"Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls of all ages!
Welcome to the Greatest Show on EARTH!"
...and I truly believe...it just.might.be.
I can't remember when any of us were more entertained and more excited than attending the Ringling Bros. Circus at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL this past Thursday. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of giving away a family set of tickets to one of my lucky blog readers. I can't WAIT to hear how Cassondra (@purplepassion12) and her family enjoyed their show. I just KNOW they will find it equally amazing as we did.
During the few days leading up to our circus date, I found myself feeling that childhood anxiousness about the show. Probably more than my son, I just could not wait! The last time I (or my husband) saw a circus...maybe 25 to 28 years ago? Whoa. Has it really been THAT long? It was definitely time.
Despite the fact that ou
r IPass wouldn't register in time for our trip, we got stuck in Chicago rush hour traffic (for you locals, you KNOW how that is), we parked on the wrong side of the arena AND came in about 15 minutes late - we still had some of the best seats in the house - row A, seats 1,2,3 & 4. The kids were IMMEDIATELY enthralled with the artists hanging from ribbons; wildly spinning over their heads. They wouldn't even take time to remove their jackets. So, there they sat, wide eyed, zipped up to their eyeballs through the entire first act.
Not long after the first fliers ended, a young lady from the show came up and asked us if we wanted to help out with a magic trick! Of course, if you know me, I'm never one to turn down an opportunity. And Maria, she is a natural performer (whom has now informed her mother that she wants to join the circus when she gets older.) We really didn't know what to expect though were totally on board for whatever came our way. They took Maria and dressed her in a magical wizard outfit (she even got to keep the hat!) A clown asked the three adults, "which one of you wants to be shot out of a cannon?" Guess who raised her hand! Yup! Well, he led me away. All the while, I started thinking, "He never said I WASN'T going to be shot out of a cannon!" At that point, I started second guessing myself. Well, of course, I didn't become a hot, flying mess - but I WAS going to be levitated...and Maria was going to be the one to do it! And...she DID! I bet you are wondering how it was done? Right?
Two words: Circus. Magic. *wink*
Ta-Da!
(thanks to Michelle for two of these pictures: above and the one to the left)
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Zing Zang Zoom show not only combined upbeat music, costumes and technology, it also displayed the traditional aspects of a circus that I really appreciated. A live band with more clowns than you can shake a stick at, meshed with: High-wire acts,
Illusions,
Human Cannonballs,
and Rings of Fire - all made this a treat for our souls!
Oh...and you are wondering about the beautiful, amazing animals? Can you say zebras, horses and dogs (did you know that the performing dogs have all been rescued from pounds and homes that couldn't keep them?)
And Elephants!
And we can't forget about the trained, but not tame, tigers!
What a difficult time I had trying to decide which pictures to post...and they don't even do the performance justice. The entire show was so fast paced, spreading your focus all across the arena, consistently grabbing your attention with the next amazing feat.
Out of all of the different acts, I think the kids were most thrilled with the Fernandez Brothers and their Dueling Wheels. I even found myself on the edge of the seat several times, stomach in nervous knots. Clapping, jumping and squealing, the kids could not contain their excitement.
Even more than the tiger's snarl, more than the smoke and mirrors and bigger than the biggest of elephants - were the memories and smiles this show provided for not only these children, but young (and old) ones all over the world.
Thank you Feld Entertainment and Mom Central for providing affordable, quality entertainment for families like mine!
So, now that you are so very jealous of our circus experience...you can get tickets of your own!
Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 (Valid Monday-Thursday and Friday Matinees, excluding holidays) and save $4 on all weekend shows by logging onto Ticketmaster and entering the coupon code: MOM * - this code is good for any show near you (not just Chicago.)
*Use promotional code MOM when purchasing tickets at Arena Box Offices, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Enter code in the "MC Promotions Box" on Ticketmaster. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required. Not valid on Circus Celebrity, Frong Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply.
Grab your popcorn and peanuts...and enjoy the show!
Welcome to the Greatest Show on EARTH!"
...and I truly believe...it just.might.be.
I can't remember when any of us were more entertained and more excited than attending the Ringling Bros. Circus at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL this past Thursday. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of giving away a family set of tickets to one of my lucky blog readers. I can't WAIT to hear how Cassondra (@purplepassion12) and her family enjoyed their show. I just KNOW they will find it equally amazing as we did.
During the few days leading up to our circus date, I found myself feeling that childhood anxiousness about the show. Probably more than my son, I just could not wait! The last time I (or my husband) saw a circus...maybe 25 to 28 years ago? Whoa. Has it really been THAT long? It was definitely time.
