“We bring you the circus, pied piper whose magic tunes greet children of all ages, from six to 60, into a tinsel and spun-candy world of reckless beauty and mounting laughter and whirling thrills; of rhythm, excitement and grace; of blaring and daring and dance; of high-stepping horses and high-flying stars.”
-The Greatest Show On Earth (1952)
While only the center ring remains, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus still lives up to its reputations as the greatest show on earth. Last night we attending the Over the Top show at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
We have been looking forward to this show for months. Back in September, we saw the circus train (yes they still travel by train) in Grand Rapids, MI. We were walking by the area and saw the elephants getting ready to go on. MY boys would have been amused for 15 minutes waiting by the fence to see another animal but I told them we would go to the circus when it came to our town.
We had a fantastic time. Before the show, you are invited to join the performers right on the circus floor.
This special pre-show event allows you to get an up close view of the performances to come. Great for little ones. It keeps them entertained. Plus there are no vendors peddling their wares down on the floor. But there are clowns juggling
Clowns balancing
and even tightrope walking clowns….well sort of
While your down on the floor sometimes the entertainment is up above
The stilts walker was walking through the crowd. Well through and over and he even stopped to jump rope. Pretty impressive.
There are also furry performers at the pre-show. Even the smallest performers in the circus really pack a punch.
My boys were a little shy. But their are plenty of photo opportunities with the clowns, showgirls, motorcycles. Your children can even venture into the “wardrobe” and come out looking like circus starts. But I was able to get one family member to join the circus. Yup that’s my clown.
After the preshow, take your seats and prepare to be amazed. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus grabs your child’s attention right off the bat with a parade of all the performers.
Horses, Elephants, Acrobats. Even huge drums and fireworks. Which can be a little much for the little ones.
But don’t be deterred my youngest had a wonderful time.
Back to show! At the Palace there is not a bad seat in the house. With the circus, there are performers everywhere.
The aerialists are always one of my favorites. I love the ropes/ribbons. And how they fall to the ground and catch themselves at the last moment. And if you have boys they will love the ceiling walker, Sylva, in act two. I always wondered how Spiderman walked on walls.
My boys favorites were the animals. The “horses, horses, horses” and their riders where amazing.
But the best ones of all were the elephants. What kid doesn’t imagine themselves riding the elephant after going to the circus?
Overall we had a wonderful time at the circus. I was great when I was 7 and it is still great now. It is true that this is a show that is fun for all ages.
There is still time to get your tickets for the circus. They are here all weekend long. Don’t forget to take advantage of the “MOM” discount. Purchase a 4‐pack of tickets for only $44 by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com
Well I’m off to the video store now. I was reminded of a great old movie “The Greatest Show On Earth” from 1952. I think I will pick it up for this weekend.
Auburn Hills Show Dates
Thursday November 19: 7:30pm
Friday November 20: 11:00am, 7:30pm
Saturday November 21: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Sunday November 22: 1:00pm, 5:00pm
***Get 4 tickets for $44 Monday-Friday matinee, or $4 off weekend tickets by entering the code “MOM” in the MC promotion code box on Ticketmaster. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Not valid on VIP Gold, VIP, and Circus Celebrity seats or combinable with other offers. Service charges and handling fees will apply.
Don’t forget to arrive early for the All Access Pre Show. An hour before the show visit with the performers right in the main ring.
So come on Detroit it is time to join the circus!
I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by
on behalf of Feld Entertainment.
My name is Stephanie. I’m 28, married and a mom of two wonderful boys. I’m from the mitten state - Southeast Michigan. Click 
