By Karen Bloom
"This contemporary production introduces the biggest changes the show has seen in 50 years. The iconic three rings - each measuring 41 feet in diameter - that have been a staple of Ringling Bros. since 1880 when P.T. Barnum joined forces with James Bailey are gone. The "new" circus is a contemporary storyline-driven production, with a jumbo video screen that brings audiences closer to the action in what is now an interactive circus experience."By moving beyond the three-ring format, Ringling Bros. is giving its human and animal performs a circus-sized playground in which to entertain families," said Producer Kenneth Feld. "Audiences will be amazed by the bold changes."According to Feld, consumer research was the driving factor in making these creative changes. "In our constant effort to exceed audience expectations for a live entertainment experience, we are constantly listening to our consumers for their feedback and ideas."Added his daughter and fellow producer, Nicole Feld, "In creating this all-new Ringling Bros. production, we wanted the most media-savvy pre-teen to sit up and take notice."The storyline revolves around a lucky set of parents and their kids - Ringling Bros. performers, of course - who are invited by "singing dream weaver" Jennifer Fuentes (a former American Idol finalist) to live out their circus dreams. Audiences follow "Dad" as he takes charge as the Ringmaster and are inspired by "Mom's aerial grace. As the story unfolds, the audience gets to dabble in all the favorite circus thrills with siblings Jan and Dan.Among the show's many stars, this year's top acts feature an upside-down walking act and incredible feats of the Chinese acrobats, the Yunnan fliers. Animals acts of note include Madame Shamsheva and her dogs, house cats and birds.It all begins on the arena floor one hour before showtime, at the "All- Access Preshow." There visitors can mingle with performers - both human and animal, try on circus costumes, even learn some circus skills, and participate in clown gags.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Tuesday through Sunday, Mar. 14-19. Tickets are $12.50-$150. Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale.
(516) 794-9030 or Ticketmaster (631) 888-9000.
Seeing Elephants at LICM
Elephants walking around Nassau County are not a common site, but on Monday, Mar. 13, people will get the opportunity to see the large creatures up-close. They'll be walking past the Long Island Children's Museum on their way to the Nassau Coliseum as they get ready to perform in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The Long Island Children's Museum, on Davis Ave. in East Garden City, which is normally closed on Mondays, will be open free to the public from 5:30-8:30 p.m. to view the elephants, who are expected to walk past the museum at 8 p.m. according to museum officials. In addition, circus themed activities will take place and refreshments served. Charles Lindbergh Boulevard will be closed off during the elephant walk, museum officials said.
In past years when the circus was held at Nassau Coliseum, the elephants, after being transported on the Long Island Rail Road to the tracks by the old Mitchel Field, walked down side streets to get to their temporary home at the Coliseum. This is the first year the public will get an opportunity to view the animals on their way to the Coliseum, and museum officials are hoping to make this an annual event.
For further information on the elephant walk at the Long Island Children's Museum call (516) 224-5827.
