Basketballers on unicycles!
You’ve probably heard that the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus is in town! My family (me,my husband, our 5-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son) were lucky enough to go on opening night with a friend and her daughter. The theme this year is “Built to Amaze” and I will say, it definitely delivers on the amazement! The show was about 2 and a half hours (counting intermission) and was jam-packed with one act (or more!) after another.
Every time I go to the circus, I’m reminded of just how fun it is. It really did make me feel like a kid again, and people all around us – of all ages (as they say) were having a great time. My friend was almost giddy, saying “I just love stilts!” and I even caught my husband really enjoying himself!
“Pink vs. Blue” tightrope act!
My favorite acts were those in which people demonstrated their very impressive talents. In one, a man and woman swung from the ceiling, performing mid-air acrobats (and used their teeth!). In another act called “pink versus blue”, two male/female pairs performed unimaginable feats of strength. Maybe one of my favorites was a new act I’d never seen before involving a trampoline. You’ll have to go to the show to see what I’m talking about!
My kids were mesmerized almost the whole time, which is saying something! My son (age 3) loved the fact that the theme centered around building and construction, with all of the opening performers wearing hard hats, using tools and driving a dump truck. He also loved “the flipping” parts of the show, and the part where basketball players rode unicycles, he said. My daughter just stared the whole time, in wonder. I could see the wheels turning in her brain like, “How do they do that?”
Beautiful tigers.
The animals, as always, were the clear stars of the show. Acts featured majestic elephants (who dance!), beautiful tigers, intelligent, adorable poodles, graceful horses and more.
Speaking of animals, if you go, be prepared for animal cruelty protesters outside; you may have to explain that to your kids.
Some of the acts may be a bit distressing to little ones. In one act, two clowns pretend to do magic and make bunnies disappear, and then pretend to feed the bunnies to a snake (but it has a happy ending!). Ringling Bros. also seemed to give a clever nod to controversy with another clown act involving a fur coat… I won’t spoil that one for you.
If you go, plan to get their 30-45 minutes early to enjoy the pre-show (which we unfortunately missed!). Keep in mind that you have to pay for parking ($8 across the street). Also, the pricey souvenirs are out in force so plan for that as well. The 7:00 show was a late night for our little ones, but there are several weekend shows as well. And don’t forget – have fun (as if you have a choice!).
“How do they do that?”
About Mary Beth Cox