Thrills under the Big Top

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s latest circus extravaganza arrives in the area next Thursday — settling in at the Barclays Center now that Nassau Coliseum is out of commission at the moment — ready to thrill audiences with its newest incarnation of the supersized spectacle. This year, Feb. 25 through March 6, the circus’s creative team — led by producers Nicole and Alana Feld — brings back the popular “Legends.” It’s a production that unites iconic circus stars with mythological creatures in a celebration of the legends that have captured imaginations for centuries.
The action explodes off the arena floor with breathtaking daredevilry, superhuman stunts and never-before-seen performances, which are a staple of the Ringling Bros tradition. Featuring a cast of performers representing 20 countries, with the alway captiviating array of animal acts, audiences can expect to see even more elaborate stunts, high wire action, cavorting clowns, and all sorts of daredevil routines.
“Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is where legends live, and we constantly ask our audiences to believe in the unbelievable. For this edition we’ve combined a number of mythical themes and stories into a lavish production of sight and sound unlike any show we have ever created,” says Nicole Feld.
Johnathan Lee Iverson, who was at the helm of “Legends” at Nassau Coliseum in 2014, returns once again as ringmaster. He guides his sidekick, Paulo the Legend Seeker on his quest to discover real living legends from around the world and presents Paulo’s fantastic discoveries to circus-goers.
Iverson, known as “the singing ringmaster,” is ready to share his enthusiasm with new audiences and returning fans. “The circus is magical,” he says. “It’s the only place in show business where people fly and you’re surrounded by incredible animals. It’s seemingly reckless, but it’s really daring and well planned out. Once you have it in your blood, everything else pales by comparison. It’s a fantastic spectacle — and lifestyle — that you don’t get anywhere else, not on Broadway or in Las Vegas.”
And that is why Iverson, who graduated from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School in 1998 with a degree in voice performance, intending to pursue a career in opera, continues to be at the helm of this celebrated 146-year-old circus.
“At 22 when I first joined Ringling Bros., I thought it sounded cool and I would do it for six months or a year, and here I am years later,” he says. “Ringling Bros. is truly the greatest show on earth. It amazes me how every year the producers and the creative team come together to create one innovative circus spectacular after another.”
The spectacle continues to focus on heart-pounding thrills, while marking the end of an era for the iconic production. New York area audiences will be seeing the fabled elephants for the last time, as Ringling Bros. recently announced that they are being phased out of the shows, with all to be retired by 2018,
“We’ve updated this year’s elephant act,” Iverson says. “It’s a more educational version of our elephant performance. It’s interactive, featuring bits about they live and how we work with them.”
“The elephants have a particular sentiment in the New York area,” Iverson remarks, reflecting on the circus’ history in New York, notably at Madison Square Garden. “Most everyone remembers the famous elephant walk. It was always something special when we hit New York City and the greatest show on earth would arrive in the greatest city on earth. It truly is the end of an era for the circus and for our audience.”
The time has come to bid farewell to the elephants and move on. “The circus is always changing,” says Iverson. “Ringling Bros. throughout history has always been really smart about change. There’s always been some significant change and that’s why Ringling Brothers remains an American icon.”
This year’s version of “Legends” mixes iconic acts with new circus talents.
Mythology meets reality as Iverson relates Paulo the Legend Seeker’s encounters with the wondrous Pegasus and the amazing Unicorn, as well as circus legends such as big cat presenter Alexander Lacey, the Riders of the Wind Cossack horsemen, and motorcycle daredevils, the Torres Family.
“A legend is something so magical and larger than life that once you see it, you never forget it. The talent in this show is unprecedented and embodies the name Legends,” says Alana Feld. “My sister and I were speechless when we saw these acts the first time.”
A rolling ballet, an innovative hoop-diving display, and a 20-acrobat troupe perched atop only a pair of bicycles, along with a high flying trapeze act are among the show’s
highlights.
“This is a show that truly celebrates the human imagination,” says Iverson. “We are doing what we always do, and that is present acts that are the best of the best.”
That description fits The Solar Hawks, an elite super‐group of high flying trapeze artists from the U.S., Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico, who perform one of the most fearsome flying trapeze acts ever seen, according to Iverson. “They attempt the world’s only successive triple somersault,” he says. “They will astonish you with their precision, stamina, strength, and form while attempting four consecutive triple somersaults with only seconds between each.”
“Many of the acts never get old. The Globe of Steel is always thrilling and [big cat presenter] Alexander Lacey has us on the edge of our seats.”
The animals are always a big draw, making up what Iverson describes as “the world’s largest menagerie.”
Those big cats, under the watchful eye of award-winning animal trainer Lacey, fascinate audiences with their majesty and agility. Lacey, who made his Ringling Bros. debut in 2012, returns with a leopard, in addition to his lions and tigers. He summons brazen bravado and valor as takes the cats through their paces, with his fearless command of the big cats’ agility and strength that demonstrates unconditional respect between man and predator.
Then there are the rescue dogs, performing pigs, llamas, kangaroos, and donkeys. Hans Klose’s fun-loving act of pooches and pigs entertains audiences with flips, jumps, slides, and even a 16-foot high dive, among the many animal antics.
This whimsical representation of the animal world captures the hearts of audiences, says Iverson. “It is an all-encompassing event that is pure entertainment. We create a dynamic synergy with so many elements. It’s an exciting experience that is truly a great show. The circus is a living art, a living thing that is constantly evolving.”
“As ringmaster I am really a glorified fan. I’m enjoying it as much as you are. The circus is an extraordinary happening that you are not going to get anywhere else. These performers are on the edge of peril. It’s a wonder to see. Watch the impossible being made possible.”
“And I’m the best-dressed guy in the arena,” he adds. “Come on out and have a good time. When you see this show you will believe in the unbelievable”
Iverson encourages visitors to stop by the All Access Pre-show, held an hour prior to the performance. Step onto the arena floor and meet the cast and learn circus skills from the famous Ringling Bros. Clown Alley.
And stay in touch with Iverson and the circus folk on social media. “Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram,” he urges fans. “You’ll find all sorts of educational history nuggets and you are welcome to read my blog. Sometimes it seems we’re a bit mysterious. The more you get to know us, the more you will see we’re very human.”