ORLANDO, Fla. â The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus closed its curtain in 2017 after animals were phased out of its performances.
But the iconic circus is back in a new way, combining technology and new elements with the classic circus spirit. The new show will feature performer Lauren Irving as a guide rather than a ringmaster.
âI think thatâs a part of this whole revamp is that the idea of a ringmaster is not going to be so far away and untouchable. Iâll be with the audience and guiding them along this journey of discovery,â Irving said. âI donât think a ringmaster is bad. I think itâs the fact that itâs an opportunity with new technology, sound and never-before-seen acts, taking the opportunity to connect with people who thought Ringling took its final bow but no, we didnât. I think itâs a different way, same spirit.â
Irving said sheâs been performing her whole life with years of experience working at Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando and abroad, but this will be the first time sheâs leading a circus.
âI have a passion for people and music and this is the perfect crossroads for that. A lot of what Iâll be doing involves music and hosting the show. Also connecting with the audience and really bringing everyone on that journey of discovery,â Irving said.
After nearly 150 years of performances, the Ringling circus returns but without animals.
âNow, what weâre doing is celebrating performers and athletes from all over the world, so this is the chance to really highlight the human ability,â Irving said.
The circus will include 75 performers from all over the world, pushing the limits with unique and dangerous acts in a 360-degree style arena.
âWeâre going to have a triangular high wire. Weâre going to have a crisscross flying trapeze going diagonal. Weâre going to have a double âWheel of Destinyâ and what Iâm oddly excited about is the extreme trampoline. Imagine a trampoline with BMX bikes, unicycles and bicycles. I have no idea how this is going to be done myself,â Irving said. âThereâs a lot of new technology with sound and with sight that has never been done before. To be a part of that and to bring those two worlds together will be lot of fun.â
Irving said the show is a celebration of time, bridging the generations who have seen the circus in the past with those who are experiencing the show for the first time.
âThe Greatest Show on Earthâ will be in Orlando at the Kia Center Jan. 12-15. Tickets are on sale starting at $25.
Have you seen the older Ringling shows before? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section. Weâd love to hear about your memories and what you think about the new show.
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