By: Karen Bloom
Think again. This is another kind of circus, one that's much more intimate, performed in one ring, where the emphasis is on the theatrical aspects of world-class circus entertainment. "Lighting, original music, costumes ,and incredibly talented people that cross the range of circus genre, result in something extraordinary," proclaimed founder and artistic director Paul Binder. The circus, which comes to Long Island for its annual nine-day run, is presenting a production that critics have hailed as its best ever, according to Binder.The show, billed as celebration of carnivals from around the world-Venice, Rio de Janeiro, Trinidad, Cuba, New Orleans, Jamaica-is, Binder said, "the most energetic and fast-paced show we've ever done. It features acts that are exciting and unusual to watch."Heading the international cast of circus luminaries are the Big Apple Circus' very own "Grandma," Barry Lubin, a recent inductee into the International Clown Hall of Fame, and emcee extraordinare Dinny McGuire. They are joined by such acts as Russia's Aniskin Troupe, with an original, daring and spectacular flying trapeze act; Cuba's gymnastic stars, the acrobatic team of Los Aregos; Russia's Andrey Markov, who pairs extraordinary juggling with an astonishing dog act; world-renowned Ukraine comic, Vallery; the amazing high wire trio of The Carrillos, of whom Pedro was recently was credited by the Guiness Book of World Records for jumping rope on wire 1,323 times in 10 minutes!Of course, no circus would be complete without animals. The Big Apple Circus features the elegance and grace of Katja Schumann's magnificent Arabian horses, two dog acts, and new this year, a dromedary camel. What this camel does, you've got to see for yourself! Now in its 26th year, the Big Apple Circus was founded by Binder and Michael Christensen to introduce American audiences to the intimate environment of a one-ring circus under a Big Top tent. The circus stresses its "instant connection" with the audience, as no seat is further than 50 feet from the ring. It functions, explained Binder, as a not-for-profit performing arts and community outreach institution committed to children and their families.
