The Big Apple Circus Comes to Queens!

The Big Apple Circus Comes to Queens!

Big Apple Circus presents METAMORPHOSIS

Cunningham Park, Fresh Meadows, Queens

The Mint Chip Mama: The Big Apple Circus Comes to Queens!

It’s Like I Kind Of Joined The Circus

As they say – the more things change the more they stay the same. For me seeing Big Apple Circus’ METAMORPHOSIS –  for the second time this year – was equally enjoyable. In fact more so than at Lincoln Center! If the Big Apple Circus comes to Queens, I’m coming to Queens!

The Mint Chip Mama: The Big Apple Circus Comes to Queens!

There are a few reasons for this.

1. I knew the show so I knew the really cool parts to watch for and not miss. Plus I knew where Francesco the Clown hung out before the performance started!

The Mint Chip Mama: The Big Apple Circus Comes to Queens!

2. My son was older so he was even more into it – if that is possible since he was MESMERIZED last time as well.

The Mint Chip Mama: The Big Apple Circus Comes to Queens!

3. My daughter knew what to expect and was really excited to see her favorite acts again. And in a last minute upset shocked us all by asking for popcorn instead of cotton candy. All she talked about once she knew we were going was the cotton candy. I’m still in shock.

The Mint Chip Mama: The Big Apple Circus Comes to Queens!

4. Queens! Shorter drive; free to park (a huge shout out to the many, many, many “circus parking” signs with arrows plastered from the highway exit to the parking lot); easier to get there; less traffic; and you could even make a day of it in beautiful Cunningham Park if it suited your fancy!

5. We were lucky enough to see one of the first shows featuring the new ringmaster Nelson Lugo – who is filling in for longtime favorite John Kennedy Kane as he recovers. This New York City based actor/magician – with over 20 years performing experience – brought new energy to the show. Plus I like this line from his bio “He is a very happy, excited, and tired guy”. I can relate!

The Mint Chip Mama: The Big Apple Circus Comes to Queens!

Vladimir and Olga Smirnov

I will say this – Vladimir and Olga Smirnov still stole the show in my opinion. Since I knew their act going in I thought I could catch a “tell” or anything that would give me a clue how they change costumes so quickly. But despite my dead-on-no-blinking stare, I was completely stumped. You’d like to think with the death defying trapeze, animal tricks, spaceships and flying humans, quick costume changes would not be the most jaw dropping act but by George, HOW DO THEY DO IT!!!? Seriously, it was so cool. No really, how do they do it? I promise I won’t tell anyone!

The Mint Chip Mama: The Big Apple Circus Comes to Queens!

Photo Credit: Big Apple Circus

Here Til June!

The Big Apple Circus Comes to Queens! METAMORPHOSIS runs through Sunday, June 14th under the Big Top at Cunningham Park, Queens (196-22 Union Turnpike, just west of Francis Lewis Boulevard, in Fresh Meadows).

Tickets for METAMORPHOSIS start at $20 and are available at www.bigapplecircus.org or by calling (888) 541-3750. NEW THIS SEASON! Wednesday Family shows at 11am and 6:30pm: BOGO – Buy One ticket, Get One free for a special 75-minute version of METAMORPHOSIS (no intermission). ***For all shows children under three are free if they sit on the lap of a paid adult, one child per lap.***

I’m happy to offer my readers 20% off their whole purchase using promo code APPLE (Limited availability, offer good on select seats and shows, other conditions apply.)

The Circus Box Office, located in front of the Big Top is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am – 8pm, and Saturday through Monday from 10am – 6pm (or to 8pm on weekend days when there is a 7pm performance). There is no service charge for tickets purchased at the box office.

Five Star Big Top

The Big Top is air-conditioned in warm weather for all-season comfort! The show’s running time is about two hours, including a fifteen-minute intermission. For more ticket information, group sales, inquiries about wheelchair-accessible seating, or for additional information, please call the Ticket Info Line at (800) 922-3772.

Why The Big Apple Circus Is So Much More Than A Circus

Once again I want to share all the good that Big Apple Circus (a not-for-profit performing arts and outreach institution committed to invigorating the communities they serve with the joy and wonder of classical circus) does for the community. At the center of the big apple, is a big heart. I like supporting companies that give back and reading about all of these different programs simply blew me away.

