Jump to content

Big Apple Circus

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Big Apple Circus
Origin
CountryUnited States
Founder(s)Paul Binder and Michael Christensen
Year founded1977 Founding Chairman : Alan B. Slifka
Information
Operator(s)Big Apple Circus
Traveling show?Yes
Websitebigapplecircus.com
Big Apple Circus
FormationMarch 1977; 47 years ago (1977-03)
Location
  • New York, NY
Region
United States
Staff
100+

The Big Apple Circus is a circus based in New York City. Opened in 1977, later becoming a nonprofit organization, it became a tourist attraction.[better source needed][1] The circus has been known for its community outreach programs, including Clown Care, as well as its humane treatment of animals.[2] Big Apple Circus filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2016 and exited bankruptcy in February 2017 after its assets were bought by Compass Partners.[3][4][5] The Circus was renewed in October 2017 for its 40th anniversary season[6] and returned to start a new season in October 2018 at Lincoln Center,[7] receiving generally positive reviews.[8][9]

History

[edit]

1970s

[edit]

Gregory Fedin and his then-wife Nina Krasavina, both born and trained in Russia, started a circus school to train future "first" generation circus performers. They started the small school in a lower Manhattan loft.[1][better source needed][10][11]

The circus couple worked with Paul Binder and Michael Christensen to develop the Big Apple Circus following the European style "one ring" circus. In 1977, they located and secured an open ground area, in Battery Park, courtesy of founding chairman Alan B. Slifka, where the Big Apple Circus debuted. Headlining the early shows was a single trapeze, a dog act, tight rope walking, jugglers and clowns, double trapeze artists, and a host of other performers.[1][better source needed]

1980s

[edit]

The Big Apple Circus began the 1980s with a special holiday celebration in honor of the circus and its staff. In 1981, the circus began performing at Damrosch Park of Lincoln Center for the first time, continuing until 2015. In 1982, the circus won a silver medal at a circus performing competition held in Paris.[1][better source needed]

The circus began to arrange tours across New England in 1983. They also received an Obie award that year.[1][12]

In 1985, the Boston Pops teamed up with Big Apple Circus for what was touted as an extraordinary collaboration and live performance.[13] Also, in 1985 and for the next few years, BAC performers appeared as guest artists with the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center.[14]

In 1986, the organization opened the Clown Care unit.[15]

The circus celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1987 with a big celebration, as well as a new tent and seating system added. Topping the celebrations was a prestigious silver crown, which the circus won at the International Circus School competition in Monte Carlo, Monaco, where six of the circus' acrobats and jugglers showcased their talent.[1][better source needed]

In 1989, NYNEX started to sponsor metropolitan New York tours to residents of the area and tourists as well. The tour included a trip to the Big Apple Circus' grounds.[16] The circus and some of its performers were showcased in the Woody Allen movie Alice.[17][18]

1990s

[edit]

In 1991, the circus appeared in a special from HBO, commemorating its 15th anniversary.[19][20]

By 1996, there was increased interest in Big Apple Circus and its performers in cities outside the New York/New England area. This popularity was in part due to the circus' exposure in the Woody Allen film.[citation needed] In 1996, BAC traveled to both Chicago and Columbus, Ohio.[citation needed] Michael Christensen received two more awards, including one named after Red Skelton.[21]

In 1991, Big Apple Circus' performers participated in a collaboration between American and Russian circus performers.[1][better source needed]

In 1993, the circus set a new attendance record.[10] A new tent was purchased, and Michael Christensen was given a Parenting Achievement award by Parents magazine, to recognize his work with Clown Care.[22] That same year, an incident occurred when one of the performing horses became entangled in another's reins, and an audience member severed the reins with a Swiss Army knife.[23]

Gary Dunning became the Big Circus' executive director in 1994.[citation needed] Also, the coffee brand Chock full o'Nuts began sponsoring the circus.[24][25]

Peter T. Grauer became the circus' Chairman in 1995, replacing Patricia Rosenwald.[26]

In 1996, the circus' Art in Education program began to work in different grade schools.[citation needed] Clown Care continued to develop, opening chapters in Washington, D.C., and in Connecticut.[27]

