Big Apple Circus Returns to Rhode Island

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Monday, October 10, 2011

GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team

igapplecircus

They're back! And RI couldn't be happier

Spread the good word. One of the world's best circuses is coming back to Rhode Island.

The Big Apple Circus has just named Charlestown as its last stop on its 2011-12 season tour, a 14-show stint in South County that will run from June 23-July 8, 2012.

"They are one of the world's great circuses, and to know that they're coming back to Charlestown is wonderful news," Heather Paliotta, executive director of the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce, told the South County Independent. "We have always loved performing there," said Philip Thurston, public relations manager for the circus. "We love the audiences, we love the venue, and we never wanted to leave. We've always been looking for a way to make it back." Thurston, in fact, proposed to his wife on the grounds of Ninigret, he said, so Rhode Island has a special resonance.

"Dream Big"

Big Apple, which has been bringing the world's finest circus performers to Rhode Island over the years, will arrive with "Dream Big," which features performers from the US, Bulgaria, China, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mongolia, and Russia.

Longtime fans will be thrilled to know that the iconic Grandma character will be in the house (or under the tent), along with a juggler whose suit plays a crucial part in the act and a mechanical doll who comes alive in a sinuous balancing act.

As always, there are spirited horses, frolicsome dogs, and a capybara and porcupine to delight children and keep the sawdust in the one-ring circus flying. For tickets and more, go to www.bigapplecircus.org.