THE BALLOON MAN

Lions, tigers and acrobats, oh my

August 26, 2010
By: Courtney Thomas

From kykernel.com

The term “Animal House” not only describes the University of Kentucky in its first week of classes, but also Rupp Arena as it hosts the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus “ZING ZANG ZOOM” FROM Aug. 27-29.“In the 140 years of business, this is the first and only Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus based on magic,” Alex Roman said, magical zingmaster and host of the show. “Be prepared to witness a nine-ton elephant disappear before your eyes, and watch as we transform a clown into Bengal tiger.“The circus this year promises to be new, innovative and exciting, while combining the thrills and fun of the circus with the mystery of magic,” said Roman.According to the Ringling Bros. website, the experience is supposed to keep you on the edge of your seat, anxious and in awe all at once.“Be prepared to gasp as people shoot out of canons and acrobats to crazy tricks,” Roman said.The circus will bring with it a variety of acrobatsand exotic animals that hope to entice viewers throughout the show.“This is truly an international affair with performers and acrobats from China, Russia, Ukraine and other countries around the world,” Roman said.“The circus brings nine Asian elephants, a dozen Bengal tigers, zebras, Arabian and Friesian horses, and other animals from around the world that are not only exotic, but also do tricks,” Roman said.The circus aims its focus on not only children, but people of all ages.“College students would love the show because it is nothing like they have ever seen before,” Roman said. “Imagine seeing Americas Got Talent live, but with better talents and exotic animals.Tickets can be purchased at Rupp Arena or Ticketmaster.com and are extremely affordable for all budgets, said Teresa Franzen, publicist of Ringling Bros. Circus.