1997 saw new attendance records set, as an estimated 170,000 people went to see the circus' "Medicine Show" production over a total of 114 New York City performances.[citation needed] Furthermore, Clown Care completed 150,000 hospital visits in one year for the first time in the program's history.[28]

During 1998, the circus was able to break attendance records again,[citation needed] as it celebrated twenty years of operation with engagements at New York's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and in Boston. TJ Maxx began to sponsor Big Apple Circus appearances in Chicago and in Atlanta by bringing the "Circus of the Senses" to those cities.[29][30]

In 1999, Christensen was inducted into Miami's Ambassador David A. Walters pediatric Hall of Fame, for his "contributions to pediatrics" by way of the circus and its different programs.[31]

"Circus of the Senses" attracted a large number of special needs children, with 9,000 participating.[citation needed] The circus dropped plans for a second unit that was to play in theaters after less than successful financial results during a trial run.[32][33]

The 1990s also marked the beginning of a private school for the children who lived and traveled with the circus, titled "The One Ring School House," or "ORSH." The name is a play on "one room schools" and "one ring circus" (the Big Apple Circus branding itself via its traditional single performing ring in contrast to multiple-ring circuses such as Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey). It was officially chartered by New York State, with teachers supplied by On-location Education, a charter program specializing in bringing standard primary and secondary education to children of performing artists, as well as child performers. Teachers were paid the New York substitute minimum, or negotiated contracts.[34][35][36]

2000s

[edit]

In 2001, the circus' best-known performer,[citation needed] "Grandma" the clown (played by Barry Lubin), inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame.[37][38] A new seating system was installed in the circus big top, and, after the September 11, 2001 attacks, the circus opened its "Dreams of a City" show, which was dedicated to the City of New York.[39][40]

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg proclaimed November 1, 2002, as "Big Apple Circus Day".[41][42] The circus celebrated its 25th anniversary with a documentary film about the creation and production of that year's show.[citation needed][43][irrelevant citation][44]

In "Carnevale!", actors and circus performers Pedro Carrillo and Alesya Gulevich entered the Guinness Book of World Records when, in 2003, they set records, at the same moment, in their different specialties: Carrillo skipped a rope on the high wire 1,323 times in a row, and Gulevich twirled 99 hula hoops at the same time.[45][46][47] Another show, "Circus to Go," allowed Big Apple Circus to reach new communities, specifically in Western states.[48][irrelevant citation]

In 2005, Barry Lubin helped produce a show entitled "Grandma Goes To Hollywood."[49][50]

On December 2, 2008, Britney Spears performed her hits Circus and Womanizer in a televised promotion concert on Good Morning America at the Big Apple Circus. The Big Apple Circus went on to become the opening act on her phenomenally successful The Circus Starring Britney Spears world tour.[51][52]

In the 2008–2009 season, PBS filmed a documentary about the Big Apple Circus. The documentary, titled "Circus", portrays the lives of not only the performers but the crew as well. The six-part event aired starting November 2, 2010, in chronological order.[53][54]

2010s

[edit]

The 2010–2011 season show was titled "Dance On", while the 2011–2012 season show was themed "Dream Big" and was the farewell tour for the clown character Grandma, played by Barry Lubin.[55][56]

In 2014, the Big Apple Circus Metamorphosis was released to video.[57][58]

Bankruptcy

[edit]

In July 2016, it was announced that for the first time since 1981, the circus would not run for the 2016 holiday season.[59] The Circus set a fundraising goal for $2 million in 2016 in an effort to maintain operations, but only half of the funds needed were raised.[60][61][62] The circus filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on November 11, 2016.[63][64][65] An auction of the assets of Big Apple Circus was announced on January 13, 2017.[66][67] On February 14, 2017, Big Apple Circus announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court had approved the sale of their assets to Big Top Works, an affiliate of Compass Partners, for $1.3 million.[68][69] As part of the sale, the circus was renewed for its 40th anniversary season.[5][6]

2017 relaunch – present

[edit]

On March 21, 2017, Big Apple Circus announced on Today that acrobat Nik Wallenda of the Wallenda Family of circus performers would be the headline act in the 40th anniversary comeback season at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park in New York City from October 26, 2017, to January 7, 2018.[70] Additionally, the circus announced that following the New York performances, a national tour would take place.[71]

