PHILADELPHIA — Ever since the late 1800s, children of all ages have been awed by the amazing performers and talented animals who entertain from the magical circus ring.
After 146 years, Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus is currently on its final tour around the country, and making a stop in Philadelphia, Friday through Feb. 20.
Since this is the last time anyone will have the chance to see the show that has been witnessed by generations, here are five reasons not to miss the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey circus while it’s in Philadelphia.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents its Out of this World show in Philadelphia from Feb. 16 to 20, in Newark from March 8 to 12, and in Trenton from March 17 to 19. (Photo provided)Photo provided
It’s out of this world
As Ringling Bros. prepares to put its show in the history books, they pulled out all the stops for this final tour show. “Out of This World” is an interactive, action-packed outer-space adventure with good guys, bad guys, ice skating and antigravity antics. For the first time ever, and on its final tour, the center ring is surrounded by ice and features thrilling ice skaters who add a completely different element to the classic circus.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents its Out of This World show at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. The circus is closing its curtain in May after 146 years. (Lori M. Nichols | For NJ.com)Lori M. Nichols
Get ready for the “Greatest Show on Earth”
Before Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson welcomes “children of all ages” to the final “Greatest Show on Earth,” there are plenty of activities throughout the venue to get the whole family ready for the action. Face painting, photo opportunities with replica circus animals, and all the circus snacks you can handle can be found in the Wells Fargo Center’s main concourse. You may even encounter a circus performer or two if you keep your eyes peeled.
Inside the arena, the Space Fleet Officers welcome several different performers and animals into the ring for some pre-show entertainment. Alexander Lacey, King of the Big Cats, brings one of his amazing tigers to the circus floor and explains his relationship with the cats and how he has trained them since he was a child.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents its Out of This World show at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. The circus is closing its curtain in May after 146 years. (Lori M. Nichols | For NJ.com)Lori M. Nichols
Amazing animals
Another first for this last circus tour happens when Lacey enters the ring with 14 big cats surrounding him.
Lacey trains lions, tigers, and leopards to run, jump, and climb around the caged ring to the delight of the animals lovers in the audience. All of Lacey’s animals were born in captivity and raised by human hands.
Even though the elephants retired after the 2016 Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey tour, the show is still full of animal acts and excitement. Hans Klose and Mariya Sumana bring their pack of playful puppies and pigs to the circus to run, jump and dance around the ring. In addition to the canines, a few donkeys, llamas, alpacas, and goats join in the fun and do a few tricks themselves.
Finally, the Cossacks Valiant Horsemen bring their thrilling trick riding to the ring. Kanat and Tatiana Tchalabaev, the leaders of this amazing group, said each of their riders must build a relationship with their horse in order to form the bond needed to make for an optimum performance. The riders do all of the work with the horses including brushing, washing, and tending to the horse. They say it “takes time to build that trust and keep it.”
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents its Out of this World show in Philadelphia from Feb. 16 to 20, in Newark from March 8 to 12, and in Trenton from March 17 to 19. (Photo provided)Photo provided
Spectacular stunts
From death-defying motorcycle tricks to high-flying trapeze stunts, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus has always brought the excitement.
The Torres Family achieve what seems to be the impossible by riding motorcycles in a 16-foot Globe of Steel. At one point during their act, there are 8 motorcycles circling around and around the inside of the globe at the same time.
High above the circus floor, the Celestial Wonders Double Wide Flying Trapeze artists soar back and forth between two elevated platforms, and even attempt a side-by-side triple somersault.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents its Out of This World show at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. The circus is closing its curtain in May after 146 years. (Lori M. Nichols | For NJ.com)Lori M. Nichols
Astral acrobats
Making its United States debut, the Heilongjiang Provincial Acrobatic Troupe from Harbin, China — which is known as the “Ice City,” bring their unique combination of acrobatics, dance, and ice skating to the Ringling Bros. show. From contortionist hanging from the Wells Fargo Center ceiling to ice skaters on stilts, these performers add an entirely different element to the classic circus show.
Shows remain on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.; Feb. 18 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Feb. 19 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.; and Feb. 20 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now at WellsFargoCenterPhilly.com, by phone at 800-298-4200, or in person at the Wells Fargo Center box office.
For more information about the circus, visit Ringling.com.
Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
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