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.
But if the centuries-long success of The Greatest Show on Earth teaches us anything, it's that a little name-calling wont 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