There’s been a buzz around town in great anticipation of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus coming to the Richmond Coliseum. Well, it’s here and we had the great fortune to check out the show on opening night, thanks to some tickets provided by Feld Entertainment.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey have 3 different versions crisscrossing the country and the theme for Richmond this year is “Legends” and if you’re a super circus fan, you can also catch Circus Xtreme as they pass through Norfolk in April.
We made sure to get there about an hour early (highly recommended), since there is an exciting and free All-Access Pre-Show down on the arena floor, offering about 45 minutes to an hour of fun and interaction with circus performers: clowns, photo ops and even some animals. There were even several opportunities for kids to participate! Our daughter and son decided to observe but really got a kick out of watching the other kids “perform”.
They asked everyone to clear the floor shortly before 7pm and we made our way to our seats, which were already filled by a very cute family who promptly told us they knew they were in the wrong place. Long story short, we ended up swapping with them and moved up several rows, just three rows from the ring! The kids thought it was a very cool upgrade.
The show started in usual fashion with the Star Spangled Banner and a parade of animals and performers gearing up to excite and entertain. I’ve only been to a few circus’s as an adult, but the opening never fails to activate the kid in me.
Once the show gets started, it never lets up, at least until the intermission, but then they’re right back at it; performing and mesmerizing until the end.
This is your quintessential circus, the kind you think of when someone says the word: a sequined larger than life Ring Master, tons of clowns and their shenanigans, elephants, dancing dogs, lion tamers and acts of unimaginable human balance and strength.
Highlights for us were the Globe of Steel and the eight, full grown men and their – albeit less than fullsize – motorcycles, crammed into that cage and whirring around at crazy speeds without incident. I wonder how many emergency room visits are required to earn your spot on the team?
Another favorite and heavily featured is the China Acrobatic Troupe. Their incredible 
acrobatic feats are not to be missed and include the men’s hoop diving and pole jumping and the incredible young women performing a Diabolo “ballet” which will have you mesmerized. If you don’t know what a Diabolo is, you’ll just have to go to the circus and find out!
Of course, one of the kids’ favorites were the performing dogs, and our son’s favorite, performing pigs! For them, nothing beat the hilarity of a Chihuahua and Jack Russell dancing, jumping and fumbling around for laughs. The performance included some very talented poodles, goats, llamas, donkeys and even a couple of kangaroos.
I happen to like the big cats and, honestly, there were a couple of times when I thought the lion would come out on top after all. At one point the “lion tamer” was backed up against the cage by an aggressively advancing lion, and maybe it was staged, but it definitely got my heart thumping, umm and not at all rooting for the lion.
And despite all the controversy regarding the elephants and no matter where you stand on the issue, it is definitely an experience seeing them up close and personal. I for one am glad they will be phased out over the next couple of years and think it was a wise decision. Now perhaps they can concentrate on the conservation of Asian Elephants without the poor karma surrounding their use in shows.
There is so much more to the circus and so many other incredible acts, that you’re really just going to have to go check it out. Be warned though, the concessions are out in full force, both stationary and mobile, so either make sure you’re equipped to concede to your kids’ non-stop requests or lay down the law before arriving!
We thoroughly enjoyed our night out and recommend that you grab some tickets if it’s your kind of thing or if you’ve never been before. I’ll take any opportunity to feel like a kid again!
Like this article? You may also be interested in:
Ringling Bros. is Listening to Audiences and Phasing Out Elephants by 2018
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS
Read more Real Richmond Reviews
Tickets for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus were provided by Feld Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are purely my own.
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Photo from the Center for Elephant Conservation website
Elephants have long been the signature act at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
But something isn’t sitting right with audiences about these sensitive, intelligent and majestic creatures performing tricks for… well, peanuts. The public has cried out over the use of bullhooks, which Richmond has considered banning.
We’ve heard it here at Richmondmom each time the circus comes into town, and Ringling Bros. is hearing it too. Feld announced on March 5th (right before Legends comes to Richmond) that by 2018, the 12 elephants still used in the circus will retire and join over 40 elephants at the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant for Conservation® in Florida. Ringling shows will still feature dogs, horses, camels, tigers and lions.
From the March 5 press release:
“This is the most significant change we have made since we founded the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation in 1995. When we did so, we knew we would play a critical role in saving the endangered Asian elephant for future generations, given how few Asian elephants are left in the wild,” said Kenneth Feld, Chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment. “Since then, we have had 26 elephant births. No other institution has done or is doing more to save this species from extinction, and that is something of which I and my family are extremely proud. This decision was not easy, but it is in the best interest of our company, our elephants and our customers,” he added.
