The Big Apple Circus has returned to Lincoln Center for a limited engagement. Every year the Big Apple Circus delights thousands of happy patrons here in New York City. This year, the production celebrates its 41st year of entertaining the young and the young at heart. We attended one of their shows, four long years ago, check out our coverage here. This year, we were granted the opportunity to witness opening night in all its splendor. For the opening performance, ringmaster Stephanie Monseu shared her duties with socialite and reality star Tinsley Mortimer. Fans know Mortimer from Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York City series. Other opening night celebrity guests included: model Coco Rocha, Actors Lesli Margherita and Constantine Maroulis, TV Personality Kristen Taekman, and many more. Mortimer’s castmates Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan, and Ramona Singer were also in attendance to lend their support to their dear friend Tinsley.
Mortimer had the honorable task of opening the show. She wowed the audience and surprised many with a daring entrance floating down from the ceiling on a swing. After a graceful dismount, and quick intro she turned the show over to Monseau for the remainder of the evening. Monseau is a 25 year veteran of the circus life and valiant show woman. She joined the cast this year and will hopefully stick around for many years to come. The show is broken into two parts with a brief intermission in between. Intermission is the perfect time to take advantage of their delicious concession stand or pick up a few souvenirs.
This circus is a nonstop spectacle of human skill and dexterity with a few furry surprises. The performances are a collection of aerial stunts, acrobatics, and feats of strength with a few comedic moments woven in between. Adam Kuchler and Mark Gindisk are the resident “clowns” keeping the audience in stitches between sets. Kuchler and Gindisk represent a new era in clowning tossing out the antiquated, and let’s be honest, creepy greasepaint and replacing it with big smiles and over the top personality. Their routines are a fun and engaging distraction as crew members set up for the next act. One of our favorite acts of the evening was the Aerial Strap performance “Desire of Flight” featuring Valeriy Sychev and Ekaterina Stepanova. It was a beautiful display of artistry and strength as the couple floated above the audience on a silken black ribbon. The grand finale features The Flying Tuniziani, a third-generation circus family hailing from Venezuela. The troupe does an amazing job on the flying trapeze.
The entire show takes place in one ring a mere 50 feet from the farthest seat. It is a breathtaking immersive experience that is entertaining for all ages. Like we said four years ago, there is no bad seat in the arena. You can witness this spectacular evening for yourself from now until January 27, 2019, at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park.
For ticket info visit BigAppleCircus.com.