'Circus 1903' brings classic big-top thrills to Vegas. Yes, there will be elephants, just not live ones - Los Angeles Times
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‘Circus 1903’ brings classic big-top thrills to Vegas. Yes, there will be elephants, just not live ones

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In Las Vegas, the circus is coming. But it’s now what you think. After 146 years, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey packed up its tents for the last time in May.

Now, a re-imagined show called “Circus 1903” brings the old-time feel of the circus — without live animals — will come to Paris Las Vegas on July 25 for a five-month run.

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The Paris Theater, which was home to “Jersey Boys” until it closed in September, will be transformed into a big top for the staging of a turn-of-the-century circus, complete with two “elephants.”

The pachyderms in this show — Mom Queenie and her calf, Peanut — are giant puppets, crafted by the puppeteers who brought horses to life in the hit stage play “War Horse.”

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The elephants appear throughout the show as Queenie teaches Peanut the ropes of life in a circus. They’re joined by Willy Whipsnade, the slick ringmaster, and the usual acts such as contortionists, a juggler, knife throwers, a strongman and trapeze artists.

“Circus 1903” is produced by Simon Painter and Tim Lawson. The pair has staged circus-themed shows and Broadway musicals in more than 300 cities around the world.

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The Vegas incarnation of the Greatest Show on Earth will play at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. There also will be 3 p.m. shows Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. “Circus 1903” will be in town through Dec. 31.

Tickets cost $49 to $129. They can be purchased online or by calling (702) 777-2782.

Info: “Circus 1903”

[email protected]

@latimestravel

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