The CEC is located on 200 acres of wilderness in central Florida, between Tampa and Orlando. Learn more about the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation here.
]]>What do you think? Has the use of elephants prevented you from taking your family to the circus?
Will consider the circus after the elephants have been retired?
There are two chances to take your family to the circus for FREE!
Behold the living legends! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® brings the unbelievable to Children Of All Ages in an all-new show − Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDSSM the 144th edition of the Greatest Show On Earth . Experience unimaginable family fun, as amazing performers from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder to summon the mythical and the mysterious: a Unicorn, a Pegasus and a Woolly Mammoth! Join us for an unforgettable family night of legendary proportions! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS! Believe in the Unbelievable.
Read more about the circus here and enter to win a family 4 pack!
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Legends
Richmond Coliseum
Richmond, VA
March 11 – 15, 2015
Purchase Tickets here.
Feld Entertainment
JUST IN: Big News from Ringling Bros. Read it here.
(Two winners will be randomly selected from the form below)
Tickets provided by Feld Entertainment
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Love the circus? Test your smarts around the dinner table tonight with these circus animal trivia questions. Then download this maze and let the too-young-to-quiz crowd get excited too.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Legends comes to the Richmond Coliseum March 11 – 15, 2015! Purchase Tickets here.
Keep your eyes peeled for a special giveaway from Richmondmom!
What animal can see in the dark six times better than a human can?
A. Tiger
B. Mole
C. Horse
Which circus animal is not a vegetarian?
A. Tiger
B. Elephant
C. Camel
What animal has its own unique stripe pattern similar to that of a human fingerprint?
A. Tiger
B. Zebra
C. Cow
What is “pachyderm” another name for?
A. Chimp
B. Elephant
C. Goat
A camel’s hump doesn’t really store water. What’s it made of?
A. Fat
B. Muscle
C. Hair
How long do Ringling Bros. Elephants live?
A. 10-20 years
B. 30-40 years
C. 60-70 years
How many sets of teeth will an elephant have in its life?
A. 6
B. 1
C. 10
Bengal tigers come from what country?
A. India
B. United States
C. Spain
So, you did well on the multiple choice questions?
Do you know this circus trivia?
Over the years, which animal has been the most popular with Ringling Bros. audiences?
Which U.S. President gave America his horse as a circus attraction?
The most famous circus animal of all time arrived in New York City on Easter Sunday of 1882. Can you name him?
Who was the greatest living animal trainer of all time?
What year was the first animal menagerie in the United States established?
What are the names of the first two baby elephants born at the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation?
What is an elephant’s favorite food?
Ready for your answers? Get them here: pop quiz answer sheet.
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Ladies and Gentleman,
The Greatest Show on Earth comes to the Richmond Coliseum with an all new show sure to amaze!
Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS. Experience unimaginable family fun, as amazing performers from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder to summon the mythical and mysterious creatures of the past: a Unicorn, a Pegasus and a Woolly Mammoth! Join us for an unforgettable family night of legendary proportions! Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS!
Be thrilled by The Riders of the Wind, Cossack trick-riders who thunder into the arena on the backs of thoroughbred horses stealing your breath with their daring stunts. The Solar Hawks, a dream team of acrobats come together to amaze audiences by attempting three consecutive triple somersaults on a one-of-a-kind double-wide trapeze specifically designed for The Greatest Show On Earth®. Audiences will also witness Alexander Lacey and his legendary bond with his lion, majestic leopard and tigers during one of the most captivating acts. They all come together with more thrilling acts, and of course Ringling Bros.’ legendary Asian elephants, in this spectacular production that you can only see this year!
Free to all ticketholders, the All Access Pre-show starts an hour before the show. Come down to the arena floor and meet the performers of The Greatest Show On Earth, get autographs, take photos and enter to win a one-of-a-kind pachyderm painting.
Enter to win a family 4 pack here. A review to come.
Download a coloring page for the kids here.
Here’s our review from the show last year and a sneak peak of the show below:
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Legends
Richmond Coliseum
Richmond, VA
March 11 – 15, 2015
Purchase Tickets here.
Feld Entertainment
Christopher the Clown warms up the audience
Allison (age 6), from Colonial Heights, showed up in a fancy costume. She also brought her sidekick, “Mittens the Flying Cat” to entertain the crowd. Mittens told a joke. Brothers Damian and Dylan also showed up in costume, sporting wigs, hats, and ill fitting clothes. Damian performed a magic trick while Dylan danced a jig. Meanwhile, Richard, Ty Zachary, and Christian kept the audience giggling even without fancy costumes or props. The kids shared jokes, pratfalls, and funny faces for the eager audience.
