Ringling Bros. declare war on boredom

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey have declared war on boredom, enlisting the help of the “superheroes” to entertain Tallahassee residents in the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center this week.

The show, called “Super Circus Heroes,” will feature high-flying acrobatics, motorcycle stunts and animal performances from elephants, horses and more.

Tour Coordinator Claire Redding said Super Circus Heroes is a fast-paced, brand new show containing unique performances with a superhero theme.

She added that she expects the audience to have a fun time and the performances to leave a long-lasting impression on the attendants.

“We hope that we become part of their lifetime memories,” Redding said. “Everybody is hectic in this life, so for a family to find time to get together and not think of anything else but just to relax and enjoy each other, that’s very fulfilling for us.”

There are more 100 cast and crew members in Super Circus Heroes, which is a one-ring “Gold” show. There are also “Red” and “Blue” shows in the Ringling Brothers circus performances, and each contains three rings and different acts.

Cathy Carden, an animal trainer and performer for the show, said she prefers the smaller yet more “intimate setting.”

“And this is the best ‘Gold’ show that’s ever been,” Carden said. “For that one ring, we take all the best stuff. The audience can get a lot closer here. It’s nicer for the performers, and it’s nicer for the audience, too.”

Carden, who has been a performer since she was 5, is a seventh-generation circus performer – her family has been in the circus business since the 1600s, she said.

“People should not be allowed to have as much fun as I do at work,” Carden said, laughing.

Her “superpower” in the show is the ability to communicate with animals, and she teams up with the other heroes in the show to defeat boredom.

“And we promise that no one will ever be bored again when they see this show because that’s the power of all the superheroes in this show, coming together and putting an end to boredom,” Carden said.

Mylena Gilkes, a junior business student from Albrightsville, Pa., said she is planning to attend the circus because she hasn’t seen a circus performance in a while.

“It’s the Ringling Brothers,” Gilkes said. “It is just a good time. I get to see animals outside of a zoo perform tricks.”

Opening night is Thursday at 7 p.m. and continues Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and $10 for students with a valid I.D. An hour before each performance, there will be an all-access preshow for no additional charge. There, attendees can meet with the performers and receive a backstage tour.