Ringling Bros. back in town

BY SCOTT NILES, Courier staff writer

May 07, 2008 12:59 pm

— OTTUMWA — The Greatest Show on Earth has more energy than ever before.
If people went to see the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey show last year, they should go again this year.
“It is a completely different show,” said Production Manager Jason Gibson.
Some of the new acts this years include six Bengal tigers, a crossbow act and other various energetic performances. The energy literally bounces from the ring to the audience and back to the performers.
“It is a show for the whole family,” Gibson said.
While at the show, the crowd was in awe with some of the routines that were done on the highwire and with the elephants.
“We try and keep the show fresh,” Gibson said.
He said the show is redone every two years and they never bring the same show to a place twice in a row.
“This year we have all new performers,” he said. Their performers come from all over the world; Russia, Finland, Argentina, Mexico and several other countries.
Before each show ticket holder have a chance to participate in activities. They can watch a pre-show and the kids can try out activities such as a low wire, a trapeze, jump rope and more. They can also register to win an elephant painting, painted by one of the circuses own elephants.
This years show does not have a ring master, rather it is one continuous act after another.
“It promises to be a good time for all,” Gibson said. “This is not like anything anyone has ever seen before, I guarantee.”
Gibson said behind the scenes it is a whole different lifestyle.
“We are like one big family,” he said. “We work off each other. That is what makes the show so good.”
Scott Nlies can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at sjniles@mchsi.com.

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