In September 2018, Big Apple Circus announced Bindlestiff Family Cirkus owner Stephanie Monseu as the new ringmaster for the 41st season.[72] The "high flying" season included a group of female-led acts that would be joining Monseu at the Big Apple Circus. These included Duo Fusion, Spicy Circus, and The Flying Tunizianis.[73][74][75][76] It also introduced a VIP experience called the Mirror Room, which allowed ticket-holders to gain access to a wooden Spiegeltent with food, beverages, photo opportunities, and one-on-one interactions with performers.[77]

In 2021, the circus was sold again, with Nik Wallenda as a minority owner.[78]

Other programs

[edit]

Following the circus' emergence from bankruptcy in 2017, community programs "for low-income children and those with special needs as well as other programs geared toward helping the community" continued.[68]

Circus of the Senses

[edit]

Started in 1987, Circus of the Senses is a circus performance specifically geared towards children and adults with vision or hearing impairments, as well as special needs.[79] Sign language interpreters and sound augmentation for deaf patrons allow the audience to experience the circus as never before. In 1999, over 6,000 children took advantage of these performances. The program is run by the Big Apple Circus.[80]

Embracing Autism Performances

[edit]

Started in 2017, upon the circus entering new ownership after bankruptcy, Embracing Autism performances have a reduced running time, as well as sensory adaptations.[80]

Former Programs

[edit]

Several community programs were originally started and run by the Big Apple Circus, and were not included in Big Apple Circus' bankruptcy sale, and have since been taken over by various local organizations.[80]

Clown Care

[edit]

Founded in 1986, the Big Apple Circus Clown Care program is composed of over 80 professional clowns, trained extensively in hospital procedures, circus skills, and improvisation, who make rounds as 'clown doctors' at various pediatric hospitals around the U.S. It is estimated that the clowns make more than 225,000 visits to children every year "in both inpatient and outpatient units, including intensive care, emergency room, physical therapy, bone marrow transplant, pediatric AIDS, and hematology/oncology."[81][82][83]

Circus After School

[edit]

Big Apple Circus' Circus After School program gives opportunities for "at-risk youth to develop life-enhancing skills such as teamwork, commitment, and responsible risk-taking through a structured program of learning and performing the circus arts."[84]

Vaudeville Caravan

[edit]

Founded in 2001 as a spin-off of the Clown Care program, the Vaudeville Caravan brings clowns to nursing homes.[85]

Circus for All

[edit]

The Circus for All program provides Big Apple Circus tickets to low-income and disadvantaged children, families, and the elderly.[85]

Circopedia

[edit]

