Big Apple Circus at Verizon Amphitheatre

This was about our fourth time visiting the circus and the first in Alpharetta. I have to admit, we were disappointed for the first time. Many of the acts were literally old and tired, and one featured act (trapeze) did not even perform. This was definitely a second class circus at first class prices. Low point was the elderly Cuban tight rope act. The lady sang badly while they performed. I thought her husband was going to suffer a heart attack while they performed. He fell later on in the program and had a terrible time getting back on the wire. Her costume? Wow. You will get a great view of her rather large posterior in her costume. Tasteless. Save your money and go elsewhere or just buy cheap seats. They haven’t changed the seats in ages so there is no advantage in buying the more expensive seats.

February brings three circuses to Atlanta: the well-​established Barnum & Bailey, Universoul and this. So why pick this? For one thing, it’s the most humane of the lot, foregoing elephants in favor of rescue dogs. It’s intimate with no seats farther than 50 feet. It boasts a tightrope walker who sings (try finding that elsewhere). The concession stand fare is reasonable (albeit fun). And it’s thoroughly enjoyable.