Since 1793, the circus has been part of the fabric of American culture.
Clowns, exotic animals, marvels of human athleticism all capture the allure of the circus ring.
No circus maintains that heritage like Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s, the touring company that has thrilled audiences for years.
Beginning Thursday at Comcast Arena Everett, “Boom a Ring,” one of the company’s touring groups, kicks off a series of shows featuring trademark clowns, the flying trapeze and a menagerie of animals including the mighty elephants.
Generations of families enjoy the circus, although today some people frown at the use of animals for entertainment. (Protestors are expected to picket the circus in Everett.)
The latest Ringling Bros. show features illusionist David DaVinci. Part of his act includes a flock of eight rare birds.
Other acts include the Urias Family. They defy gravity, reaching speeds of 60 mph on motorcycles inside a steel globe.
The list of animals in the circus is reminiscent of the manifest from Noah’s Ark: four standard poodles, seven fox terriers, a great Dane, an Australian shepherd and a couple of mixed-breed dogs, plus camels, horses, ponies and three Asian elephants.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey operates three shows. Two travel the country by rail, while “Boom a Ring!” tours in a fleet of 49 trucks.
The circus run starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and continues with shows at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9, 11:30 a.m, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10, and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sept. 11.
Tickets are $15, $20, $40 (VIP) and $65 (gold). Kids’ tickets are $10, except for VIP and Gold. Opening night tickets are half off, except for VIP and Gold.
Buy tickets at Comcast Arena Everett box office, at 866-332-8499, at www.comcastarenaeverett.com or www.ringling.com.
Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3447; jholtz@heraldnet.com.
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