By Karen Bloom
The 2007 installment (the 137th for those like to keep count) of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey extravaganza, arrives at Nassau Coliseum on Wednesday, Mar. 14 for its annual six days of spectacle.
This year¹s show, Bellobration, takes audiences on what is sure to be a fast-paced circus adventure, centering around that endearing, daredevil clown Bello. As his fellow clown-mate and in circus-speak Œboss clown¹ Kelly Ballagh explained, ³it¹s all about celebrating the circus and celebrating the clowns.²
The interactive high-energy circus extravaganza is filled with non-stop action, based around the fearless antics of the Bello, the headliner clown. The producing team of Kenneth Feld and his daughter Nicole have created a modern celebration of the circus tradition. It¹s definitely not the three-ring circus of years gone by.
Bello leads the way with his iconic tall orange hair, oversized tuxedo and fearless approach to daredevilry that prompted his meteoric rise in popularity with audiences across the nation. He performs alongside majestic and agile Asian elephants, Royal Bengal and exotic white tigers, and gravity-defying acrobats, in a performance packed full of the latest in 21st Century technology.
³Bello is almost like a silent comedian in his approach,² said Ballagh. ³You don¹t hear him, but he really puts himself out on a limb through his actions. He really makes a connect with the crowd. He brings out the inner child in the audience, which has really embraced this show.²
Although he doesn¹t act like it, Bello whose given name is Demetrius Alexandro Claudio Amadeus Bello (for ³bello bambino²) Nock is circus aristocracy. His Swiss ancestors¹ performance roots as daredevils and acrobats date from the 18th century, and the family formed Circus Nock in 1840. Some of his mother¹s Italian family were involved with various European circuses, but were also celebrated pianists, opera singers and entertainers.
In 2001, Bello brought his unique talents to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, which he considers the pinnacle of his or any circus performer¹s career. ³There is no bigger, more respected circus. It was the first place my Mom and Dad worked when they came to this country. If it weren¹t for Ringling Bros., I wouldn¹t be here.² Also in 2001, Time Magazine recognized Bello as ³America¹s Best Clown,² an accolade he accepts as a great honor, even though he doesn¹t really consider himself to be a clown. ³I¹m a daredevil that makes people laugh,² he clarified.
Bello is surrounded by many circus stars and new acts that are sure to draw oohs and aahs from the audience. This year¹s top acts include the Bulgarian Palazovi Troupe, who perform incredible feats on the towering teeterboard; the Aguilar Brothers of Mexico, who do simultaneous tricks on a razor-thin wire 25 feet above the ground; and the Zunyi Troupe of China, who enthrall the audience with balancing skills and body contortions.
Human cannonballs Tina and Brian Miser give the show a soaring finale with their explosive double-cannon shot.
Animal acts of note include Tabayara ³Taba² Maluenda and his five tigers, who merge jaw-dropping tiger tricks with amazing acrobatics. Also, Juan Quiroz Olate¹s high energy canines are always a crowd-pleaser. His pooches of various breeds are eager to show off their many talents, which include back flips, scooter riding and barrel rolling.
It all begins 90 minutes before showtime. Visit Animal Open House, to 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 ³All- Access Preshow.² 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
Wednesday through Monday, Mar. 14-19. Tickets are $15-$150. Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale. Tickets are available at www.ringling.com, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (631) 888-9000.
