NEW YORK—Celebrating its 40th anniversary season and planning a national tour, the Big Apple Circus offers a warm welcome and totally pleasing experience. Keenly aware of just what the concept of “circus” means to its audiences, especially the older folks who likely saw shows when they were younger, the producers eschew multimedia devices and high-tech special effects and instead present something just as thrilling: an intimate and hugely enjoyable series of performances guaranteed to either make you laugh or gasp with wonder.
Currently unfolding under a gigantic blue big top next to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, this one-ring extravaganza’s mission is to engage the audience even before they enter the arena. Ticket holders walk past a display of circus costumes and a concession/interactive area where children can decide whether to have their faces painted, pose atop a replica of a smiling baby elephant, or both.
