By Brian M. Rafferty
Grandma’s back from vacation, and she’s coming for your children.
The Big Apple Circus, which will feature, among many talented performers, the return of Barry Lubin, AKA Grandma, after a three-years hiatus, is coming to Cunningham Park for a 10-day run starting Saturday.
“The Big Top Doo-Wop” is the 24 production of the Big Apple Circus and pays tribute to the American 50s, when Buddy Holly rock ‘n’ rolled, cowboys sang on TV and station service attendants eager to help would wipe the smushed bugs off your windshield.
The one-ring circus, which features a five-story high tent 137 feet in diameter, was set up in the park Tuesday afternoon as children watched in amazement.
This year’s circus features a host of international performers.
Justin Case, a dazzling bicyclist from Australia decided after college to train in gymnastics and take his award-winning bike stunts to a higher level.
Emile Carey, a juggler whose work in the field has set him apart from so many others. The Canadian began juggling at age 11 and by 13 was a street performer in Quebec City doing 12 half-hour shows a day in the streets. His five-ball specialties are astounding.
In addition to entertaining children worldwide, The Big Apple Circus devotes its time and money to helping unfortunate children. The circus provides special free performances to children with vision and hearing problems, catering to their special needs.
The Clown Care Unit brings laughter to chronically ill children three to five days a week year round.
The Circus for All program gives out 50,000 free tickets each year to economically and physically challenged children, often giving them their first opportunity to see any circus.
Beyond the Ring teaches circus arts to thousands of inner city kids ages 8 to 18 every year.
Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. weekday evenings, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, weekday matinees at 11 a.m. and a Memorial Day matinee at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available through ticketmaster by calling 212-307-7171, ticketmaster.com, S&S Oakland Card & Gift Shop, 221-02 Horace Harding Blvd., Bayside, or the circus box office, which opens May 18.
For groups of 15 or more or for wheelchair accessible seating, call 800-922-3772.
