As a child I remember the first time I went to the circus, or as my mom called it, the Big Top. I was already a fan because of the Charlton Heston and James Stewart film, “The Greatest Show on Earth.” I had seen that movie on TV and would never forget it, not even to this day. A whole trainload of lions and tigers, clowns and daredevils, riding from town to town, pulling into empty lots where they would put up a giant tent, set up the three rings and fill them with performers of all shapes and sizes, while above them the trapeze artists would fly through the air (with the greatest of ease), alongside the Human Cannonball. Was there anything more magical, more dangerous or more fun? As a 6-year old I couldn’t think of anything to even come close.
The “Big Top” is now a myth or relegated to small towns throughout the United States. There are very few tents being set up that have the ability or capacity to house the massive shows that tour the arenas and stadiums in larger cities across America. Fortunately, here in New Jersey we have two arenas that can handle the load – The Prudential Center and the Izod Center. Throughout the month of March, this touring extravaganza will be showcased at either venue and tickets are going fast. Behold the living legends! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus brings the unbelievable to Children Of All Ages in an all-new show – – Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey presents LEGENDS. Experience unimaginable family fun, as amazing performers from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder to summon the mythical and mysterious: a Unicorn, a Pegasus and a Woolly Mammoth! Not to mention horses, elephants and big cats. And New Jersey talent will represent! Jesse Pike, a Point Pleasant native who got his start as a stilt walker at Six Flags in Jackson, joins the Legends clown brigade, along with Roxbury-born Scarlett Sullivan, who studied at Chicago’s Second City school of comedy.
If you really want to add some fun to the experience, you can arrive one hour early to meet the performers, try on costumes and learn circus skills at the All Access Pre-show – FREE admission to all ticket holders!
And if you’re looking for a REAL premium experience, you can add the Ringmaster Zone to your purchase…
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is rolling out the red carpet, pulling back the curtain and extending a special invitation to you and your family to join us in a once in a lifetime family experience that will grant you exclusive access to a behind-the-scenes look at The Greatest Show On Earth! Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to be treated like a circus star, gain access to behind the scenes, meet performers and get autographs from the most revered circus stars in The Greatest Show On Earth! Plus get a special family photo on the Ringling Red Carpet with a circus star to commemorate this unforgettable experience.
Times and prices vary.
March 12-16: Prudential Center, 165 Mulberry St, Newark
201-507-8900 prucenter.com
March 19-23: Izod Center, 50 State Road 120, East Rutherford
201-835-8500 izodcenter.com
