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Tickets go on sale tomorrow for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s new magic-themed circus, “Illuscination,” the return of the so-called “Greatest Show on Earth” for a second summer in Coney Island.
If you loved the Ringling Bros. “Boom-a-Ring” show last year, too bad because you won’t recognize any of the hair-raising stunts filling the stage at this summer’s extravaganza — except the elephants.
The one-ring action begins in Coney Island on June 17.
“This isn’t so much a circus as a high speed variety show with tons of circus elements,” said ringleader David DaVinci. “There will be lots of illusions, so there will be something for magic fans and circus fans.”
Dream-like events will include a blindfolded acrobat soaring through a ring of 40 sabers ablaze in flames; a trapeze artist who forgoes the wire in favor of her own hair, which will suspend her 35 feet off the ground; and of course, majestic Asian elephants.
To really make this show live up to its Barnum-esque hype, DaVinci will be doing some dare-devilish stunts of his own, like escaping a straight jacket while dangling three stories over a lion’s den.
“I’m afraid of heights,” DaVinci said. “So hanging up there was a personal challenge for me.”
DaVinci won’t be the only one attempting magic.
There’ll also be a special show to commemorate the 200th birthday of legendary P.T. Barnum — the “Barnum” in the Ringling Bros. name.
Other fun events during the two-month run include clown auditions on June 23, and an attempt to break the record for biggest pie-throwing fight on July 20.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s “Illuscination” [Surf Avenue and W. 21 Street in Coney Island, (800) 745-3000], June 17–Sept. 6. Tickets start at $10. For info, visit, www.ringling.com.
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