The Big Apple Circus Comes to Queens!
Big Apple Circus presents METAMORPHOSIS
Cunningham Park, Fresh Meadows, 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!
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!
2. My son was older so he was even more into it – if that is possible since he was MESMERIZED last time as well.
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.
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!
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!
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.
ODBASAYAKH – CONTORTION
Congrats Kelly, you win!
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.