Ringling Bros. are back in the spotlight

Since it is a must, the show is going on for Manatee County-based Feld Entertainment — which announced ticket sales are now live for the 2023 North American tour of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s “The Greatest Show On Earth.”  

The show kicks off in September on a 50-city tour of North America. A stop in Tampa is planned in January 2024 at Amalie Arena. 

The news comes after a few years of uncertainty. 

The original Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus show ran for 146 years. In 2016, Feld Entertainment, which owns the Ringling brand, removed the elephants from the show, which caused a larger drop in ticket sales than was expected. The show shut down officially in 2017.

The show is coming back this year without the circus.

“The Greatest Show On Earth” will instead feature high-wire, trapeze and bicycle acts; comedy; and musical performances, combined with aerial artistry and more.

“We’re reintroducing Ringling at a time when families are seeking shared entertainment experiences that provide joy, connection and moments of togetherness,” Kenneth Feld, chair and CEO of Feld Entertainment, says in a release. “To redefine Ringling for today’s audiences, we started with a blank slate and evolved all aspects from production to performance to meet the needs of modern families, ultimately creating a massive playground that delivers an incredible and unique performance that can only be called 'The Greatest Show On Earth.'”

Putting together the cast of 75 performers was no easy task. Through a global talent search, the performers represent 18 countries with talents that span aerial, acrobatics, comedy and world dance. 

Feld Entertainment has also upped the technology with additions like sonic spatial technology that adds directional sound in specific parts of the arena and a spotlight tracking system. 

“The new entertainment experience will present a phenomenal scale of wow and wonder that only Ringling can deliver and is designed for families to leave inspired, energized, and filled with memories to last a lifetime,” says Juliette Feld Grossman, COO of Feld Entertainment and the show’s producer. 

Feld Entertainment has a huge berth of companies under its umbrella including Monster Jam, Disney On Ice, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Jurassic World Live Tour, Monster Energy AMA Supercross and the SuperMotocross World Championship.