READING THROUGH an article in The Boston Globe, by Matthew J. Lee, about the current plight of Ringling, there is an implicit sense of failure in the air. A puzzling failure dogging the Greatest Show on Earth as it once more, in the barn for almost a year, tries to concoct yet another performance formula that may fill more seats.
CHILDREN IN PARTICULAR seem to be their greatest concern, as they focus more on teaching them circus skills through You Tube. This, they believe, will grow a bigger fan base for whatever it is they are up to. Not much in the story about the new show, other than that a live DJ will spin poplar music. And that Bailey their bot mutt and a big hit, will be returning. I WONDER WHY? Nothing better illustrates more than a fake dog, the producing timidity behind this strange self-eviscerating makeover. Is that Irvin Feld I hear screaming from his grave?
CONCEDED CEO JULIETTE FELD Grossman to Lee, they face “a bit of an identify problem. We were out of the market for a number of years, and in that time a new generation of kids was born and families found new rhythms and different places to go for their entertainment experiences.When we brought back the touring unit, we had done a lot of soul searching.”
Is the Big Show stuck in the wrong venue?
BIGGER PICTURE: Years ago, a circus could count on a higher percentage of American to patronize it. In Santa Rosa when Polack came to town for two days, up to half the town may have seen it. There still is a market, but apparently not nearly what it was
IF I TOLD YOU that New Ringling drew six to eight thousand people per show in L.A. last summer, you might be impressed. But in the 18,000 seat Crypto arena, the optics were unflattering.
WHEN JOHN RINGLING NORTH ordered the circus indoors back in 1957, a far higher slice of the American landscape still favored circuses. Not so much now. And this may be the Feld's biggest problem – would they, could they to go back under canvas? I doubt it.
“Something New happens roughly every three seconds.”
A TRULY BIZARRE PROMISE from Grossman — is she out of her mind? No, she’s taking a cue from the speed at which her Monster Truck Shows rip and tear. Rapid Ringling, the new rage?
QUERIED ABOUT LAST YEAR'S BUSINESS, answered Grossman “ticket sales were strong for the first tour.” I’ve read that in some of their last dates, they were begging for customers. Scathing Yelp Reviews were of little help.
ABOUT ALL THE NEW CHANGES going on at the circus that no longer dares speak its name, writes a sympathetic Lee, “That hopefully will lead to ticket sales for the show.”
For “the show” — hopefully, if not the circus.
PERSONALLY, I HAVE ALL ALONG believed that Ringling should have led the way in showing America a true circus still, yes, without exotics but with dogs and ponies and camels and horses, etc. They are failing to do what other circuses around the world, such as Zoppe Family, are doing. The irony is that they may be by far the richest organization and have all the resources to do it, including valid experience in putting out one-ring tent editions. We are living through the saddest chapter in Ringling history.
Thanks to Don Covington for the link.
2 comments:
I literally don't know a single soul who has ever been to a circus, and I'm 68
Despite it being well known among my acquaintances that I had a lengthy history in the circus business, I can't remember anyone ever asking me about it. In the past it might have been an interesting novelty, something out or the ordinary, but people really don't care anymore. Youtube is full of people doing incredible things. People used to go to the circus to see incredible things but, honestly how much jaw dropping is there really anymore. People are jaded and saturated with dazzle and they don't even like leaving the house now. People who have never gone to a circus aren't likely to bring their kids either. I really think it's finally grinding towards the finish line for the circus.
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