By Karen Bloom
"This is a show that truly takes you away. It can't help but make you smile, laugh and have a good time," declared Nicole Feld, co-producer, along with her father, Kenneth Feld. "The cast is so tremendous," added longtime director Philip Wm. McKinley. "They're very up, they're very young, and they've got great energy and spirit. And it's a good thing, because it all happens at such a frenetic pace."This year's show literally starts off with a blast - in the form of the dynamic duo of husband and wife cannonball team Brian and Tina Miser. At 65 miles per hour, they come shooting out of their specially designed double cannon, flying 105 feet (Brian) and 85 feet (Tina) into the arena.The pair, who began participating in their hometown's amateur circus as teenagers, take marital devotion to new heights."We can hear the audience oohing and aahing as we're up in the air," said Tina Miser, noting that a double cannon act hasn't been performed in the circus for more than 30 years.The experience "is kind of hard to describe," she said, explaining that there "is a lot of anticipation as you try to get your body in the right position to move at more than 60 miles per hour. It's a great way to start the show."That momentum keeps going, with the world's first female quest for a quadruple aerial somersault and the rambunctious Windy City acrobats, who take on a basketball challenge with the inhabitants of clown alley.Among the show's many stars, Bello the comic daredevil, takes clowning to the extreme, with his antics and gags. Dubbed "America's best clown," by Time Magazine, he is an indefatigable bundle of energy, enthralling audiences in his psychedelic ball pit or "wandering" in his Whirling Vortex of Vertigo. Being recognized by a national magazine is an accolade that he accepts as a great honor, although he doesn't really consider himself to be a clown. "I'm a daredevil who makes people laugh," he said.There are also the agile (and fearless) Aguilar Brothers, who like typical siblings, are constantly trying to outdo one another - they're just taking their sibling rivalry to new heights. In this case, a wire no wider than a thumb, suspended 25 feet off the ground. Their suspenseful showdown results in an unforgettable highwire act.Of course, what would the circus be without the animals? One of the highlights of center ring is the bold Tabayara (Taba) Maluenda and his 11 bewitching bengals. Maluenda, who began his career as an acrobat, takes his charges through a routine that involves a series of acrobatic tricks, flipping over the tigers with complete comfort and trust.In addition to those magnificent beasts, the playful kennel of "wonder woofs" attract attention as they bound about under the watchful eye of a petite palomino and pugnacious pony. And don't forget about the elephants. The Ringling Bros. herd is led by its "10 ton diva," Asia, who mesmerizes all with her delicate walkover and then leads her sisters in a dexterous dance. They are accompanied by a equine entourage.It's a spectacle designed to dazzle and it all begins on the arena floor 90 minutes before showtime. At the Animal Open House, visitors can get a close-up look at the all the circus animals, and talk with the caretakers, as the animal performers are being prepared for the show. Then guests are invited to join 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. By then everyone is ready for the "main event" and it's on with the show.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Wednesday through Monday, Mar. 16-21. Tickets are $12.50-$48.50. Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale. (516) 794-9030 or Ticketmaster (631) 888-9000.
