Today’s audience wants extra drama and astonishment, but they also want to be part of the action. To that end, the circus has their Circus Celebrities, audience members who can become part of the action. Not everybody gets to be part of the show, but at least you’ll know you have the chance to pay a little extra to be part of it.
The circus has changed a lot since its inception over a hundred years ago, moving from outdoor big tops to indoor arenas. After a lull in popularity, attendance figures have spiked since 2001 and the esteem of acrobatic shows have also upped the crowds.
Some things haven’t changed though. You’ll be able to find all the classic circus snacks, both at stationary vendors and from walking vendors.
“When you come inside the arena, the first thing you’ll notice is the wafting smell of cotton, followed closely by popcorn,” says Melinda Hartline, Spokesperson for Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Sno-Cones will also be sold, because, as Hartline says, “No matter how cold it is outside, the kids are still wanting a sno-cone, and that kid could be six or he could be an adult…being a kid is a state of mind.”
The theme for this run, explains Hartline, is a bit of a tug of war between ideas.
“This year’s show is titled ‘Over the Top,’ which is based on silliness, [represented by] star clown Tom Dougherty, and seriousness, [represented by] ring master Chuck Wagner. It’s who controls the ring masters hat. And [depending on who] has the hat, silly things or serious things evolve.”
‘Over the Top,’ means that they’ve designed the show to go one step further than standard circus acts.
They’ll have the usual motorcycle rider in the 16-foot globe, but he’ll also be riding his bike over the heads of the audience on a high wire. Even better, at one point there will be seven riders sharing the steel globe, traveling at high speeds just inches from each other and often upside down.
Trapeze artists will be working off a double trapeze instead of the standard single trapeze. The Hunan Chinese Troupe will be making astounding leaps from high pole to high pole, but this time the poles will also be swinging.
Besides death-defying acrobatics, they’ll also have a number of animals in the ring, not only as separate acts, but also as part of the show.
“This year some of the…animals we have are potbellied pigs, who will actually roll out the red carpet. We have a porcupine who is presenting a gift…”
Some of the animal acts include tigers, elephants, miniature white ponies and a Frisbee catching dog act. You’ll even get to see goats riding on horses during the show. The audience will also enjoy the Cossack’s incredible equestrian stunts.
The handsome Daniel Raffo, one of the world’s leading tiger trainers and a 5th generation circus performer, will present an electrifying exhibition of human-and-animal accord with ten majestic and lively Bengal tigers.
Tickets are $69 (Circus Celebrity), $34-44 (VIP), $24 and $14. All seats are reserved and tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at (904) 353-3309. For group rates and information, call (904) 630-3900. For more information on Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey visit ringling.com.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
7:30 p.m. (Opening Night)
Thursday, January 17, 2008
10:30 a.m. (School Show) and 7:30 p.m.
Friday, January 18, 2008
7:30 p.m. (Military Night)
Saturday, January 19, 2008
11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
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