Eight year old Kelsey struck a dramatic pose for the audience, showing everyone that she was ready to be in the center ring. Kelsey said that the “lions and other animals” were her favorite part of the circus. “She and her brother are like a comedy duo,” said her dad. “They are constantly keeping us in stitches.”
Christopher interviews Damian (age 9)
The Funniest Kid in Richmond will be rewarded with an appearance as a clown at the opening night of the circus on February 15th plus 10 VIP tickets to the event for friends and family and a $100 Visa gift card. At press time, the winner of the contest had not yet been announced. There is still time to get your tickets for the Greatest Show on Earth. This year’s show honors the Year of the Dragon and features mystic dragon lore, Kung Fu Warriors, amazing animal acts, acrobats, and, of course, the clowns. For more information, visit www.Ringling.com
The circus will be appearing at the Richmond Coliseum from February 15-19. All seats are reserved. Tickets ranging from $15-85 are available at the Coliseum Box Office or through Ticketmaster. Tickets may be charged by phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For group rates and information call (804) 592-3331.
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Ringling Brothers Ambassador of Laughter, Christopher the Clown, will visit the Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR) in Short Pump on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 9:30 am for a special story time event. Christopher is here to spread the word that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents DRAGONS is coming to the Richmond Coliseum 2/15-2/19/2012. In addition to the story time, he will visit with the children and have giveaway and coupons for the show.
Families can also meet “Christopher the Clown” at CBS 6’s Healthy Lifestyle Expo on Saturday, 2/4 from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm and at CMoR’s main location on Sunday 2/5 at 2 pm for the CBS 6 Funniest Kids Finals, open to the public, details available at WTVR.com.
Ringling Bros. Presents DRAGONS is a once in a millennium event that honors The Year of the Dragon. Circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled for Ringling Bros. Presents DRAGONS to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism.
The anticipation builds throughout the show as Children Of All Ages bear witness to one phenomenal Ringling Bros. circus act after another, from Shaolin Kung Fu Warriors, charging Cossack riders, magnificent Asian elephants, fierce tigers to the frenzied Globe of Steel. As the audience observes these and even more real world displays that pay tribute to the dragon, their continued excitement will bring glimpses of the elusive beast. But, the big question remains; what will it take to lure a true dragon from its golden lair?
Ringling Bros. Presents DRAGONS opens an hour before show time with the All Access Pre-show available and FREE to all ticket holders. For more information, visit www.Ringling.com or visit us on Facebook.
]]>Enter our Richmondmom.com contest to win a family pack of tickets to the circus too! We are giving away five family packs so chances of winning are great.
The Circus is coming to town and there are some spectacular, exclusive discounts for the first two opening nights. ‘Children’ of all ages are invited to enjoy the performances with a fantastic discount on some specially priced seats on opening night (February 15) and Thursday (February 16).
- Opening night offers a 50% discount off Price Level 5 and 6 tickets and no code is needed to get this great deal when purchasing tickets.
- On Thursday night, enjoy a $12 ticket offer in Price Levels 5 and 6, and kid’s tickets are only $10. The $12 ticket code is CIRCUS and the Kid’s ticket code is KID.
Dragons is sure to be the biggest show on earth in a millenium so don’t miss a chance to save BIG and enjoy it all. To purchase tickets online visit Ticketmaster. To purchase by phone, call 1.800.745.3000.
Have a spectacular time at the “greatest show on earth”!
NOTE: Kids’ ages are 2-12 years old – Kids’ ticket offer not valid on Opening Night. Offer May Not Be Combined with Other Offers. Subject to Availability. Service Charges and Handling Fees May Apply.
]]>Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls – The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to town!
And Richmondmom.com has not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, BUT 5 family packs of tickets (4 tickets per family) to give away – it’s a mega giveaway that promises to be filled with fun, excitement, laughter, and entertainment. Your chances of winning are even greater than ever before because we have 5 family packs of tickets to give away.
All you have to do is enter our Richmondmom.com contest to win. All entries must be submitted no later than January 30, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. to be eligible. Five winners will be chosen at random to receive a 4-pack of tickets for the February 14-19, 2012 Circus in Richmond. We’ll announce the winners on our Facebook page on January 30.
Enter our contest at this link.
Be sure and read all about the incredible Year of the Dragon which is a once in a millenium event featured at this year’s circus. The 2012 circus promises to be the best ever.
Enter the contest by January 30 for a chance to win 4 free tickets and be sure to tell your friends about this great opportunity.
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