Big Apple Circus returned to NYC- the Ringmaster let us in on their secrets

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I hadn’t set foot in a circus since I was five-years-old.

Back in the day, it was mostly caged animals, a couple of clowns and a slew of struggling-juggling acts. Even then, I was probably most excited at the thought of getting my hands on a sno-cone or bag of popcorn.

Flash forward to 2025: Much has changed with the circus and my taste. So, when I heard the Big Apple Circus was landing in Manhattan from November through Jan. 4, 2026, I had to see what all the fuss was all about. Besides, my thrill-seeking toddler loves to see a stunt or two, and I’d always been curious about the gigantic white tent perched in Damrosch Park.

On opening weekend, we trekked to Lincoln Center and stepped beneath the dome. To my relief (and toddler’s delight), it was a wonderland of snacks and merch: complete with cocktails for the adults and popcorn buckets — fortunately, enough to share. After fueling up and indulging her with a glow stick, we snagged front-and-center seats. Smack dab in the middle of the chaos.

The show didn’t waste a second. Within moments, acrobats were soaring through the air and sparkling dancers flipped and twirled as beams of lights sliced through the tent like neon lasers. I was so glued to the performers that (for just a moment) I almost forgot about my kid, whose eyes were bulging, and jaw was lost somewhere on the floor.

You see a lot in NYC, but never a big-top spectacle quite like this.

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A wildly amusing sequence unfolded as Johnny Rico, the circus’ star entertainer (calling him a clown is a disservice), pulled audience members into side-splitting antics between acts. There was a re-enactment of a royal slaying, a mischievous musical number and my personal favorite: a cheeky water stunt that had the whole tent roaring.

Said gag found Rico chugging H2O, filling his cheeks to the brim and spitting the liquid into the air like a human sprinkler system. He teased the crowd as if to release his drink at us … before bringing a little boy onstage who didn’t get the “fake it” memo and ended up drenching a grumpy old man in the front row. I would’ve pay top-dollar for that act alone, and it wasn’t even on the program.

A classic lesson from childhood: ask forgiveness, not permission.

The canine act was also a complete riot, featuring a posse of fluffy pups jump-roping, sliding, backflipping and yes, casually walking (and hopping) on their hind legs human-style. At some point, I had to blink to make sure it wasn’t one of those bizarre AI videos. Apparently it wasn’t, and, unsurprisingly, now, my daughter wants our helpless hound to do the same tricks at home. Sorry, Trippie. Promise it won’t happen again.

I nearly thought the dogs had the humans beat…. until world-class trapeze artist Alexander Lichner emerged from the smoke. The Guinness World Record holder sent chills down my spine as he spun from a rope twisted between his teeth. The energy of his act, and every act, was magnified by a live orchestra, whose chilling sound made each cinematic moment feel more like a scene from a movie than real life.

Equally mind-bending was a trio of contortionists who appeared spineless as they twisted their bodies into human-donuts and other seemingly impossible shapes. Following them, the Kung Fu Boys from China, performed several daredevil feats. Most notable was when the squad stacked headstands atop one another and leapt (and landed) from a very vulnerable position in mid-air. My neck ached just watching.

And here I was, thinking that my laptop job was tough enough.

From my vantage point, the Big Apple Circus was a magical and dazzling spectacle for adults and children alike, and I’m admittedly still barely scratching the surface of all the wonder on display.

To get an inside look, I reached out to Ringmaster Brett Alters with a few of my burning questions.

What is it like to bring the circus to New York City?
There’s truly nothing like bringing the Big Apple Circus home. This is where it all began nearly five decades ago, and you can feel that history in the air the moment the tent goes up at Lincoln Center. New Yorkers have an electric energy unlike anywhere else, but they’re also a tough audience. That’s what makes performing here so special. When you win them over, you really feel it. The laughter, the gasps, the applause… it’s like the heartbeat of the city itself echoing through the Big Top.

As the Ringmaster, what’s the most challenging part of keeping everything running smoothly?
The circus might look effortless from the audience, but behind the scenes, it’s a dance of precision. You’ve got acrobats soaring, clowns tumbling, lights, music, even dogs all working in perfect harmony. My job is to keep that rhythm flowing, to make sure each performer shines and every moment feels magical. The biggest challenge? Timing. The show is alive… one beat off, and you can feel it. But when everything clicks, it’s pure magic.

The Circus has a long history. What do you think keeps the magic of the circus alive?
The secret to the circus’s longevity is its humanity. In a world full of screens and technology, the circus is one of the few places where you witness real people doing extraordinary things live, right in front of your eyes. No edits, no CGI, just heart, skill, and courage. That connection between performer and audience is timeless. It’s why families keep coming back generation after generation.

What’s your favorite act, and why does it amaze you?
Oh, that’s like asking a parent to pick their favorite child! But if I had to choose, I’d say The Flying Maluendas. Watching them soar through the air, flipping, twisting, catching each other mid-flight, is breathtaking. You feel the risk, the trust, the artistry. They represent everything the circus stands for: courage, connection, and the beauty of pushing the limits of what’s humanly possible.

Do you recommend the Circus for all ages?
Without a doubt! The Big Apple Circus is truly for everyone. Kids are mesmerized by the colors, the comedy, and the daring stunts. Adults rediscover that sense of wonder they might’ve forgotten they had. And grandparents? They see echoes of the circuses they grew up with reimagined for today. It’s one of those rare experiences that bridges generations and lets everyone in the tent feel like a kid again.

Any special fan reactions you’ve heard that have stuck with you after a show?
One night after a performance, a father came up to me with his little girl. She was still holding her popcorn and had glitter on her face from one of our confetti blasts. He said, “You just gave my daughter her first memory she’ll never forget.” That hit me hard. Because that’s what we do it for, those moments of joy, awe, and connection that last long after the tent comes down.