Started in October 2008, Circopedia is an online circus encyclopedia.[86][87]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Big Apple Circus". Circuses and side shows. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
  2. ^ Jones, Justin (November 7, 2014). "How the Circus Got a Social Conscience". The Daily Beast. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  3. ^ Whitten, Sarah (November 21, 2016). "That's all folks? Big Apple Circus files for bankruptcy". CNBC. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  4. ^ "Big Apple Circus springs back to life". CBS News. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  5. ^ a b Randles, Jonathan (February 9, 2017). "Big Apple Circus Finds Buyer in Compass Partners". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  6. ^ a b Barone, Joshua (February 14, 2017). "Big Apple Circus, Sold to the Highest Bidder, Will Return This Fall". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  7. ^ "The Big Apple Circus brings high-flying fun to Lincoln Center". nydailynews.com. November 2018. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  8. ^ Soloski, Alexis (January 27, 2019). "Review: At the Big Apple Circus, Discs Fly and So Do People". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  9. ^ "Some surprising twists at the Big Apple Circus". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  10. ^ a b Feed, Nuts (November 22, 2016). "Big Apple Circus files for bankruptcy protection". NutsFeed. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  11. ^ "Past Exhibition Archives - Page 2 of 11". Hoboken Historical Museum. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  12. ^ "Big Apple Circus Pitches a Tent in Lincoln Center". The New York Times. December 4, 1981. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  13. ^ "Evening at Pops; Pops Joins The Circus". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  14. ^ "For Big Apple Aerialist, A Lifetime in the Circus". The New York Times. December 27, 1985. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  15. ^ Dionigi, Alberto. "Clown as interpreters of emotions" (PDF). simplycircus.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 18, 2016.
  16. ^ "Big Apple Circus – Celebrate! Tickets – Damrosch Park – Lincoln Center – Family Shows, Attractions and Fun Kids Events!". Archived from the original on October 19, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  17. ^ "The Big Apple Circus – November 3, 1989 Photos and Images – Getty Images". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  18. ^ "Annie Hall Movie Soundtrack". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  19. ^ "The Big Apple Circus". September 9, 1991. Retrieved November 21, 2016 – via IMDb.
  20. ^ The Big Apple Circus (TV Movie 1991) – IMDb, retrieved January 11, 2023
  21. ^ "Bangor Man Clowns For Living 'Mr. Stubs' Says His Craft Also Teaches, Is Not Mere Folly". February 1993. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  22. ^ "For hospitalized children, The Real White Glove Treatment". July 21, 2003. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  23. ^ Collins, Glenn (November 11, 1993). "AT WORK WITH: Paul Binder; A Big Top With a Vision to Match". The New York Times.
  24. ^ "CFA News Detail". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  25. ^ "Gary Dunning – President and Executive Director – bio". Archived from the original on August 22, 2014. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  26. ^ "Peter T. Grauer: Executive Profile & Biography". Bloomberg News. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  27. ^ schools.nyc.gov, New York City Department of Education, NYC.gov
  28. ^ Schultz, Paul (November 1, 1996). "Big Apple Circus: Fun to its Very Core Sick and Tired of the Same Old Routine, Friend? 'Medicine Show' a Sure Cure". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on October 19, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  29. ^ Gener, Randy (December 1, 1999). "What's Hot". www.nytheatre-wire.com. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  30. ^ Big Apple Circus to augment season with big-name presenting sponsors. (Bristol Meyers-Squibb, Newsweek Magazine, Chase Manhattan Bank, Toyota, TJ Maxx stores and Northwest Airlines)
  31. ^ "Hall of Fame – Miami Children's Health Foundation". Archived from the original on November 22, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  32. ^ "Circus of the Senses". March 26, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  33. ^ "Big Apple Circus: The Grand Tour – Boston Central". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  34. ^ "When family life is, literally, a juggling act". Christian Science Monitor. ISSN 0882-7729. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  35. ^ Meyer, Marianne (October 6, 1994). "FOCUS". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  36. ^ Rao, Nita (January 12, 1999). "Road Rules". The Village Voice. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  37. ^ "Barry Lubin". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  38. ^ "Barry Lubin – Circopedia". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  39. ^ "Big Apple Circus has big 'Dreams' for boro". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  40. ^ Clowns: In Conversation with Modern Masters, By Ezra LeBank, David Bridel, page 192
  41. ^ "Big Apple Circus Day of Celebration". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  42. ^ "Big Apple Circus Day!!". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  43. ^ "Big Apple Circus 25th Anniversary Book". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  44. ^ "Big Apple Circus to Perform on June 26th! – Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center". May 26, 2015. Archived from the original on October 18, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  45. ^ <NY Times, PUBLIC LIVES; Creating the Spirit of Carnival in a Tent, By GLENN COLLINS, OCT. 28, 2003
