Sucker Punch

Comments (0) By Kim Porter Thursday, Jun 16 2011

Legendary promoter P. T. Barnum is alleged to have proclaimed that a sucker was born every minute -- a sentiment so patronizing that one might imagine the ladies, gentlemen, and children of all ages of his time would have boycotted the renowned huckster on principle alone.

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But if the centuries-long success of “The Greatest Show on Earth” teaches us anything, it's that a little name-calling won’t deter Americans from coughing up cash to see a spectacle. Such will be the case when the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus pulls into US Airways Center with their new Fully Charged tour. Witness Russian strongmen Dmitriy and Ruslan spin telephone poles in a move known as the “Turning Towers of Power,” see Brian Miser (a.k.a. "The Human Fuse") soar at 65 mph above the arena, and tremble in terror as the sword-wielding Yakubov Troupe from China re-enacts the battles of Genghis Kahn while dangling 40 feet above the ground.

Wed., June 22, 7 p.m.; Thu., June 23, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.; Fri., June 24, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m.; Sat., June 25, 3 & 7 p.m.; Sun., June 26, 1 & 5 p.m.; Mon., June 27, 11 a.m., 2011