New Ringling circus show takes inspiration from founder

For 140 years, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has let kids be kids and adults be kids, too.

To mark the 200th birthday of circus entertainer extraordinaire P.T. Barnum, organizers promise the making of their biggest, over-the-top show to date when it roars into town Jan. 6 with Barnum's FUNundrum, a celebration inspired by the greatest showman who ever lived.

"He was just a man who was all about building up to something unbelievable," said circus director Amy Tinkham. "He was about complete escape; this [year] is totally about spectacle. The acts are amazing."

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey pulled back the curtain on rehearsals today at the Florida State Fairgrounds, where the circus sets up shop each year in the weeks before performances begin.

The extravaganza features a troupe with seven motorcyclists zooming around a 16-foot "Spherical Miracle"; high-wire artists performing 40 feet in the air at a 45-degree angle; plus the "Masters of Musculature" using their bodies in a mind-blowing world of distortion and contortion.

"This year is going to bigger and bolder than ever before," said Alana Feld, who for the first time is co-producing the circus act with her sister, Nicole Feld - both of whom are executive vice presidents for Feld Entertainment Inc. "I am so excited for what's to come."

Also making his debut today was Barack, a baby Asian elephant born Jan. 19. In addition to the elephant, other animal performers on the floor in January will include tigers, ponies, horses and goats.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey show featuring new and classic circus acts

WHEN:Jan. 6-10 (7:30 p.m. Jan. 6-8; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9; 1 and 5 p.m. Jan. 10)

WHERE: St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa

TICKETS: $15, $20, $25, $35 (VIP), $55 (front row), $85 (circus celebrity); call the box office, (813) 301-2500, or Ticketmaster, (813) 287-8844.