Despite the fact that ou
r IPass wouldn't register in time for our trip, we got stuck in Chicago rush hour traffic (for you locals, you KNOW how that is), we parked on the wrong side of the arena AND came in about 15 minutes late - we still had some of the best seats in the house - row A, seats 1,2,3 & 4. The kids were IMMEDIATELY enthralled with the artists hanging from ribbons; wildly spinning over their heads. They wouldn't even take time to remove their jackets. So, there they sat, wide eyed, zipped up to their eyeballs through the entire first act. 
Not long after the first fliers ended, a young lady from the show came up and asked us if we wanted to help out with a magic trick! Of course, if you know me, I'm never one to turn down an opportunity. And Maria, she is a natural performer (whom has now informed her mother that she wants to join the circus when she gets older.) We really didn't know what to expect though were totally on board for whatever came our way. They took Maria and dressed her in a magical wizard outfit (she even got to keep the hat!) A clown asked the three adults, "which one of you wants to be shot out of a cannon?" Guess who raised her hand! Yup! Well, he led me away. All the while, I started thinking, "He never said I WASN'T going to be shot out of a cannon!" At that point, I started second guessing myself. Well, of course, I didn't become a hot, flying mess - but I WAS going to be levitated...and Maria was going to be the one to do it! And...she DID! I bet you are wondering how it was done? Right?
Two words: Circus. Magic. *wink*Ta-Da! (thanks to Michelle for two of these pictures: above and the one to the left)
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Zing Zang Zoom show not only combined upbeat music, costumes and technology, it also displayed the traditional aspects of a circus that I really appreciated. A live band with more clowns than you can shake a stick at, meshed with: High-wire acts,
Illusions,
Human Cannonballs,
and Rings of Fire - all made this a treat for our souls!
Oh...and you are wondering about the beautiful, amazing animals? Can you say zebras, horses and dogs (did you know that the performing dogs have all been rescued from pounds and homes that couldn't keep them?)
And Elephants!
And we can't forget about the trained, but not tame, tigers!
What a difficult time I had trying to decide which pictures to post...and they don't even do the performance justice. The entire show was so fast paced, spreading your focus all across the arena, consistently grabbing your attention with the next amazing feat. Out of all of the different acts, I think the kids were most thrilled with the Fernandez Brothers and their Dueling Wheels. I even found myself on the edge of the seat several times, stomach in nervous knots. Clapping, jumping and squealing, the kids could not contain their excitement.
Even more than the tiger's snarl, more than the smoke and mirrors and bigger than the biggest of elephants - were the memories and smiles this show provided for not only these children, but young (and old) ones all over the world.
Thank you Feld Entertainment and Mom Central for providing affordable, quality entertainment for families like mine! So, now that you are so very jealous of our circus experience...you can get tickets of your own!
Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 (Valid Monday-Thursday and Friday Matinees, excluding holidays) and save $4 on all weekend shows by logging onto Ticketmaster and entering the coupon code: MOM * - this code is good for any show near you (not just Chicago.)
*Use promotional code MOM when purchasing tickets at Arena Box Offices, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Enter code in the "MC Promotions Box" on Ticketmaster. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required. Not valid on Circus Celebrity, Frong Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply.
The Chicago event has two venues:
Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL
November 5-15, 2009
Wed. Nov. 11 - 7:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 12 - 7:00 pm
Fri. Nov. 13 - 7:00 pm
Sat. Nov. 14 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 15 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
United Center in Chicago, IL
November 17 - 29, 2009
Tues. Nov. 17 - Community Night
Wed. Nov. 18 - 7:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 19 - 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
Fri. Nov. 20 - 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
Sat. Nov. 21 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 22 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Tues. Nov. 24 - 7:00 pm
Wed. Nov. 25 - 7:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 26 - Thanksgiving
Fri. Nov. 27 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sat. Nov. 28 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 29 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL
November 5-15, 2009
Wed. Nov. 11 - 7:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 12 - 7:00 pm
Fri. Nov. 13 - 7:00 pm
Sat. Nov. 14 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 15 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
United Center in Chicago, IL
November 17 - 29, 2009
Tues. Nov. 17 - Community Night
Wed. Nov. 18 - 7:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 19 - 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
Fri. Nov. 20 - 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
Sat. Nov. 21 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 22 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Tues. Nov. 24 - 7:00 pm
Wed. Nov. 25 - 7:00 pm
Thurs. Nov. 26 - Thanksgiving
Fri. Nov. 27 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sat. Nov. 28 - 11:30 am, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 29 - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Grab your popcorn and peanuts...and enjoy the show!
No comments:
Post a Comment