REVIEW & DISCOUNTS: Big Apple Circus Legendarium

I was honored to be invited to see The Big Apple Circus' Legendarium, a journey through time that celebrates New York City and big-top milestones. As a New Yorker, it was nostalgic to see images of the Brooklyn Bridge and other iconic NY Landmarks. This new edition of the 35-year-old circus was filled with polished acts and fun facts, such as the Leotard was made famous by French acrobatic performer Jules Léotard, who developed the act of Trapeze.

The show takes you back to the early days of NY and the Circus, in yester-year, and is reminiscent of the movie "Water for Elephants' in its costumes, scenery, and lighting, except of course it was void of elephants. The only animals you'll find here are beautiful horses and ponies, and the cutest dogs (all rescued)! 
The "big top" wasn't all that big from inside when you're sitting around the ring, which measures 42 feet in diameter so that a horse can reach a full gallop. But that lended to the intimacy of the performance, and ensured that all seats had great views of the stage.

During the show you can watch a tight rope walker, bicycle stunts troop, a horse tamer, dog trainers and yes, clowns.  The clowns were also of yester-year without the face paint we associate with present day clowns. They wore traditional clown masks, but kindly "eased" the audience into their act by showing the masks multiple times before putting them on - because to be honest the masks would have came off a little scary if not for their presentation. The clowns were almost mute, and relied on their body to relay slap-stick antics. Their performance consisted of courtship and jealousy, which heavily involved audience members. I have to say I'm glad I wasn't one of the audience members they interacted with. Lets just say, you may be onslaughted with popcorn and kisses - and a pool noodle. It was all fun though, with Laugh-out-Loud moments! I later learned that Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsome, aka Monsieur and Madame are a married couple.

Kids of any age will get into performers who magically merge muscle and grace. Like Argentinian contortionist Elayne Kramer, who boggles the mind as she bends herself into improbable shapes while balanced on her hands. She also channels Katniss Everdeen (from “The Hunger Games”) by firing a bow and arrow with her toes. She deftly hit the balloon target that left us with out mouths hanging open. Chinese acrobat Zhang Fan offers more wows from the crowd. He defied gravity as he balanced on a slack wire, and not just on his feet, but also with unexpected and daring props. 

Seven Chinese women dressed in jockey outfits added a high-energy blast as they rode bikes like rodeo broncos and doing tricks, all to Britney Spears "Circus". The highlight for me was innovative French circus artist Daniel Cyr, lord of the ring. He took spinning inside an oversized hula hoop that bears his name beyond mere acrobatics to a gorgeous dance with an ending that pulled at my heart strings. It was very poetic.  

Charlie, a lovable pooch,and his handler, Jenny Vidbel elicted many laughs from the audience as they picnicked at Central Park. My daughter was in awe of the ladies dresses, much like they wore in historical England.

The whole family enjoyed the show, as well as many of my readers who saw it already. I highly suggest you see it! Below you can find some discount offers, as low as $10!

*I received complimentary tickets to review the show, but all opinions are my own

DISCOUNTS:

• Atlantix: Tickets are $21.50 for $30-valued tix
• Use promo code “VALUE” and save 25% on select tickets to most performances of Big Apple Circus: Legendarium.
• TravelZoo: Tickets are $10 for $20-valued tickets

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