6 things to see at Ringling Bros. circus

Ringling Bros. ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson is married to production manager Priscilla. Their children are Matthew Felipe, 10, and Lila Simone, 6. CONTRIBUTED

Ringling Bros. ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson is married to production manager Priscilla. Their children are Matthew Felipe, 10, and Lila Simone, 6. CONTRIBUTED


WANT TO GO?

What: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Legends

When: Sept. 24-27

Where: Wright State University's Nutter Center

Show times: 7 p.m. Thursday; 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. next Sunday, Sept. 27

Tickets: $15-$50 available at the Nutter Center box office or at www.ticketmaster.com

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Legends by the numbers

16: Number of hours it takes to set up for the first performance in each city

85: Animals on tour including Asian elephants, tigers, African lions, horses, dogs and kangaroos

200: Pounds of hay, fresh fruits and vegetables that elephants eat daily

300: Show members including performers, staff, train crew, animal crew, backstage departments and concessionaires.

2,500: Pounds of popcorn are consumed in each city that Ringling Bros. visits

18,000: Pounds of ice are used to make snow comes in each city

Animals, acrobats, high-flying artists and more will parade into the spotlight this week when Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Legends takes over Wright State University's Ervin J. Nutter Center. The all-new Ringling Bros. show opens on Thursday, Sept. 24, for seven performances over four days.

Here are six things you can't miss:

Great Britain's Alexander Lacey will display his special bond with lions, tigers and a majestic leopard as he presents a mixed cat display that has garnered him numerous awards.

The Solar Hawks, an international, elite group of high-flying artists from the United States, Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador and Mexico, will demonstrate precision, stamina, strength and perfect form.

The Riders of the Wind Cossack equestrians thunder into the arena on the backs of thoroughbred horses.

The China National Acrobatic Troupe, from Beijing, includes a number of diverse acts including pole climbers, a bicycle act, hoop diving and juggling.

The Torres Family shatters records and dares the impossible by putting family members on speeding motorcycles inside the Globe of Steel.

• And, of course, animals from around the globe — from the Ringling Bros. Asian elephants to lions, goats, llamas, dogs and, even, pigs — will delight audience members of all ages.

>>>>The Dayton Daily News chats with some of the people behind the circus at MyDaytonDailyNews.com.

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