The Big Apple Circus started its 2025 tour in Boston Oct. 9. The show featured acts from all around the world, including acrobats, trapeze artists and even jump-roping dogs.
The iconic big-top tent was set up in Suffolk Downs after a six-year break from touring.
Shayna Seymour, one of the faces of WCVB’s Chronicle segment, helped kick off opening night after being named guest ringmaster. She was then presented with a proclamation declaring her an honorary ringmaster for life.
The Big Apple Circus featured acts that have always been associated with classic family entertainment, but its current artists brought worldwide flair to the table.
The ringmaster highlighted that their tightrope walker is a fourth generation circus artist from Mexico. Alexander Lichner, an award-winning trapeze artist, hails from Spain. Boris Nikishkin provided comedic relief between breathtaking acts, and he brought his expertise all the way from Russia.
The Big Apple Circus promised to get rid of its elephant acts by 2018, so the only animals on the 2025 roster are dogs. The dogs were featured in two different acts, and they were very popular among attendees.
“My favorite part had to be, of course, the dogs. They are so cute,” said Nicholas Robinson, an attendee.
The first dog jumped rope, leapt through hoops and hurdled obstacles while accompanied by his unicycling trainer. The second act headlined by canines was a band of poodles that came all the way from Chile and made their grand entrance in their very own taxi.
The dogs were a cute part of the show, but the most jaw-dropping acts were the ones that displayed an incredible amount of strength and precision.
Jannelle Merril also went to the show with her son and mentioned how watching the trapeze artists made her nervous for them.
“I’m like, ‘how am I sitting here, and they’re doing that?’” Merril said.
Merril said it was her first time going to the circus as an adult, and the last time she went, she was too young to comprehend what was going on. She also highlighted the show’s interactive nature, which set it apart from other forms of entertainment she has seen recently.
The transitions between acts were typically quick, but for artists who needed more time to get ready, the show was prepared with plenty of things to keep the audience engaged.
Nikishkin frequently interacted with the audience throughout the show, and at one point, he brought an audience member out to have a breakdance battle. As the crew was setting up the nets for the final act of the show, “The Flying Caceres,” Nikishkin operated a kiss cam, searching the audience for couples.
The ringmaster invited an audience member to introduce one of the acts, passing on his black top hat to complete the experience.
Another interactive feature offered by the Big Apple Circus was the numerous picture opportunities. Upon entrance, there were red carpet-like backdrops and employees with professional cameras. During intermission, audience members could also take pictures with some of the artists and mascots. The mascots, people dressed as a lion, a tiger and a bear, were the only wild animals to be found.
A great number of the attendees were families with young kids, emphasizing that the circus continues to be a staple for family entertainment. Audience members believed people of all ages would enjoy the show.
Andreea Shima and Olivia Gutfruend were friends who attended the show together. They expressed their interest in coming back if the show returned to Boston.
Merril and her son were also proof that the Big Apple Circus is enjoyable for everyone.
“He’s nine and he’s loving it, and I’m 30 and I’m loving it. So, clearly it’s for everybody,” said Merril.
The Big Apple Circus will continue its tour, staying in Suffolk Downs until Nov. 2. Its next tour stop is Lincoln Center in Manhattan, New York, the city that gave the circus its iconic name back in 1977.
