ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The highly anticipated North American tour of The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is performing their revamped version of The Greatest Show on Earth in Albany from Friday until Monday at the MVP Arena.
The Ringling Brothers put a modern spin on the classic circus. The performers have reimagined the traditional stunts, music, and comedic acts to bring them into the present. Brandon Glass, the PR Manager for Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, said the acts have been revamped from when they were originally popular over a century ago.
"It's completely revamped and remodernized for today's time," Glass said. "We're talking about 150 years of tradition. When people think of the circus they think of the classic elements like trapeze and high wire, which we have, but we like to level up what we have to The Greatest Show on Earth."
Some of these never-before-seen acts are put on by 75 performers from 18 different countries. BMX bike performer AJ Anaya said these daring tricks are only possible after weeks of practice.
"We got to rehearse the show about three months before we opened," Anaya said. "Its been quite an amazing experience being able to travel each week to different cities."
The show includes the classic highwire act, but in this show it is tripled. Performers also tackle the highest ever 34-foot crisscross trapeze. Aerialists get the chance to showcase their skills from straps and hoops.
Maria Pontigo, whose has been at the circus for over 20 years, said to her that the show is more than just an act.
"Over 150 years we were creating family members over the generations; now it's our time to create new family members for the new generations," Pontigo said.
· Friday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.
· Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
· Sunday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
· Monday, Nov. 11 at 12 p.m.
Tickets can be found on at Ticketmaster.com or in person at the venue box office.
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