SALT LAKE CITY — The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Xtreme is not your grandmother's circus event, according to the clown boss working the circus this year.
"This is a brand-new edition of a circus," said Taylor Albin, who's been with the circus for the past six years. "This circus has a lot of firsts and never-done-before acts. I love it."
There are "oodles of poodles"; a strong man act where people are tossed back and forth from a human pyramid; a freestyle display of high-wire acrobatics; gymnasts; bungee skydivers; and artists on a trampoline. Champion BMX stunt riders are also part of the fare.
The performing Asian elephants are still with the circus, as is Taba and his Bengal tigers. (In 2018, the elephants will become part of an Asian elephant conservation program.)
Mongolian artists ride a caravan of six twin-humped Bactrian camels in a one-of-a-kind act.
"There's something for all ages," Albin said. "For youngsters and grandparents, everybody. It's pretty extreme."
At one point, Mabel the elephant paints a picture.
"It's literally three rings of action all the time," Albin said. "There are moments when the entire stage area is full and moments when you're free to focus on one act. It's really nonstop."
Albin said ticket holders should come an hour early to take advantage of the all-access pre-show and animal show that include participatory opportunities like playing tug-of-war with the strong men, a chance to win a clown nose and the chance to try on circus costumes.
With ringmaster David Shipman guiding, more than 100 performers from 13 countries take part in the 145th edition of the Ringling Bros. famous circus.
To visit the circus backstage, log on from an iPhone or Android smartphone to become a VIP Circus Insider at ringlingbros.expapp.com.
If you go ...
What: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Xtreme
Where: EnergySolutions Arena, 301 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 24; 3:30 and 7 p.m. Sept. 25; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sept. 26; 1, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Sept. 27; 7 p.m. Sept. 28 (pre-shows start at 6 p.m.)
Tickets: From $20-$70; available at SmithsTix.com, at the box office or by phone at 801-355-7328.
Sharon Haddock is a professional writer with more than 35 years' experience, 17 at the Deseret News. Her personal blog is at sharonhaddock.blogspot.com.
Email: haddoc@deseretnews.com