  46. ^ correspondent, David Brooks Andrews, Standard-Times. "Big Apple Circus is gasp-worthy". Retrieved November 21, 2016. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  47. ^ "Big Apple Circus is polished – The Boston Globe". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  48. ^ hgoldman77, Henry Goldman (July 27, 2016). "Big Apple Circus Folds Its Tent as Wall Street Support Drops Off". Bloomberg. Retrieved November 21, 2016 – via www.bloomberg.com.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  49. ^ elleisinny (July 8, 2008). "big apple circus commercial". Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2016 – via YouTube.
  50. ^ Tall Tales of A Short Clown By Barry Lubin
  51. ^ Earle-Levine, Julie (November 13, 2010). "A three-ring drama: Big Apple Circus juggles expenses to survive recession". New York Post. Retrieved December 31, 2010.
  52. ^ Victoria Cunningham (July 19, 2011). "Britney Spears – Big Apple Circus Entrance Performance (Live @ Sydney Acer Arena)". Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2016 – via YouTube.
  53. ^ Maslin Nir, Sarah (November 12, 2010). "Jake and Marty LaSalle, Twin Brothers, End Circus Act". New York Times. Retrieved December 31, 2010.
  54. ^ "Watch Full Episodes Online of Circus on PBS". PBS. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  55. ^ Simon, Scott (December 11, 2011). "Grandma The Clown Is Leaving The Tent". NPR. National Public Radio. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  56. ^ "The Big Apple Circus: Dance On!". Broadway.com. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  57. ^ "Big Apple Circus Metamorphosis". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  58. ^ Big Apple Circus (October 8, 2014). "Big Apple Circus Metamorphosis Lincoln Center". Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2016 – via YouTube.
  59. ^ "Big Apple Circus Cancels 2016-2017 Season | Playbill". Playbill. July 26, 2016. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  60. ^ "With No Heroes in Sight, the Big Apple Circus Will Fold Its Tent". The New York Times. July 27, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  61. ^ "Can the Big Apple Circus Be Saved?". The New York Times. June 3, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  62. ^ "Big Apple Circus Cancels 2016-2017 Season". Playbill. July 26, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  63. ^ Leland, John (December 15, 2016). "The Last Days of the Big Apple Circus". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  64. ^ Randles, Jonathan (November 22, 2016). "Big Apple Circus Gets Buyers' Expressions of Interest". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  65. ^ "Big Apple Circus". January 6, 2017. Archived from the original on January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 14, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  66. ^ Randles, Jonathan (December 27, 2016). "Big Apple Circus Hopes Bankruptcy Auction Leads to a Second Act". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  67. ^ "Big Apple Circus Is Selling Its Assets | Playbill". Playbill. January 13, 2017. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  68. ^ a b "Court approves deal to save Big Apple Circus". NY Daily News. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  69. ^ Randles, Jonathan (February 14, 2017). "Big Apple Circus Bankruptcy Sale Gets Green Light". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  70. ^ "Nik Wallenda announces: I'm joining the Big Apple Circus". NBCUniversal. Today. March 21, 2017. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  71. ^ Passy, Charles (March 21, 2017). "Nik Wallenda to Join the Big Apple Circus". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  72. ^ Dziemianowicz, Joe. "One of the only female circus ringmasters on earth shares her secret to success". MarketWatch. MarketWatch Inc. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  73. ^ Soloski, Alexis (November 15, 2018). "Review: At the Big Apple Circus, Discs Fly and So Do People". The New York Times. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  74. ^ "Big Apple Circus". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  75. ^ "Big Apple Circus Gets a Lady Ringmaster". (Travalanche). September 14, 2018. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  76. ^ "The Big Apple Circus–2018/2019 Season's Wonder Women". CircusTalk. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  77. ^ Kis, Eva (July 19, 2018). "What's new at the Big Apple Circus 2018? Hopefully, millennials". Metro. Metro Media US. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
  78. ^ Soloski, Alexis (November 17, 2023). "Big Apple Circus Review: A Show That Bends Over Backward for You". The New York Times.
  79. ^ "Circus of the Senses". Big Apple Circus. Internet Archive Wayback Machine. Archived from the original on February 6, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  80. ^ a b c "BAC Gives Back". Retrieved July 12, 2017.[permanent dead link‍]
  81. ^ "Big Apple Circus Clown Care® Celebrates 15 Years of Bringing Smiles to Hospitalized Children at Nick – Nicklaus Children's Hospital". Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  82. ^ "Red Noses Clowndoctors: Interview Michael Christensen". Archived from the original on August 14, 2018. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  83. ^ "Clown Care". Big Apple Circus. Internet Archive Wayback Machine. Archived from the original on February 6, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  84. ^ "Circus After School". Big Apple Circus. Internet Archive Wayback Machine. Archived from the original on February 6, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  85. ^ a b "Community Programs". Big Apple Circus. Internet Archive Wayback Machine. Archived from the original on February 6, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  86. ^ "St. Paul's Circus Juventas to receive prestigious international award". Twin Cities. July 17, 2017. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  87. ^ "Circopedia". Juggling Magazine. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  88. ^ Barron, James (October 29, 1992). "At Home With: Mr. Fish; Who Is That Clown In the Trailer?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  89. ^ "Grandma Goes West". Chicago Reader. June 21, 1990. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  90. ^ "Jack Lepiarz talks WBUR, whipping on TikTok and why he does both". The Daily Californian. November 26, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Big_Apple_Circus&oldid=1257446734"