Under the Big Top with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus this weekend

Circus Extravaganza

The Big Top Returns
The super-size spectacle that is the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is ready to entertain with assorted clowns, high flying acts, animal antics, and general over-the-top zaniness. The latest edition “Dragons,” celebrates the Chinese Year of the Dragon combinig dragon lore with outrageous circus stunts, cavorting clowns, dynamic animal routines, and all sorts of daredevil feats. Kids will also enjoy the preshow activities, including the Animal Open House, where everyone can step onto the arena floor and meet some of the animals and performers.
Now through Sunday, March 26. Times vary. Tickets are $20-$150. Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale. (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com or www.ringling.com.

Nate the Great
The pint-size young detective, the hero of Marjorie Weinman Sharmat’s eponymous book series, comes alive on stage in Theatreworks USA’s charming new musical. In the grand tradition of sleuthing detectives, there is Sherlock Holmes, Charlie Chan, and now, Nate. Nate the Great has found lost balloons, books, slippers, chickens, even a lost goldfish. But when his neighbor Annie asks for help in locating her missing painting, it takes of all of Nate’s derring-do to solve the toughest case of his career.
Saturday, March 24, 2 p.m. $18. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or www.landmarkonmainstreet.org.

In Concert

Herbie Hancock
The legendary jazz pianist/composer/bandleader performs with his band as he continues to enthrall audiences with his musical inventiveness. Hancock is joined on stage by bassist James Genus, guitarist Lionel Loueke and Trevor Lawrence, Jr. on drums. Throughout an illustrious career spanning five decades and 14 Grammy Awards, he has transcended limitations and genres while maintaining his unmistakable voice. Hancock and his band will play new and classic material including “Speak Like A Child,” “Chameleon,” “Canteloupe Island,” “Rockit,” and “Round Midnite.”
Saturday, March 24, 8 p.m. $77, $57, $37. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, C.W. Post Campus, Rte. 25A, Brookville. (516) 299-3100 or (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com or www.tillescenter.org.