Last night, Sunday, October 27th, our lovely friends at Big Apple Circus celebrated their official return back to New York City for an opening night fete. The 42nd season kicked off with celebrity guest ringmaster, Neil Patrick Harris. Big Apple Circus also welcomed a new ringmaster, the multi-talented and Brooklyn born, Storm Marrero. This woman can SANG!
The Big Apple Circus tent was filled with many families, celebrities spotted in the audience included Coco Rocha and family, last year’s guest ringmaster Tinsley Mortimer alongside her boyfriend Scott. Mariska Hargitay, Jane Krakowski, David Burtka, Peter Hermann, Lin Manuel Miranda, Alysia Reiner, Laura Benanti, and many more.
No circus is complete without some extremely talented humans, the impressive roster of talent features Dupla Mao Na Roda, an unforgettable strongman routine highlighting the indomitable human spirit, the New York Premiere of the Savitsky Cats, and the Wheel of Death, helmed by Jayson Dominguez, and Aliev Troupe doing Aerial Acrobatics, to name a few. Guest ringmaster, Neil Patrick Harris, got in on the action by completing a spin on the Wheel of Death, flawlessly, if we might add. He also did a few tricks with the adorable Savitsky Cats. Overall, each act was had jaw-dropping moments that we can’t wait to see again.
Keeping in line with the theme, the Big Apple Circus honored some extraordinary New Yorkers for the work they do. Honorees included Victor Calise, the New York Disability Commissioner, Ryan Buggle (Actor, SVU) for his efforts to make dance accessible to all with his Dancing Dreams nonprofit, and Tina Peters, the President of Adoptions alongside Tinsley Mortimer, Rescue Animal Advocate from No Dogs Left Behind.
Before the big show, VIP guests were treated to complimentary cocktails from a master mixologist, Pamela Wiznitzer, as well as some notable New Yorkers:
- Tinsley Mortimer (Real Housewives of New York City, Philanthropist) will be returning to the circus this year with her Apple-tinsley-tini with Revka Vodka, Apple, Lime, Elderflower and Tonic.
- Julie Reiner (Owner of Clover Club, Pegu Club, Leyenda) this award-winning mixologist is giving us Julie’s 3 O’Clock Spritz with Hendrick Gin, Lemon, aperitivo and sparkling wine.
- Selenis Leyva (Orange is the New Black) hailing from the Bronx, Selenis is giving us Selenis’ Spiced Margarita with Milagro Tequila, lime, watermelon, with a spice rim.
- Carla Hall (Top Chef, The Chew, Food Network) is giving us a non-alcoholic option with Carla’s Sweet Tea Soda with Tea, Lemon Syrup, Soda and mint
- Storm Marrero, our amazing ringmaster, is gracing our bar with the Perfect Storm, Tullamore dew, bitters, and sugar.
VIP guests also indulged in treats from Wowfulls, Cookie DŌ Confections, Magnolia Bakery and Chloe’s Fruit, and many, fun, Instagram-worthy moments. Additional sponsors included Sponsors for the evening included Q Sodas, William Grant, and Gallo. A portion of opening night’s proceeds was donated to the Gods Love We Deliver.
For more information and to get your tickets (they’re selling fast), please visit bigapplecircus.com. Cheers to 42 more seasons of the Big Apple Circus!