Head to the huge purple-and-yellow tent for music, dance, and laughter with an urban flair.
The UniverSoul Circus is in Queens from Thursday, Sept. 14, until Monday, Oct. 9.
With a “Spirit of Soul” theme, this year’s show unites long-time legends Zeke the Sidekick, Sifiso the Whistleman, and Fresh the Clownsss with international performers from five continents.
Marvel at a 20-person Chinese Trapeze act never seen in the United States and the gravity-defying Hand-Balance duo from the Dominican Republic. Scream with motorcycles that flip, whip, and somersault in mid-air. Bask in Caribbean culture with Moko Jumbie stilt dancers, Fire Limbo Benders, and flamboyantly costumed dancers.
Ticket prices start at $34.86, and there are 36 shows. (The schedule is at the end of this article.)
As in previous years, UniverSoul will take place at Roy Wilkins Park, which lies in the vicinity of Merrick Boulevard and Baisley Boulevard in Jamaica. But for the first time ever, the fun will unfold in the Big Top Canobbio tent with theater-style seating, multi-million-dollar lighting, and a dramatic new sound system.
Founded by Cedric Walker in Atlanta in 1994, UniverSoul is a highly interactive combination of circus arts, theater, and music that spans genres.
“We want to continually surprise and amaze,” stated Walker. “It’s crucial that EVERYONE – kids, moms, dads, grandparents — has fun. If you leave our show with a smile and positive feelings deep in your soul, we’ve done our job.”
Showtimes: Sept. 14 at 7 pm; Sept. 15 at 7 pm; Sept. 16 at 11:30 am; Sept. 16 at 3:30 pm; Sept. 16 at 7:30 pm; Sept. 17 at 11 am; Sept. 17 at 2:30 pm; Sept. 17 at 6:30 pm; Sept. 20 at 7 pm; Sept. 21 at 7 pm; Sept. 22 at 7 pm; Sept. 23 at 11:30 am; Sept. 23 at 3:30 pm; Sept. 23 at 7:30 pm; Sept. 24 at 11 am; Sept. 24 at 2:30 pm; Sept. 24 at 6:30 pm; Sept. 27 at 7 pm; Sept. 28 at 7 pm; Sept. 29 at 7 pm; Sept. 30 at 11:30 am; Sept. 30 at 3:30 pm; Sept. 30 at 7:30 pm; Oct. 1 at 11 am; Oct. 1 at 2:30 pm; Oct. 1 at 6:30 pm; Oct. 5 at 7 pm; Oct. 6 at 7 pm; Oct. 7 at 11:30 am; Oct. 7 at 3:30 pm; Oct. 7 at 7:30 pm; Oct. 8 at 11 am; Oct. 8 at 2:30 pm; Oct. 8 at 6:30 pm; Oct. 9 at noon; and Oct. 9 at 4 pm.
UniverSoul then heads to Orchard Beach in the Bronx, where it’ll be until Sunday, Nov. 5.
Images: UniverSoul