Various feats of agility were presented simultaneously throughout the circus ring. This stunt gives a new meaning to high chairs!

While the Royal Hanneford Circus isn’t quite as spectacular as the better-known circuses, neither are the ticket prices. The 90-minute production (which includes an intermission) offered trapeze artists, assorted stunts, animal acts, aerialists and more. As the Westchester County Center venue is modest in size, no seat was a bad one.

One of the highlights was the high-energy, acrobatic talents of the Chicago Boyz, made famous from their appearance as semi-finalists on “America’s Got Talent.” Dressed in street clothes, rather than the glitz typical of circus acts, their flips and twists give a street-smart vibe with just as many gasps over their daredevil and skillful maneuvers. At the other end of the sartorial spectrum were the acrobats wearing elaborate butterfly costumes, which had my girls and me all abuzz and glowing.

Animal acts included an orchestration of camels and zebras, as they changed direction around the ring in several combinations, as well as a tiger act, in which a very brave tamer directed their positioning and even kissed them on the head. We also enjoyed an elephant act, though an announcement noted that 2018 would be the last time they appear. Finally, in a bold display of centrifugal force, multiple motorcyclists rode around inside a small dome, while a trusting lady stood in the middle, somehow unscathed.

Motorcyclists (and a daring woman) demonstrate the laws of physics better than any classroom setting!

Beyond the acts themselves, the ancillary offerings rounded out the experience. Both before the show started and during intermission, the circus ring was used to offer pony rides in carousel-style, with all the animals tethered to the center, as well as camel rides. The lobby area included professional face painting, concessions and a station set up by Westchester Circus Arts, offering a juggling station, a stilt walker and a raffle.

Our primary critique of this production was the handling of transitions while sets were changed and performers prepared for the next act. We felt there was an over-reliance on inciting the audience to compete for which side of the arena could cheer the loudest. This was done in part by the clown, whose other act involved bringing several dad-types into the arena and engaging them in a few gags.

Camel rides were available pre-show and during intermission.

Though ticket prices won’t set you back too much, the optional ancillary costs can add up. Face painting cost $6; pony rides, $10; and camel rides cost $10. Midway, a dinosaur photo op cost families $10, and the light-up butterfly wand that the woman in front of us bought her toddler ran $15. This was just one style of light-up wand that was available for purchase; interestingly, an “overstock” sale was offered at intermission, so it might be worth delaying such a purchase to see if this is a routine discount.

The Royal Hanneford Circus will be at the Aleppo Shrine Auditorium from April 18-22.

All photos by the author.