This world premiere collaborative creation circles the most deadly disaster in the history of the circus: the monstrous Hartford Circus Fire of 1944. A stampede of 8,000 people jammed the exits while the canvas tent ? waterproofed with a volatile mixture of paraffin and gasoline ? went up in flames in less than ten minutes. One hundred and sixty eight died in the blaze and hundreds were scarred by the experience. The Universal Monster Show is a spectacular look at the harrowing experience and inspiring heroism associated with a major catastrophe.