The Greatest Show on Earth is here! Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus’ new show, LEGENDS, is in the New York & New Jersey area for a five-week run, which started February 20th. The brand new show features legendary ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson, who has been with Ringling Bros. since his debut as the first African-American ringmaster in the company’s history in 1998. His assistant, someone of a much smaller stature, was also a scene stealer several times in my humble opinion!
We love the circus. Is is great entertainment and I am thrilled for the memories that it brings back to me from when I was a kid enjoying Ringling Bros., and I am thrilled to be part of helping my son to create similar memories.
The acrobatics are spectacular. There were motorcycles up on high wires, women dancing in bubbles suspended in the air, and small animals putting on a fun show. Point of reference, it looks like goats are very trainable, who knew!
And for those who take issue with animals in circuses, I have this to say. Firstly, with all the publicity around the issue, the animals are getting the best treatment they have ever gotten, this is monitored more than ever. And unfortunately the way things are going on in the world (loss of habitat, ivory hunting, etc.) , zoos and circuses may soon be the only place left for the big cats and elephants, the only place left to salvage their DNA. Hopefully the next generation learns a love of these animals which may help save their future in the wild.
Additional acts this year include:
· The handsome and charismatic Alex Lacey, who charms ferocious felines and audiences alike as the big cat trainer on Legends. His mixed cat act is one of the only performances of its kind to feature both lions and tigers. Alex grew up learning about big cat husbandry from his father and mother, a zookeeper and big cat trainer/performer respectively, and his family have raised more than 11 generations of lions and nine generations of tigers.
· The China National Acrobatic Troupe, who perform the traditional disciplines of Diablo, Hoop Diving, Pole Climbing and Bicycle Riding while giving them an energized new look and epic physical construction that comes to life during the show.
· The Cossacks, which features horses and riders navigating a 46-foot-diameter, specially-designed ring at speeds of more than 25 miles per hour. Some of the mind-boggling maneuvers include the five-man pyramid; the dead-man drag; and the seemingly impossible underbelly climb (while the horse is at a full-speed gallop, a rider climbs under and back over the horse!).
· The Torres Family, who perform with eight motorcycles in the 16-foot “Globe if Steel” at speeds that can reach up to 65mph! This was unbelievable. Of course they build up to the point where all 8 of them are in the “Globe of Steel,” and that process is absolutely wild to watch, they could barely all fit, let alone drive in there!
· The Medeiros “Hair Hang” Act features eight female performers from around the world including the USA, Brazil and Ukraine, performing daring acrobatics while hanging from their hair! They also perform a high-wire motorcycle act that’s not to be missed.
Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus is in the NYC area right now, but is also coming to a venue near you! Check the website for future performances in your town and to buy tickets! Below is the remainder of the NY area schedule:
Nassau Coliseum (Long Island, NY):
Wednesday, 3/5 at 7pm
Thursday, 3/6 at 10:30am and 7pm
Friday, 3/7 at 7pm
Saturday, 3/8 at 11am, 3pm and 7pm
Sunday, 3/9 at 11am, 3pm, 7pm
Monday, 3/10 at 7pm
Prudential Center (Newark, NJ):
Thursday, 3/13 at 7pm
Friday, 3/14 at 7pm
Saturday, 3/15 at 11am, 3pm and 7pm
Sunday, 3/16 at 1pm and 5pm
IZOD Center (East Rutherford, NJ):
Wednesday, 3/19 at 7pm
Thursday, 3/20 at 10:30am and 7pm
Friday, 3/21 at 7pm
Saturday, 3/22 at 11am, 3pm and 7pm
Sunday, 3/23 at 1pm and 5pm
Disclosure: We received tickets to see the show. All opinions are always 100% honest and our own.
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