By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Services
Is a circus a circus if it doesn’t have animals?
We’re about to find out — and we’re about to be the first to find out.
After six years, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus — otherwise known as The Greatest Show On Earth — has risen from the dead. The first stop on the circus’ North American tour will be this weekend in Bossier City, with four performances over three days — this Friday, Saturday and Sunday — at Brookshire Grocery Arena.
“We are honored that Brookshire Grocery Arena was selected to host the world premiere of the newly reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus,” arena general manager Rebecca Bonnevier told the Shreveport-Bossier Journal. “Our community — the first to experience this spectacular show — will surely become the social media influencers who inspire others to race to get tickets to the show as it tours to a nearby city.”
It is likely that many eyes in the entertainment world will be focused on our area.
“We expect to have media from all over the world attend this event,” Bonnevier said. “This is an excellent opportunity to showcase northwest Louisiana’s exceptional atmosphere and hospitality.”
After 146 years, the Ringling Bros. circus shut down in 2017. It wasn’t crushed by an elephant, but by pressure from animal-welfare activists. They were critical of how the circus treated animals.
So, when the show rolls into town, there won’t be an elephant, lion, or tiger in sight. What you will see are 75 performers from 18 countries out to prove not only that the show must go on, but that it will be a better show for the entire family.
“There are no animals this time around, but I don’t think that’s going to have any bearing on people’s enjoyment,” performer Alex Stickels told the Journal during a break from rehearsals just outside Tampa, Florida. “We are very focused on the athleticism and the power of the performers we do have in the show. We really want this to be about what humans are able to achieve and what they can put their mind to — to overcome and conquer — and how we can inspire others to do that in their own lives.”
Among the acts you will see:
-The Triangular Highwire (Four performers on three 25-foot highwires connected in a triangular formation 25-feet above the arena floor.)
-The Criss-Cross Flying Trapeze (Nine trapeze artists soaring from front-to-back, side-to-side, and diagonally.)
-The Extreme Box Jump Trampoline (A mix of BMX, trail bikes, and unicycle riders performing stunts on trampolines.)
All of this and more will be enhanced by technology designed to bring the cast and audience closer together.
“There’s obviously this notion of what the show has been in the past, and we want to keep the things everybody loves,” Stickels said. “But we also want to bring an element of it feeling like a rock concert and a pop concert. We wanted to use modern-day technology and all the things we can do with lights and staging, and really bring that aspect to Ringling Bros.”
Some of that “modern-day technology” will include adding directional sound, which will focus on specific areas of the arena. Also, a spotlight tracking system will be used to connect and direct the audience’s attention to the performers. Video will also be incorporated into the show.
You won’t see the 34-year-old Stickels flying through the air. What you will see him do is engage the audience with his musical talents.
“I’m a drummer. In the show, my character’s name is Stix. I am the rhythm of the circus. I am the heartbeat of the performers on stage. But we really want the audience to know that they are a part of the show. I create a song with the audience. I am constantly playing rhythms, making beats, and getting everybody to join in on that same drumbeat.”
Stickels went to music school in Boston, before starting his career in Los Angeles. He’s played “with a bunch of different artists” and has been “part of a bunch of different shows.” Before he joined the circus, Stickels was performing on cruise ships.
“As a drummer my entire life, every gig I’ve ever done, people have been telling me that I’m playing too loud, and I need to be quiet. I’m finally in a space where I get to play as loud as I possibly can, and even go bigger from there.”
When the circus opens in Bossier, it will be a homecoming of sorts for Stickels — a Dallas native — who will have family and friends in the seats.
“They’ve already made their plans — their hotel reservations. They’ve already bought tickets. It will definitely be a family affair on opening night.”
There will be 54 stops on the first full leg of the circus’ tour, including major cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, and Los Angeles. But it all starts right here in northwest Louisiana.
“The excitement is high.” Stickels said. “The adrenaline is high.” Really, what makes Ringling so special is the audience and the people being there to be a part of the show. We are beyond stoked to be in front of people, to hit Bossier City, and to finally bring this show to an audience to see it, love it, and want to go home and be a part of it.”
Contact Tony at SBJTonyT@gmail.com