Spring Break
Old circus, new tricks
'The Greatest Show On Earth' defends its title
By: Megan Ryan
Issue date: 4/14/09 Section: Features
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The Ringling Brothers Circus was in town last weekend. Tigers, clowns, sparkling leotards and all that jazz were present in Reed Arena.
The area publicist for the circus, Paula Bothe, said the best part about the circus is putting on a show that has been around longer than baseball.
"It is 'The Greatest Show On Earth' because it gets the greatest response from people," she said. "Our show puts people just a few feet away from performers who are generations deep in tradition and who perpetuate the magic and fun of the circus."
Bothe said College Station is an ideal place for the circus market.
"We play College Station alternating with Bryan," she said. "College Station is an important market for us because of its location, in heart of Texas, and the response we always get."
She said it is a good way to have a different kind of entertainment in the cities.
"It is an opportunity to provide live entertainment to people who otherwise might never have the opportunity to see live animals illustrating their beauty, intelligence and versatility," she said. "Incidentally, elephants love to perform."
Melinda Hartline, spokesperson for the Ringling Brothers, said they wanted to bring the show to College Station to remind college students how fun the circus can be. She said most people go as kids but neglect to see the circus later in life.
"This is not your grandfather's circus," she said. "We want students to see how much the circus has changed. It's very hip, up to date, edgy and fun."
Jason Gibson, production manager for the Gold Unit of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, said the show had not been to College Station in three years.
"That is too long for folks to not experience 'The Greatest Show on Earth,'" he said.
There are also chances for the audience to come on stage and experience the circus up close.
"The entire show is extremely exciting," Gibson said. "Even before the show, we have what is called the All Access Pre-show, which allows people down to the arena floor to learn to juggle, try on costumes from previous editions of Ringling Brothers Circus, try a practice trapeze, hula hoop and see acts in the ring that you won't see in the show."
The performers are a diverse group of people from all over the world.
"Many of our performers are from Russia, but we also have some performers from the United States, Bulgaria, Finland, Australia, France, Germany and Brazil," Gibson said.
Gibson said the whole show is so exciting and fast-paced he recommends buying snacks before the show to avoid missing anything.
"One of the feature acts of our show is our white Bengal tigers presented by Vicenta Pages," he said. "She is only 23 years old, making her one of the youngest female tiger trainers in the world. After she performs with the tigers, she goes up into a Roman Ring act, so she is an aerialist as well."
Hartline said Pages is an excellent performer and the tigers are spectacular.
"It takes a special person to be able to present these beautiful exotic animals, and she is beautiful and exotic herself," she said.
In addition, Gibson said the Ringling Brothers Circus has another performer who has made a name for the show.
"Our star performer's name is Justin Case, who performs comedic antics on all shapes and sizes of bicycles. He keeps the audience laughing through the whole show," he said.
Exotic animals, clowns, exciting acts and a consistently moving and exhilarating show are only part of the gift of working in the circus, said Gibson.
"We put smiles on people's faces for a living. It's the most rewarding job each and every week."
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