By ANDREW MARTIN
I can’t remember the last time I went to the circus. Even at 23 years old, my memory gets blurry when I think back to when I was a wee lad.
But I do know that I attended the circus at least once. It probably took place in Providence at the Dunkin Donuts Center, but back when it was called the Civic Center. As you can tell, the event didn’t leave the biggest impression on me, even at my most impressionable age.
So you can understand my slight apprehension when I was asked to cover the Big Apple Circus at Ninigret Park. To accompany my thoughts that it would rekindle my childhood fear of clowns—yes, I was that kid—I had a strong feeling I wouldn’t enjoy the circus.
After sitting through the near two-hour event, I can safely say that I am glad I didn’t trust my gut. From beginning to end, the entire crowd was laughing, clapping and smiling along with the numerous entertainers filling the one-ring circus.
Since the Big Apple is celebrating its 30th anniversary season, the show was that much more over-the-top. It kicked off with some humorous antics by Italian brothers Fumagalli and Daris, who warmed up the audience before the program’s start. After a welcoming speech from Paul Binder, the artistic director who founded the Big Apple, and Carrie Harvey, a British ringmistress, the show was ready to go.
The entire circus team hit the floor for a quick dance party with trapeze artists and exploding balloons full of confetti. The group then made way for the outrageously nimble duo, the Huesca Brothers. While one lay on his back
in a bent table, the other balanced himself on his brother’s feet. But this was no simple balancing act. One brother flipped the other around and around, even nailing a double-backflip as part of the finale.
Then the iconic Grandma (Barry Lubin) made her first appearance. She and Harvey performed a comical version of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” foreshadowing other run-ins the two would have throughout the night. And on two separate occasions, Grandma grabbed members of the audience and brought them into the circus ring to dance.
Before moving on, I want to explain how the Big Apple is able to do more than just dazzle youngsters. Of course, the show is stolen by the amazingly talented acrobats who perform death-defying stunts that need to be seen to be believed.
But one of the most notable aspects, in my opinion, is the artistic direction. Binder and his crew have crafted something truly balanced with this event that does more than just wow you with an endless barrage of outrageousness. Also, the music performed by the Big Apple Circus Band captures the mood of every act. The same goes for the choreography, lighting and costumes, which all help to further set the tone.
With that written, the performers are without a doubt the most impressive part of the circus. As evident by the countless utterances of “oh my god,” the crowd clearly enjoyed every act. And how could they not?
In particular, some of the night’s biggest cheers came during the “Gala Opening,” when three ‘living statues’ covered in gold displayed their jaw-dropping balancing act. Similarly, the crowd could barely sit still during Cong Tian’s incredible show of equilibrium as he walked and then unicycled across a tightrope.
The night’s most insane performance was also the last of the show. The Kovgar Group, which had already showed off its skills with a jump-rope demonstration, sent one another flying in the air like I have never seen. But I don’t want to spoil this one for you. You will have to see it for yourself.
Other solid acts included the two involving animals. First, there was Irina Markova, who shared the stage with her poodles, which walked on their hind legs, danced and more. Just as remarkable were Yasmine Smart’s horses. Like the dogs, these horses displayed their unbelievable intelligence.
By the time the show ended at a little before 10 p.m., you could tell the audience had had its full. Walking back to the parking lot, the consensus was that the circus was both amazing and flat-out fun. And even though I felt a little old sitting amongst children and their parents, that feeling dissolved when I saw the adults were laughing just as much as their kids.
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