consisting of a board on top of a cylinder.
The board can slide across the cylinder as the cylinder rolls from side to side.
Rolla Bolla is now one of the featured acts that Rinny performs. “I start with a 5-foot table, and by adding more boards, I go up as high as 15 feet,” Rinny said.
In 2017, he performed Rolla Bolla (now a major part of his act) on season 12 of America’s Got Talent (AGT) where he was cut in the Judges’ Cuts. Simon Cowell, AGT Executive Producer and Judge, said Rinny’s performance was “the best Rolla Bolla Act I have ever seen.”
Renny sadly had a serious fall from his highest, most dangerous stack, in a performance, where he fell from 15 feet and broke his elbow, requiring recuperation and rehabilitation, and overcoming some PTSD.
“It took some time to regain my confidence. I now also use a harness under my costume, so I can’t fall anymore,” he said.
Renny is always looking to improve his act by working on different versions of designs and builds of a table that can lift and spin, making his “brand” of Rolla Bolla his own.
From his home base in Los Angeles, he performs in tours and residencies and at college basketball half-time shows, and in his showstopping performances now with the touring A Magical Cirque Christmas.
“I love what I do, and this touring Christmas show is great! We feature world-class acrobats, contortionists, and aerialists from around the world.” He promises that audiences will be immersed in a world where the performers will twist, flip, and mesmerize audiences, all supported by festive holiday music and truly magical performances.
Besides Renny, the cast includes MC and magician Mark Clearview, acrobats Duo Metta (Laura Lebron and Joseph Gray), hair suspension artist Leila Noone, and others.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
DECC Symphony Hall
Tickets at destinationduluth.co/AMagicalCirqueChristmas
“Embrace the holiday spirit with A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Celebrate the magic of the season with the entire family at A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS.” (From A Magical Cirque Christmas website)
Up Next in the DECC Broadway Season
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical – February 15, 2026
Tickets are available by calling the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Ticket Office at (218) 727-4344 or in person, Wednesday – Friday, 10 am – 2 pm at 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802.
“An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA–The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.
One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows were seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history. Featuring her much-loved songs, TINA–The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall.” (From the Broadway and national tour site)
For more information, visit destinationduluth.co/BroadwayAtTheDECC
