'The Greatest Show On Earth' Goes Extreme

When it's March, our thoughts turn to spring, and, for some, the circus! It is that time of year, again. The one and only Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey extravaganza arrives in the area at Nassau Coliseum next week.In the latest edition, (the 134th if anyone is counting), circus-goers will watch as performers thrill the audience by "Tempting Fate Daily." Yes, in 2004 the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey folks are taking a cutting edge approach to traditional circus traditions!"Each performer in this year's show is going one step beyond," said Producer Kenneth Feld. "There's a new contemporary feeling and it starts with the influence of new talents who happen to be wonderful women on the creative team, Nicole Feld, the first female co-producer in Ringling Bros. history and Sylvia Hase, the first female director.This "new" approach is visible in the form of the enthusiastic 27-year old Ringmaster, Kevin Venardos, now in his fourth year at the helm of the show. "This is not your traditional circus, he proclaimed. "It's very hip, very contemporary and that's what keeps me going."Venardos has a growing legion of fans, especially after being chosen one of People Magazine's 'Hottest Bachelors of 2003.' "It was a fantastic flattering thing, he said. "I think it helps draw attention to the fact that the circus has young people, good looking guys and beautiful women in it."The role of Ringmaster is the first major professional job for the musical theater graduate from Ithaca College, who refers to it "as the honor of a lifetime." Having been bitten by the circus bug, he noted that "there's something very special about our show, it's like vaudeville's last stand."Accompanying one of America's most eligible bachelors on tour is Nestor, Venardos's two year old Jack Russell Terrior and constant companion. The "circus dog" joins the over 100 human and animal performers from around the globe that make the circus a magical place to visit.This year's show is about extreme styles: never-before seen thrills appear alongside iconic circus moments, clown gags that are buffeted against dangerous daredevil acts. Underscoring the notion of a circus turned entirely on its head is an Act One parade finale with dancing on the ceiling, according to the producers.Of course, a key element of the circus will always remain the animals. One of the stars of the center ring is Animal Presenter Jason Peters and his entourage of 12 all-male lions: Clyde, Rummel, Winston, Sasha, Chico, Edward, Prince, Pasha, Simba, Kenya, Tarazan, and Ghana. It is the first time in 20 years that the circus has featured an all-male lion act. "I think audiences want to see the power and majesty of these animals. They want to hear them roar," said Peters. "Lions are very regal, they really are the king of the beasts."From the king of the beasts to acrobats gliding between land and air, the production is like a full-scale Broadway musical, only bigger, according to Venaros. "When you enter the circus you are entering another world," he noted. "That's what people look to the circus for and that's what they will find when they come here."It all begins on the arena floor 90 minutes before showtime. At the "Animal Open House," patrons can get a close-up look at the all the circus animals, and talk with the caretakers. Then guests are invited to become part of the "Three Ring Adventure." There visitors can meet the human and animal performers, try on circus costumes, even learn some circus skills, and participate in clown gags. By then everyone is ready for the "main event" and it's on with the show!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus