Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

A flying trapeze is impressive on video. In the Fieldhouse, there is nowhere else to look when the performers leave the platform. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus comes to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Friday, November 20, at 7:00 PM, with a show built around human skill rather than animal acts. Aerial performance, acrobatics, music, dance and comedy make the evening more than one feat repeated. That contrast delivers suspense and laughter.

The official touring program names the Navas Troupe's Double Wheel of Destiny and the Flying Cáceres' criss-cross flying trapeze. Those acts are built around precision, coordination and the uneasy pleasure of wondering how a movement will end. It's not necessary to promise any specific stunt outcome to appreciate the artistry. The clown characters Nick Nack, Paddy Whack and Jeff bring a different rhythm, reminding you that the circus can release the tension it creates. Taken together, the named acts give the show a personality beyond the word 'spectacle'.

Bello Nock is promoted as a special guest for the Indianapolis engagement, combining daredevil performance with comedy. The organizer also mentions a Hype Crew preshow beginning thirty minutes before the main event. Those are two extra reasons to make more than a last-minute arrival of the evening, without assuming any premium package is included. Take someone who appreciates the courage behind the performance and someone who simply loves a laugh. Trade the usual Friday plan for a night of skill and surprise: explore Ringling Bros. seats for Friday.