Every time the Ringling Bros. circus rolls into Pittsburgh my family rides that train all the way to HAPPY-VILLE. 
There is nothing like the excitement the circus musters in my home. It's giddy glee x 78…for 3 months.
Forget those fairies, poo on the princesses, my little horsey who? 
The CIRCUS IS BACK!
I have to create a mission {parent} impossible and attempt to HIDE THE FACT that they are rolling even one wheel into town. THREE MONTHS before to be exact.
I have to cover televisions, turn radios down, dive in front of advertisements and flat out LIE to their sweet little faces.
"Circus? What circus 3 months from now? No.. no circus. Eat your dinner sweet not-so-naive children." {phew!}
I am asked non-stop, "Is today the CIRCUS?"
Needless to say when the "day" FINALLY arrives and my frazzled, wilted, circus hiding soul is free to yell, "YES THE CIRCUS IS TODAY!" It. Is. A. Good. Day.
This week the CONSOL Energy Center hosts Ringling Brothers Barnum and Baily Circus, Fully Charged from November 1-4.
YOUR Mission:
You have only 3 more days to check this one out. 
Ringling Bros. faces their own "mission impossible" each year after 141 years of non stop circus entertainment.
What POSSIBLY could they bring to the table that isn't the "same old same old?"
I imagine the producers select acts from a MASSIVE BINDER.
Should we do the "act" from 1945 or 1985?
Neither. They close the binder.
They just keep spilling out great shows with exciting acts that marvel and awe the audience!
This year boasts "The Human Fuse."
Yes.
A man, launched across the CONSOL {while on FIRE at 65 miles an hour} on a cross bow.
Did you hear that?
While on FIRE at 65 miles an hour.
It could be me on 376E!
I was praying the fire wasn't a mistake!
It wasn't and it was FABULOUS!
After speaking to some of the performers before hand it is evident that it is even a FAVORITE of theirs as well.
Great minds think alike!
Notable acts this year are the Fernandez Brothers who defy gravity with their spinning metal wheels of "crazy!" To say that I was nervous watching those men perform on their Turbines of Steel is an understatement. One that was confirmed by a text from our roving reporter Crissy Cicchino who was sitting in a different section than I.
"MY PALMS ARE SWEATY!!" - Crissy
Clown Alley is also a favorite of ours! These clowns aren't just cut-ups and goof… they are TALENTED. They do it ALL! Juggling, fire eating, fake tight rope walking and more. They could be stunt doubles I'm certain! They're a staple part of the show that never gets old. They're also super friendly and oddly not even "clown like" sometimes.
I could have been having coffee with a buddy and not on the circus floor speaking to a red nosed, yellow haired, big pants clown…the the way we were conversing. Pretty cool. No "Bozo's or Happy's."
Real people who LOVE what they do and it's evident. 
While watching the show we pretended to "know" the clowns because we had a chance to meet and greet with them before hand.
Are we super stars? Why yes. Yes we are. However you can be too!
We simply took advantage of Ringling Bros. "All Access Power Up Pre-Show" that opens up the circus floor and performers to EVERYONE with a ticket 1 hour before show time. This is where we met our favorite clowns "G" and "Kyle Barker." 
My name is "G."
Just like the letter "G," said G.
And then we made the Pittsburgh Post Gazette :) 
Both clowns zeroed in on my Mady and took some time with her very overwhelmed, "taking deep breaths" self. In time, she warmed up, put away the brown bag and enjoyed her time on the circus floor.
Later we were able to point out "G" and "Kyle" during the show! That was fun!
The pre-show is a must. An exclusive look at behind the scenes. Costumes to try on, mini shows, meet the performers, get autographs and more.
It is by far the best addition and added value that a show has ever put into place. This alone is worth the minimal ticket cost! 
Once again the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus brought to town a show stopper. We can't wait to see what next season brings and you can be sure we'll be in the seats waiting! 
"G" and "Kyle" … next year Mady will be looking for you and maybe she'll leave her brown bag at home.
Now…the mission begins again.
"What awesome circus? Eat your dinner children.
Tickets for Fully Charged are now on sale and start at just $20. Tickets can be purchased through www.Ringling.com, Ticketmaster, Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center or call 1-800-745-3000 to reserve your seats.
Performance Schedule:
Friday, November 2 - 7pm
Saturday, November 3 - 11am, 3pm, 7pm
Sunday, November 4 - 1pm, 5pm
Macaroni Kid received free tickets to the show however the reviews expressed are all our own.
