Ringling Brothers Circus Brings Updated Show To Denver

DENVER (CBS4) - The circus has 150 years of tradition behind it, but Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey is offering an update on the tradition that is sure to appeal to modern audiences.

The Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus presents "Out of This World" at the Denver Coliseum beginning Sept. 30 and running through Oct. 9.

LINK: For Tickets to "Out of This World"

For more than 130 years, elephants have been a part of the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. But not anymore.

(credit: Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus)

With their latest show, "Out of This World," the circus owned by Feld Entertainment, is taking a step towards a human-only circus, much along the lines of Cirque du Soleil.

"You know, it was time," said circus ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson. "And it really opened up a door for us to try something that American audiences have never seen before."

(credit: Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus)

American circus tradition has always had a focus on animal acts. But times have changed, attitudes have changed for animal acts and concern for the animals has grown.

"I think at the root of it is really a focus on conservation. I mean, as many people know, elephants in the wild are severely endangered," said Iverson. "There are few organizations in the world that are legitimately combating the issue and we've been at it since 1995."

The circus still features a lion and tiger act, a horseback riding act and a dog act. The show also features more story line, more thrill acts, more music and special effects.

(credit: Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus)

"The show is the star. The show has always been the star," said Iverson. "If you really think about it, it's always the show that's the star."

All the elephants have been moved to the Ringling Conservation Center in Florida where they will live out their days.

"At the heart of why we've been so successful as a circus, we've always respected the times we're in. We just do. It's just what we do. We know when it's time to move on, when to change," Iverson said.

"Out of This World" is a slow shifting to a colorful presentation of human performers from around the world.

"We've got about 16 different languages being spoken all the time. We have all these different types of people and all these different types of peculiar talents, that have their own specific needs. And somehow, someway, we manage to get along and make magic each and every day," Iverson explained.

(credit: Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus)

It is, in many ways, a well-oiled machine -- music, lights, costumes, daredevil acrobatics at one end of the arena flowing directly into a dog act at the other, then into another daredevil moment. It's a form of theatrical magic. The impossible made seemingly simple by people who are dedicated to an art form, a theatrical style, and have made it their life's work.

"Because you don't play circus. We're what we are," Iverson added.

You might not be expecting a basketball ball act at Ringling Bros. But the unicycle is a staple at the circus, add in jump ropes and then you've got yourself an act. That's what you get from the King Charges Troupe out of the South Bronx of New York City.

King Charles Troupe (credit: CBS)

"If you think about it, you have all these different people, types of people, types of cultures…talent, all these specific talents, all put together, of course at some point you're going to make some kind of magic," said Iverson.

LINK: King Charles Troupe

The act is the impossible made to look simple and entertaining. Created in the late 50's, King Charles Troupe was created as a way to keep kids out of trouble, and give them a different path. It's been a remarkable journey for everyone involved. Especially since the late 60's, when they auditioned for and won a coveted spot in the greatest show on earth.

"Our soul mission is to take our audiences away," Iverson told CBS4.

King Charles Troupe (credit: CBS)

With performers like the King Charles Troupe, with their energy and their showmanship, the audience will most certainly be carried away.