THE CIRCUS IS COMING TO TOWN

January 20, 2017 marks the opening of the new “Greatest Show On Earth.”

After 146 years in existence, Feld Entertainment has announced that the Ringling Brothers, and Barnum and Bailey Circus will close in May. They can no longer compete with the jugglers, clowns and wild animal acts in the U.S. Congress.

PETA got its way, and the elephants are now taking over the circus.  Hanging onto each other’s tails, they will march in lockstep--- around and around—making circles in the dust around their handlers. The new Ding-a-ling Ring Master, with a trumpet call, plans to surprise his audiences all over the world with his ever-changing acts that will play in portable collapsible tents.

Of course, high operating costs are always a concern for a new business venture (just ask any lying-tamer) so it is inevitable that the price of tickets will go up.

The Ringling Bothers, and Barnum and Bailey Circus survived two World Wars. It affected America’s culture. The new Greatest Show on Earth hopes to have the same impact. When the Circus used to come to town, schools were closed, and all the schoolchildren were standing at the curb watching the entertainers pass them by. The new show can certainly do that!

And, as Congress does their Shutdown Healthcare Act, let’s hope they have a safety net under that high wire.

With all that in mind, remember that the true spirit of the Circus will never die. However, it’s probably a good idea to duck when the political acrobats fly from hand to hand over our heads.

Esther Blumenfeld