The one and only Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus is back in Philadelphia this weekend and after both shows were cancelled on Thursday, there are still eight performances left at the Wells Fargo Center.
This year’s performance is a little different as the group brings its Legends show to town. Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson, who became the circus’ first African-American ringmaster at the age of 22 in 1999, will guide Paulo the Legend Seeker on his “quest to discover real, living legends from around the world,” according to a news release.
“For this edition,” said show producer Nicole Feld, “we’ve combined a number of mythical themes and stories into a a lavish production of sight and sound unlike any other show we have ever created.”
During the production, Paulo meets the Pegasus and the Unicorn but doesn’t leave out other Ringling friends like big cat presenter Alexander Lacey, the Riders of the Wind Cossach horsemen, the motorcycle daredevils and more.
The new show also has hair-hanging artists, Asian elephants, a 20-acrobat troupe and a high-flying trapeze act.
“We searched the world for the best of the best and put them together in an unforgettable show,” said Feld.
The fun starts before the show starts
Families can go to the show’s arena floor at Wells Fargo Center for an interactive up-close experience in the Ringmaster Zone about an hour before the main show begins.
Circus fans can learn how to juggle and balance and even meet some of the performers, get autographs and take photographs.
VIP tickets are available for a behind the curtain look at the show. For an additional fee, families can walk on the Ringling Red Carpet with Ringmaster Iverson and other stars, step inside the Globe of Steel, take photos on the ringmaster’s float and have an up-close encounter with a show elephant.
Showtimes
Thursday’s shows are cancelled due to the snow storm. Those with tickets can exchange them for tickets to one of the following performance this weekend. They are:
