The Greatest Show on Earth RETURNS
Unveiling The Greatest Show on Earth: A Spectacle of Entertainment and Imagination Comes to St. Louis
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
In a world that craves the extraordinary, where the hunger for shared experiences binds families together, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus reemerges from the annals of nostalgia, reinventing itself as "The Greatest Show on Earth." This grand revival promises an arena spectacle of unprecedented proportions, stunning feats, musical performances seamlessly blended with aerial artistry, modern comedy, and never-before-seen acts featuring highwire stunts, trapeze acrobatics, and bicycle displays. The American institution, poised for its debut at St. Louis's Enterprise Center on December 9-10, 2023, stands as a testament to the enduring magic of the circus.
Kenneth Feld, the visionary Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Feld Entertainment, orchestrates this rebirth, aiming to redefine Ringling for contemporary audiences. The canvas is blank, and the evolution spans production to performance, creating a colossal playground that delivers a spectacle.
Feld remarks, "To redefine Ringling for today’s audiences, we started with a blank slate and evolved all aspects from production to performance to meet the needs of modern families, ultimately creating a massive playground that delivers an incredible and unique performance that can only be called The Greatest Show On Earth."
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
The global talent search that ensued brought together a diverse cast of 75 performers hailing from more than 18 countries. Ethiopia, Mongolia, Ukraine, Argentina, Cuba, Italy, Spain, Canada, and the U.S. are just a few of the nations represented. Their stories intertwine with powerful performances in aerial arts, acrobatics, comedy, world dance, and more. The show pays homage to their individual cultures through meticulously crafted costumes, celebrating diversity and individuality.
What elevates this circus to an unprecedented level is the infusion of enhanced technology, creating moments that bridge the gap between performers and audiences. Sonic spatial technology directs directional sound to specific areas, spotlight tracking systems guide attention, and video moments of the audience become integral parts of the show. It's not merely a performance; it's an immersive, participatory experience that blurs the lines between spectator and spectacle.
Juliette Feld Grossman, Chief Operating Officer of Feld Entertainment and Producer of The Greatest Show On Earth, emphasizes the family-centric approach, stating, "The new entertainment experience will present a phenomenal scale of wow and wonder that only Ringling can deliver and is designed for families to leave inspired, energized, and filled with memories to last a lifetime."
The roster of jaw-dropping acts unveils apparatus innovations exclusive to Ringling, such as the Triangular Highwire, the Criss-Cross Flying Trapeze, and the Extreme Box Jump Trampoline. Each act introduces an element of risk, skill, and sheer daring that defines the spirit of the circus. This audacious display is complemented by a creative team of world-class professionals, including directors Dan Shipton and Ross Nicholson, production designer Josh Zangen, casting lead Giulio Scatola, and choreographer Gustavo Vargas.
From costume design by Dawna Oak to video design by Ilja Nowodworski, every aspect is curated to transport audiences to a realm where awe meets wonder. The original music, arranged by award-winning composer Michael Picton, and the lighting design by Jesse Blevins contribute to the sensory feast that awaits.
Enterprise Center in St. Louis prepares to host six performances on December 9-10, 2023. This is not merely a circus; it's a celebration of human potential, a mosaic of cultures, and an immersive journey into the extraordinary.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or Ringling.com.
All images courtesy of Ringling.