'Greatest Show on Earth' brings wild stunts, comedy and more to Little Caesars Arena

There may no longer be balancing elephants or the big red tent, but Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s historic “Greatest Show On Earth” still promises a thrilling experience when it comes to Detroit this weekend. The new production – which began its North American tour in September – features death-defying stunts, music, comedy and a world record-breaking feat. It also features state-of-the-art technology that allows audiences to get a closer look at the performance and creates a more interactive experience.

“Even though these things may be presented in a different way, the soul of what Ringling has been for the 150 years of history is still there,” said Lauren Irving, who plays “Aria,” one of the singing guides who leads audiences through the show.

The circus features a diverse cast of 75 performers from 18 countries, including trapeze artists, aerialists, acrobats, highwire-walkers, singers, comics and more. It follows a loose storyline about unicyclist Wesley Williams, the “One Wheel Wonder,” as he meets his fellow performers after recently joining the circus.

Performing on eight or nine various unicycles, Williams shows off his skills, building to riding a 34-foot, 9-inch unicycle, the world’s tallest rideable unicycle. Williams officially broke the Guinness World Records last December riding a 31-foot, 10-inch unicycle, which had broken his previous record of riding a 29-foot, 1-inch unicycle in March of 2020.

Given the difficulty of the feat, Williams was not originally supposed to ride the bus-sized unicycle for every performance, but he said the stunt was something every audience deserved to see.

“It’s one of these unique moments of this reimagined show, because the audience suddenly realizes they’re seeing a world record performed right before their very eyes,” he said. “That’s a moment in the show that is unforgettable. That is something they take home with them.”

Irvin said its incredible to watch Wesley one-up himself throughout the show, culminating in the record-breaking moment where he finds his place within his new circus family. She said it’s a great lesson for real life.

“We all have something unique that we have to offer in the world,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing when people embrace your uniqueness and your ability. You shine, and it’s just a great feeling.”

The show also features aerialist Kaity Mussio, who is an Ann Arbor native. Mussio joined the production July, after a career performing around the globe, including living in Dubai, Las Vegas and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She was born and raised in Ann Arbor where she got her early gymnastics training at Champion Gymnastics.

“It’s really special for me to be able to come back now and share with the people that knew me when I was younger and with my family to see where I am now,” she said. “A lot of people didn’t know that I was going to take this route, and just to share this beautiful show with the area that I grew up in is going to be really special.”

Though an aerialist with “The Greatest Show On Earth,” Mussio is also a trained acrobat and flying trapeze artist. She said flying is her favorite.

“Being up in the air is just a feeling like nothing else,” she said.

Other highlights of the show include bike stunts, criss-cross trapeze, a human rocket, and the “triangular highway,” where the Lopez Family – sixth generation circus artists – perform extreme balances and jumps on a 25-foot-tall highwire.

“The reason why we have people coming to see what we do is because there is a danger element to it, there’s a surprise element to it,” Williams said. “That’s why people want to come and see “The Greatest Show on Earth,’ because these are unbelievable feats that are being done every single day.”        

Irving said she wants people to feel inspired.

“We want them to feel like they’re in awe, and we want them leaving feeling like, ‘You know what? I can achieve my dreams,’” she said. “It’s a really amazing feeling every single show.”

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s 'The Greatest Show On Earth'

Friday-Sunday

Little Caesars Arena

2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

Tickets start at $25.

For details and tickets, visit www.ringling.com.