The Little Circus That Could ... Highest Rated of Them All on Yelp

The Little Circus That Could ... Highest Rated of Them All on Yelp
Currently Reigning Champion at 4-1/2 Stars, Zoppe Family Circus Wins the Crowds with Heart-Warming Tradition

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Morning Midway: Carson & Barnes Snapshot from Colorado

The following comment, by Michael from Longmont, Colorado, was left on the post I put out last year, "Two Views of Carson and Barnes Circus." Michael has just seen the show. Though rather downbeat, it strikes me as an unfortunately accurate reflection of what I've, too, experienced. And it makes me wonder, how does this circus manage to survive, year in and year out?

"Sept. 16, 2010 went to the Carson and Barnes Circus. My wife and I felt bad for the entertainers because you got a feeling that this circus was not going to be around much longer. The show was very poor for adults. My children really enjoyed it. I am glad we had received BOGO on the tickets, otherwise I would have been really disappointed. Half the show had entertaining feats, but the rest seemed to just be going through the motions. We had maybe 100 people attending. The sound system was horrible and way too loud. The only time we understood the ring master was when he was telling Alex no music. This was not my childhood circus and there is only 1 ring now."

2 comments:

Michael Newton-Brown said...

I saw the show in Florida.Alex, the clown is wonderful, and worth the price of admission alone. The sound system needs to be replaced, loud, and muddled. They have a ton of lights, but don't know what to do with them. Huge dark spot from the entrance to the ring. Lights changing for no reason. Just 2 followspots, and some professional cueing would add so much to this show.

Anonymous said...

I saw the show in Nashville. Unfortunately the building inspector didn't show so they took down the tent and performed in the open. I have seen this circus off and on the last 30 years. I disagree with the criticism. The costumes were the best ever. The performers were all top notch. Since there was no tent, the flyers didn't perform. THe show is only missing a good cat act and a good tight rope act.