THE BALLOON MAN

Big Apple Circus: Fun for all Ages  

 

Photo by Bertrand Guay/Big Apple Circus
from:  atlinsider.atlanta.com
By Sylvia A. Small
How long has it been since you went to the circus? I'll bet it's probably been too long. The Big Apple Circus, playing at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre through Feb. 18, is an enjoyable two-hour outing for both children and adults.
No audience member sits more than 50-feet away from the action in the ring. There aren't any elaborate special effects or digital enhancements. This is a troupe of athletically gifted people from around the globe who enjoy performing under the Big Top. Their smiles say it all.
"Legendarium" pays homage to the circuses of yore. The program contains interesting tidbits that relate to the history of the circus. Did you know that Jules Leotard invented the art of trapeze and popularized the one-piece garment that today bears his name? When multitalented Dan Rice campaigned for Zachary Taylor for president, he invited the candidate to join him on the circus bandwagon, coining the phrase "to jump on the bandwagon."
Ringmaster John Kennedy Kane ran away with the circus more than 30 years ago. Since that time, he has worked as a concessionaire, a magician, a fire-eater and a clown.
Jenny Vidbel is a third-generation circus performer and animal trainer. Her Arabian horses, prancing ponies and talented dogs – all rescued from various animal shelters – are a big hit with the kids.
The Acrobuffos, a husband-and-wife clown team, will make you laugh as they interact with the audience. Princeton-educated Christina Gelsone is a former professional ballerina. Seth Bloom, her partner, is a former professional juggler who makes each clown mask by hand.
Other circus artists include Emily Weisse and Menno Van Dyke, a husband-and-wife duo who combine dancing with juggling; Elayne Kramer, a 20-year-old contortionist from Argentina; and Russian aerial straps artist Ekaterina Stepanova.
Ticket prices range from $20, and parking is $10. The Big Apple Circus is located at 1775 Founders Parkway in Alpharetta.
That's close enough for all those who might have wanted to run away with the circus as a child to return home for their "real" job!