Hey Kids! The Circus is in Town!

Image courtesy of FELDmedia

The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to the Wachovia Center this week, and there is no explaining the excitement this Phillyist feels to see the big tent go up—or at least get unpacked. This Phillyist is also a fan of lists, so it is with great pleasure that I bring to you...

Five Great Reasons to See the Greatest Show on Earth:

5. Johnathan Lee Iverson
Iverson is the RBB&B's current ring master and the first African American to don the iconic black top hat, charged with being the "the greatest showman on earth." A Harlem Boy's Choir alum before he became the circus's youngest Ringmaster, the guy performed for Presidents Carter through Bush (the sequel) and graduated from the esteemed Hartt School of Music of the University of Hartford. Iverson's been racking up the accolades across the country and Phillyist is excited to see a ringmaster everyone can enjoy roll into town.

4. It's not Cirque du Soleil
In this Phillyist's opinion, no one really likes Cirque du Soleil—and there are only two kinds of people who say they like Cirque du Soleil: those who are trying to impress someone else and the performers actually in the show.

But come on. Tell the truth.

Contortionists are cool for about five minutes—ten if you have a fetish—but after that your mind checks out and you start to wonder if the hot dog vendor outside is still around. No one likes the sad French-Canadian clowns; everyone who sees them gets nightmares.

What we really want to see are tigers, bears that roller-skate, and some chick in a sparkly outfit doing handstands on an elephant. We want to see a two-tier trapeze act and a man teach a tiger who's boss.

3. Figure skating is lame, but motorcycles on fire are cool
Okay, so this Thursday you can:

A. Watch the men's women's figure skating artistic program on NBC; or,
B. Watch the Torres family ride motor cross bikes around a 16 foot steel cage of doom.

It's less of a question and more of an obvious choice.

2. You get to meet an elephant ... for free!
An hour before each show all ticket holders are invited to visit the interactive All Access Pre-Show. There, you can learn circus skills, meet the performers, and get an up-close look at the animal stars. There's also an animal open house where fans can learn more about the circus's attempts to save the endangered Asian elephants at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation. Education and standing two feet away from one of those crazy amazing white tigers—two great tastes that taste great together.

1. Both you and your kids will honestly enjoy the show
It is a very rare and very precious thing when everyone in the family can go somewhere together and have a great time. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the Wachovia Center is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a live theater event that's not dumbed down for anyone's benefit. It's also one of the only venues in town where children are encouraged to scream and throw peanut shells on the floor, and you won't be asked to leave.

The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Wachovia Center
Wednesday, February 24: 7 p.m.
Thursday, February 25: 10:30 a.m., 7 p.m.
Friday, February 26: 10:30 a.m., 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 27: 11 a.m., 3p.m., 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 28: 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10-90