Big Apple Circus Presents BELLO IS BACK! 1/18/2010

Bello is Back! The Big Apple Circus <http://www.bigapplecircus.org/> is back in town with Bello Nock, named "America's Best Clown" by Time magazine, and the world's most exciting circus artists under the Big Top! In Bello is Back! the playfully elegant Bello, with his gravity-defying hair, trademark tuxedo, white gloves and spats, returns to the one-ring intimacy of the Big Apple Circus after an absence of nine seasons. With thrilling feats of derring-do and stylish sense of whimsy, Bello will astound and delight one and all! On the "Welcome Back Bello" committee: our own lovable star clown Grandma, the spirited Big Apple Circus Band, and winning new ringmaster Kevin Venardos, joined by spectacular acrobats from Italy, Russian wizards of the trampoline and the flying trapeze, a graceful flight on the aerial silks, fiery steeds and cavorting canines, playful Chinese contortionists, and Picaso Jr., the sensational Spanish juggler! Seats under the Big Top are never more than 50 feet from the ring, so even if you're really small you won't miss a thing! Welcome back, Bello!

"The Big Apple Circus is your circus, Big Apple is back in town!"

Show Information

Performers from around the globe gather at the Big Apple Circus under the artistic direction of Guillaume Dufresnoy and creative direction of Michael Christensen for this 2009-2010 season's show:

From America, the long-awaited return of Bello Nock with his daredevil stunts and child-like humor!
From Italy, the Curatolas - delightful hand-to-hand acrobatic duo in an exciting act full of fun and fancy!
From Italy, Luciano Anastasini's Pound Puppies (all rescued from animal shelters) return for a joyously jumping mélange of human and canine acrobatics!
From Russia, the Aniskin Troupe amaze with their bravura, athletic trampoline act - then soar into the Big Top stratosphere with their spectacular flying trapeze act!
From Russia, lovely and graceful Regina Dobrovitskaya performs a shimmering spectacle on aerial silk ribbons!
From America and Kazakhstan, equestrians Christine Zerbini and Sultan Kumisbayev present an electrifying riding act - standing atop galloping chargers, Roman-style!
From Spain, Picaso Jr. returns with his sizzling style and extraordinary juggling act - puffing into the air up to five ping-pong balls simultaneously, and catching them - with his mouth!
From China, the Long Twins astonish with their unbelievable comedy contortion act!
From America, versatile and charming ringmaster Kevin Venardos presides over the "Welcome Back Bello" committee!
From America, Barry Lubin, a.k.a. Grandma, contributes a paragon of love and laughter to the performance for another spectacular season!
And, rounding out the cast, the incredible talents of Tetyana Levkova (Russia), David Martins (Brazil), Annaliese Nock (America), and Big Apple Circus company members Andrey Mantchev (Bulgaria) and Valdis Yanovskis (Russia).
An innovative team of brilliant creators returns to the ring for the Big Apple Circus's most impressive line-up ever. Veteran clown and versatile director Steve Smith stages Bello is Back!. Michael Valenti, award-winning Broadway composer, creates an original burst of musical excitement for music director Rob Slowik, who conducts and performs with the brilliant Big Apple Circus Band. Choreographer Vicki Davis adds her delightful dance steps. Austin K. Sanderson, the brilliant and versatile costume designer of Shakespearian plays, bridal collections and Circus of the Seas, returns for a third season with Big Apple Circus, with another vibrant and eye-catching wardrobe. 2008 Tony®-winning scenic designer Todd Rosenthal creates a new wonderful and colorful set. Sound designer Nick Borisjuk adds rich reverberations, and lighting designer Shannon January adds shimmer and sparkle. And, as always, creative consultant Barry Lubin adds his one-of-a-kind comic expertise.

Ticket Information

Performances of Bello is Back! begin on Thursday, October 22nd and run for 131 shows through Monday, January 18th (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) under the Big Top at Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center (62nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues), the second stop on the Big Apple Circus's 11-month, 7-venue tour, following its world premiere engagement in West Nyack, NY and including stops in Atlanta, Boston and other East Coast sites. Tickets for Bello is Back! range in price from $28 to $89 (premium seating is $135) and are available online at www.bigapplecircus.org or by calling (888) 541-3750. The Circus Box Office, located in front of the Big Top, will open Saturday, October 17th; there is no service charge for tickets purchased at the box office. Hours of operation will be Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM. The 1,619-seat Big Top is air-conditioned in warm weather and heated in cold weather for all-season comfort. For groups of 15 people or more, for inquiries about wheelchair-accessible seating or for any additional information please call the Ticket Info Line at (800) 922-3772.

After the special 9:30 PM New Year's Eve performance your family can join us in the ring and share the spotlight with the international performers of the Big Apple Circus for a family-friendly countdown to the year 2010 (special pricing applies). For more details on the holiday festivities call (800) 922-3772.

For 32 years the Big Apple Circus, New York's original one-ring circus, has been delighting audiences of all ages under its Big Top, presenting the finest in live family entertainment featuring world-class circus artistry. Experience the instant connection between audience and artist as your family sits less than 50 feet from the ring. The Big Apple Circus is a not-for-profit performing arts and outreach institution committed to invigorating the communities we serve with the joy and wonder of classical circus. Tax-deductible contributions made by corporations, foundations and individuals enable the Big Apple Circus to bring its special magic to diverse audiences through its outreach programs - Clown CareSM, Vaudeville Caravan SM, Circus After SchoolSM, Circus For All! ® and Circus of the Senses® - as well as its critically acclaimed performances.

For Membership, Private Performances and more information please visit our website at

www.bigapplecircus.org