The New York-based Big Apple Circus returns to Boston after a five-year absence. From now until Nov. 2, the Big Top will stake its tent at Suffolk Downs in East Boston with the goal of dazzling audiences of all ages as they witness human connection and artistry by performers from the Americas, Europe and Asia.
Viewers can expect awe-inducing acrobatics from the Nicolodi Brothers and the Kung Fu Boys, amazing aerials by The Flying Caceres and a thrilling trapeze act by Alexander Lichner.
At 31, Lichner, from Madrid, is a two-time Guinness World Record holder in the art of trapeze. He has been training and performing for 15 years. On the phone during a rehearsal break, he said one skill that audience members can look forward to is his dental stand on a trapeze. He describes it as “making a handstand but only with teeth, no hands and hanging about 8 meters in the air.”
Lichner says that in addition to the tricks and skills artists perform there’s something very inclusive about circus life. “Circus people belong to the world. We are mixed from everywhere,” he said. “That’s a good thing about the circus. It’s no borders, no cultural fights, no religious fights. We are all a big family.”
Two acts in the lineup are from opposing countries embroiled in war: The Bingo Troupe is from Ukraine and Nikishkin hails from Russia. Lichner says that behind the scenes is much calmer than one might expect.
Paralleling the theme of human connection, the Big Apple Circus is partnering with The Vazquez Family. The Vazquez Family is a Mexican circus family that created Circo Hermanos Vazquez in Mexico City in 1969. By 1994, their show made it to the United States and has been touring the country ever since to largely Hispanic audiences.
Alexa Vazquez is a trained aerialist and granddaughter of the Circus Vazquez founders. Vazquez said over the phone that the partnership with Big Apple Circus has been an eye-opening lesson in inclusivity.
“Working with the Big Apple Circus has opened up so many other doors because for Vazquez, we’re more catered to the Hispanic side of the community. We’ve been trying to cross over and make it more open where you don’t have to understand Spanish to see the show. And with Big Apple, we’ve seen that they literally cater to everyone.”
Joe Gold, founder of Big Apple partner The Gold Group, is a veteran in the circus business, having worked with Ringling Bros. for almost 20 years. He explained during a phone interview that there are different types of circuses. There are spectacle circuses like Cirque du Soleil with great acts and elaborate costumes and production quality. Then there are traditional or classical circuses like the Big Apple Circus, which are usually circular in shape, with a ringmaster, and the focus being on death-defying and amazing performances.
“When you come see the Big Apple what you’re seeing is what used to be referred to as a traditional European show. It values the act so you’re able to focus your attention on that one act,” Gold said. “And what that act is actually doing is death-defying or humor. It’s a sort of skill that you can appreciate and not see anywhere else.”
Gold confirmed that there are no wild animals in the show. Massachusetts passed a law, effective Jan. 1, banning “elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows.” According to Governor Maura Healy’s office, Massachusetts was the sixth state in the nation to ban wild animals in shows, following states like New Jersey and Hawai’i. The Big Apple circus stopped using wild animals in its shows in 2017; only rescue dogs, horses and ponies are used.
While circuses of years past were known for the presence of wild animals, contemporary circuses are all about highlighting human feats while making us laugh and bringing audiences together.
“We make people happy.
That’s our job,” Lichner said. “People come to see the show for two hours. They sit with us. They forget about their problems. That’s what I want to share with people.”
Vazquez said, “I always say for the Big Apple or any show that’s a circus show, it’s the oldest form of entertainment we have that hasn’t changed the way it is. It’s entertainment that you can still enjoy with your whole family.”
ON THE WEB
Purchase tickets at bigapplecircus.com