Tax-deductible contributions made by corporations, foundations and individuals enable Big Apple Circus to bring its special magic to diverse audiences through its outreach programs including:

Clown Care, Circus After School, And More!

Clown Care the signature community outreach program of the Big Apple Circus, brings the joy of classical circus to hospitalized children at 16 leading pediatric facilities across the United States.

Vaudeville Caravan brings the uplifting power of the circus to delight the residents of nursing care facilities.

Circus After School provide a unique opportunity for at-risk youth to develop life-enhancing skills such as teamwork, commitment, and responsible risk-taking through a structured program of learning and performing the circus arts.

Circus For All!® annually distributes more than 50,000 free and discounted tickets to public and private schools and not-for-profit organizations serving disadvantaged children, families, and the elderly.

Circus of the Senses® a unique performance that enables children and adults with vision or hearing impairments and other disabilities to experience the magic and joy of the circus.

Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism! for these performances, Big Apple Circus worked with renowned ASD experts to adapt Metamorphosis for families with members on the spectrum.  The adapted show includes the same world-class artistry as the full performance only with a shorter running time, adjusted lighting and sound, calming centers, pictorial social narratives and plenty of folks to assist in creating a memorable event for all!

Ticket Giveaway!

Win two tickets for the Big Apple Circus!

Friday, June 12th at 6:30pm

To win, answer the following question:

Name one of the performers and/or acts from this year’s METAMORPHOSIS cast!

Winner will be chosen Saturday, June 6th, 2015 at 5pm.

Published by Stacey Wallenstein

Stacey Gish Wallenstein created The Mint Chip Mama blog in 2013 to share her love and passion for giving children meaningful life experiences and helping moms like her navigate the challenges and benefits of raising children in the New York metropolitan area. Before becoming a full-time mom in 2010, Stacey spent the better part of the preceding decade as a high-end customer relationship management (CRM) professional for some of the most well-known brands in the hotel, luxury, fashion, and beauty industries, such as Harrah’s Entertainment, Chanel and Christian Dior, Inc. She managed customer loyalty programs for thousands of clients around the country and created social media strategies for a span of industries including healthcare services, restaurants, consumer packaged goods, specialty foods, local attractions and retail locations. After 13 wonderful years in Manhattan (the last three of which spent as a city mom), Stacey and her husband moved to Long Island in 2014, where they now reside with their three children (13, 10, and 7). There, she is a founding member of her local Parenting Center, which provides classes and coordinates events designed to educate and inform parents while fostering an environment of support and friendship within the community. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Stacey has been active in the New York area alumni organization for nearly twenty years, serving as a board member on the school’s University of Michigan Alumni Club of New York City. She also holds a Masters in Psychology from The New School in New York City. Please check out The Mint Chip Mama in the Press: The New York Post, Psychology Today, NY Metro Parents, New York Family, Parents Magazine, Newsday, News 12, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt: Kids, NerdWallet, Big Apple Kids Guide, and more! The Mint Chip Mama was also nominated as "The Best Blog On Long Island" for 2022, 2023, 2024, one of the Top 20 New York Mom Blogs & Websites, and one of the Top 100 Mom Lifestyle Blogs on the web! For more updates, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Pinterest.

5 thoughts on “The Big Apple Circus Comes to Queens!

  1. Reblogged this on The Mint Chip Mama and commented:

    #SavetheBAC
    Just read some sad news. The amazing Big Apple Circus may be closing due to a lack of funds. Sharing my post from last year including a few of their amazing non-profit programs. If you also love the Big Apple Circus please consider donating to help them stay open!

    The Big Apple Circus founders Paul Binder and Michael Christensen will make a special appearance on Sunday, June 12th, at 3pm appealing to the audience for its support and thanking them for their loyalty over the last 38 years.

    A nonprofit organization, it also serves children in hospitals, seniors and others with special needs. It recently announced that a $2 million deficit has left it in critical condition and in danger of having to close the Circus for good after this final show of its season.

Leave a Reply

%d