The Big Apple Circus' 37th annual show, Metamorphosis, is a taut, two-hour spectacle featuring about a dozen classic circus acts, often presented with innovative twists. The charismatic John Kennedy Kane serves as ringleader and a live band keeps things lively. Although none of the acts were duds, my family and the audience were particularly blown away by contortionist Odbayasakh Dorjoo, who somehow managed to squeeze herself into a tiny translucent cube—and than made room for another flexible female, Tatevik Seyranyan, to join her! Later in the show, Seyranyan, an adorkable performer with nerd glasses and a goofy demeanor, wowed in her solo rolla bolla routine, as she balanced atop multiple boards while juggling. Other highlights included the gravity-defying spaceship-themed aerial act by Giovanni Anastasini and Irene Espana, that had the pair hanging and spinning simultaneously, and the Smirnov Duo's incredible quick-change routine, in which both changed outfits numerous times in the blink of an eye.

Like most kids, my son always loves the animal acts best, and even though Jenny Vidbel's creatures don't really do all that much, there were audible awwwws as her trained dogs (mostly rescues), horses, goats and even camels and llamas performed little tricks. Plus musical clown Francesco delighted the audience with his skits, including this one featuring my slightly embarrassed son:

Since the Big Apple Circus has just one ring and no seat is more than 50 feet from the stage, it's a wonderful choice for kids and a lot less overwhelming then Cirque du Soleil and Ringling. And this year, the troupe has added a great new performance option for families: On select Wednesdays, you can see a special streamlined 75-minute version of Metamorphosis and tickets are buy-one-get-one free. It's a great option for parents of young children who may not be able to sit through the regular two-hour show.

Big Apple Circus: Metamorphosis runs through Sunday, January 11, 2015 in Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, 62nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues. $25-$175 but you can save money on tickets through our affiliate Goldstar; children under 3 who sit in an adult's lap are always free.

All photos courtesy of Big Apple Circus