COLUMBUS, Ohio — For the first time since 2017, The Greatest Show on Earth is back on the road and performing in Columbus.
The all-new Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus are coming to The Schottenstein Center this weekend.
It will be their first visit to central Ohio since going on hiatus seven years ago under pressure from animal rights groups to stop forcing animals to perform in their shows. According to the circus, their reimagined show will now put awe-inspiring human acts in the spotlight.
“It’s been a couple of years since we’ve been on the road so, obviously we’ve got to come with an exciting, very fun show,” said Alex Stickels, show guide and drummer for the show. “So we’re trying to stay modern and really kind of bring the story into the 21st century. We’re using a lot of technology; we’re focusing on human accomplishments.”
Earlier this week, the Ringling Bros. performers met with up-and-coming central Ohio acrobats at local circus school Aerotique Columbus. The pros demonstrated some of their high-flying techniques before inviting students to give it a try for themselves. This was a connection the performers see as vital to the future of the show.
“It’s really important for us anywhere we go to really connect with kids who are learning or interested in these kinds of skills, working with them, [and] showing them that really anything is possible,” said Stickels. “Here’s how you can take actionable steps to get better, see growth and really explore your interest in the circus.”
Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey visit The Schott from May 10 through May 12.
For showtimes and ticket information, click here.