'A spectacular': Ringling Bros. Circus returns to Milwaukee after 25 years with modernized show

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is hoping to draw in audiences with a reinvention of their show.

The experience ran for 146 years, before shutting down in 2017 due to low sales and controversy regarding their use of animals.

After a 6-year hiatus, the show has returned with a tour across the country, showcasing unique talent, comedy, and athleticism.

The 'Greatest Show on Earth' will be at Fiserv Forum this weekend, returning to Wisconsin for the first time in 25 years.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson officially proclaimed Friday, Oct. 13 as "Ringling Day," ahead of the circus' return.

"The benefits it adds to the city is a form of entertainment that hasn't been on display in Wisconsin for a number of years, and that's going to come to life," said Johnson.

Their return is modernized, without any animals or traditional clowns.

"We wanted to reimagine the show for the 21st century, and we thought, if we wanted to create the greatest show today, what would we make," said Jan Damm, a performer and guide in Ringling Bros. Circus.

Instead, the new circus show focuses on human feats.

"We've got flying trapeze, teeterboard, a human rocket, we have a BMX playground that fills the entire arena, so it's things you can't see anywhere else," Damm said.

Milwaukee is the third city on the tour, which began Sept. 29 in Louisiana.

"So far we have been delighted with the response from audiences," Damm said. "They've been interacting with the show, they've been laughing, they've been singing along."

Set-up is underway at Fiserv Forum, promising a unique, 360-degree spectacle.

"To see this brought into modern times with the LED screens, the acts that are starting to come in, it's really going to be a spectacular," said Dustin Godsey, sales & marketing officer at Fiserv Forum.

There are 6 Ringling Bros. shows scheduled at Fiserv Forum this weekend:

Friday, Oct. 13 @ 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14 @ 11 a.m., 3 p.m., & 7 p.m.

Sunday, Oct 15 @ 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.

For tickets and information, click here.