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Big Apple Circus “Luminocity” is a Crowd Pleaser

December 24, 2013 by Lance Somerfeld

Lance & family at Big Apple Circus
Lance and family enjoying the Big Apple Circus

Every family has their rituals, routines, and traditions.  As a child, going to the circus each year with my family was one of our favorite family traditions.  The excitement, action, and death defying thrills, overpriced snacks and light-up toys all made for amazing memories.

Like enjoying a hot fudge sundae, we settled into our awesome seats (every seat is within a 50 feet of the ring) with a tub of popcorn bigger than we could ever conquer to be thrilled, dazzled, and entertained.  The Big Apple Circus was an absolute crowd pleaser and Luminocity is better than anything they’ve done in recent memory.

The performance takes us to Times Square with clowns and performance artists doubling as tourists and construction workers.  The charismatic Ring Master set the tone as we braced for the roller coaster ride we’re about to embark on.  Two construction workers peel away from the group and take center stage. Without props, the acrobat-duo immediately captivate the audience with their “Superman” strength and leave us all wondering how the heck they can do that.

The two-hour circus performance provided standard fare like juggling, animal acts, and clown vignettes.  In fact, our family got pulled into the action when the clown tossed his hat into the crowd like a frisbee. My sporting event reflexes kicked in and I leaped into the air of our section to snatch it like I would grab a foul ball in the stands of Yankee Stadium.  My little guy thought we got to keep it, but was just as excited to whirl it back to the clown in the ring.

As expected, we were catapulted through a petri dish of spectacular performances.  The highlight for my son was watching the two performers suspended in mid-air on the high wire.  He was sitting at the edge of his seat staring in amazement as they balanced, danced, and leaped from one side to the other.  The “Mongolian Angels” swinging on the trapeze was a close second.  I think the balance of sincere concern for the performers safety coupled with their thrill seeking acts in the air was a winning combination for the little guy.

The highlight for my wife was the “Dosov Troupe” bouncing off a Teeter-Board (looks like a seesaw) and soaring through the air. These acrobats were flipping, twisting, and twirling like Olympic Gymnastic Champions.  And, just when you thought they couldn’t jump any higher or add another twist – they proved you wrong.  It was incredible to watch and we loved every minute of it!

Overall, there were lots of wonderful moments that happened at the Big Apple Circus.  Consequently, my highlight was enjoying the whole experience together as a family.  Plus, it was pretty cool the next day, when my son wanted to create a picture book together – “The Circus Book.” (See picture)

The Big Apple Circus is playing at Lincoln Center through January 12.  BIGAPPLE is their general promo code to save 20% off tickets during the Lincoln Center run.*

For their New Year’s show only, children between the ages of 3 and 11 are 50% off with the promo code CHILD. Patrons ages 12 and up can use promo code NYESAVE for 20% off tickets.*
*Limited availability. Offer good on select seats and shows. Other conditions apply.

Standing outside the big top at Lincoln Center
Big Apple Circus
The picture book Lance’s son made after the circus

**We received a set of complimentary tickets in exchange for writing a review.  As usual, this blog post includes my own opinions, and has not been influenced by receiving comped tickets.

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Filed Under: entertainment, events, NYC Tagged With: Big Apple Circus, sponsored event / post

About Lance Somerfeld

Lance Somerfeld, co-founder of City Dads Group, lives with his wife and two children in New York City. He frequently contributes to the conversation about modern fatherhood, work-life balance, shifting gender roles, and brand’s marketing to dads. He has appeared on local and national television, including CNN, Today and Katie. He has been quoted by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, GQ, Parenting and The Atlantic.

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