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šŸŽŖ ā€˜Circus spiritā€™ without animals, ringmaster at new Ringling show

ā€˜The Greatest Show on Earthā€™ runs Jan. 12-15, 2024, at Kia Center in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. ā€“ 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.

ā€œI think thatā€™s a part of this whole revamp is that the idea of a ringmaster is not going to be so far away and untouchable. Iā€™ll be with the audience and guiding them along this journey of discovery,ā€ Irving said. ā€œI donā€™t think a ringmaster is bad. I think itā€™s the fact that itā€™s 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 didnā€™t. I think itā€™s a different way, same spirit.ā€

Irving said sheā€™s 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 sheā€™s leading a circus.

ā€œI have a passion for people and music and this is the perfect crossroads for that. A lot of what Iā€™ll be doing involves music and hosting the show. Also connecting with the audience and really bringing everyone on that journey of discovery,ā€ Irving said.

After nearly 150 years of performances, the Ringling circus returns but without animals.

ā€œNow, what weā€™re doing is celebrating performers and athletes from all over the world, so this is the chance to really highlight the human ability,ā€ 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.

Ringling is back with new circus in 2023 (Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

ā€œWeā€™re going to have a triangular high wire. Weā€™re going to have a crisscross flying trapeze going diagonal. Weā€™re going to have a double ā€˜Wheel of Destinyā€™ and what Iā€™m 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,ā€ Irving said. ā€œThereā€™s 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.ā€

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.

ā€œThe Greatest Show on Earthā€ 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. Weā€™d love to hear about your memories and what you think about the new show.


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