Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus In Chicago

On Thursday, we headed to the Allstate Arena for the annual Chicago visit of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus. The wee ones were beyond thrilled, as the circus coming to town is one of their favorite things.  The fact that this year the circus was all about dragons, well... I kept that a surprise until we got there!

I knew the show celebrated the year of the dragon, but I didn't know how they were going to do it.  The creativity was amazing, and the show was spectacular, as always, with a great mix of animal acts and acts of strength and agility and more.

We arrived in time for the all access preshow, where all ticketholders are invited to the show floor to try on costumes, interact with select performers, and watch some of the acts up close.  The jugglers were fun to watch, and the wee ones loved learning the "dragon dance" that the performers did later during the show.  The favorite, as always, was the elephant painting.  This year, we saw a young elephant out for her first show who didn't paint but was oh-so-cute, and the twist to the "show" was that a clown competed in a painting contest with the elephant.  Shockingly, the crowd voted that the elephant did the better job.

The other favorite (of mine, at least) preshow act was the dogs that did everything from play leapfrog jumping over each other to weaving through a person's legs as he walked to jumping though body part hoops.  Those were some talented dogs and oh so cute to watch.

The introduction of the show was, as always, a huge production with all the performers appearing.  I'll admit that I still have the song going through my head, which I think is a first for a production of this sort.  I adored the dragon "cars" that depicted the various traits required for calling a dragon forth.

I had several favorite acts, and I took some really cool pictures.  Of course with the dark and the way the lights are set up - and how fast some of the acts move! - many of my photos didn't turn out the way I wanted them to, but I'm happy that I have the memory of them.

The bareback riders were truly impressive.  I love horses and riding, and there is no way I could do any of what they were doing.  I thought it was really cool that they were standing while controlling the horses as they cantered into and around the ring.

I was wrong.  What was really cool was when they jumped onto and off the horses, from one side to the other.  And then when they crawled around the belly of the horse - all while it was cantering.  No, it was when they started creating a pyramid on horseback while the horses were cantering around.  Yikes!

I'm also a sucker for the big cats.  They make me a little nervous, but I love seeing the interaction between the trainer and the animals and the grace the big cats show.  Even the wee ones were oohing and ahhing over this one.

The perfect example of the cats making me smile with the interaction?  I loved the lazy lion who didn't seem to want to get up on his platform.  You can almost read his thoughts as he's lying there.

I was also fascinated by the new twist on the tightrope walkers.  Years ago, the silk ropes hung from arena rafters became the new trick.  The "dragon eyes" that the Sizzling Sirens of the Sky use for contortions within and outside of the balls.  It was beautiful and unique - and something I'm sure will be copied by many others.

And who can forget the Shaolin warriors?  Mister Man is way into martial arts, and he didn't move - and possibly didn't breathe - during the entire performance.  I was so agog I forgot to take pictures of much of it.  And they moved so fast my camera couldn't capture most of what I did take.  Watching them bend metal poles around their necks and then unbend them was impressive enough.  Balancing on the points of spears was eerie.  And they didn't break boards; they had wooden poles broken over their heads and other body parts.  This was the biggest proof of mind over matter I'd ever seen.  Oh, and did I mention that they jumped through a wheel of knives?  While it was on fire?  And spinning?  While wearing a black hood so they couldn't see?   Wow.  Just wow.

The one act that most freaked out Little Miss was the Medeiros Troupe.  After they performed acrobatics around a motorcycle on a high wire, they suspended themselves via their hair and did acrobatics that way.  As amazed as I was, I couldn't help but feel sympathetic pain for them.  Watching one girl juggle while she dangled from her hair that was attached to the other girl's hair (who was suspended upsidedown herself) was truly impressive.

The show continued with so many acts.  And of course, the four attributes displayed - heart, courage, wisdom, and strength - called forth the "dragon."  It was so well tied together.  I'm pretty sure this was my favorite circus ever.

As a reminder, the shows at Allstate Arena run:
Saturdays November 3 and 10 at 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 7:30pm
Sundays November 4 and 11 at 1pm and 5pm - special Spanish language concert after the 5pm show and tickets are $5 more
Wednesday through Friday November 7-9 at 7pm

The shows at the United Center are:
Wednesday November 14 at 7pm - $12 opening night tickets
Thursday and Friday November 15 and 16 at 10:30am and 7pm
Friday November 23 and Saturdays November 17 and 24 at 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 7:30pm
Sundays November 18 and 25 at 1pm and 5pm - special Spanish language concert after the 5pm show and tickets are $5 more
Tuesday November 20 at 7pm
Wednesday November 21 at 2pm and 7pm

Tickets range from $13 to $90 for the Circus Celebrity tickets (where you and your family are actually a part of the circus and which sell out quickly!), but I have a 40% discount code for weekday shows and 20% off all weekend shows.  Simply enter the promo code MOM when you order your tickets. (Fine print: Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee, not including holidays such as the day after Thanksgiving. Discount does not apply to Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.)

If you haven't already purchased your tickets, it isn't too late to use the discount code.  Get your tickets quickly though, because Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus is only here for a little while longer!

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Feld Family Ambassador.  As such, I am receiving complimentary tickets to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus as part of my outreach.  I am not otherwise compensated.  As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus Chicago Ticket Giveaway

It's not even Halloween, and already a friend of mine asked if I am working with Feld Entertainment on promoting the annual Chicago visit of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus to both Allstate Arena and the United Center. The good news?  Yes, I am.  And yes, she has already bought her circus tickets with the discount I have to share.

This year's big top features the show Dragons, one I know Mister Man will be excited to see.  The show celebrates the Year of the Dragon, and brings together mystic dragon lore and authentic circus feats.  The show will once again start at Allstate Arena before moving to the United Center.  One new thing this year?  The Allstate Arena joins the United Center in offering free parking in the official lots, making this year even more of a treat than ever.

The shows at Allstate Arena run:
Thursday November 1 at 7pm - $12 tickets for opening night!
Friday November 2 at 10:30am and 7pm
Saturdays November 3 and 10 at 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 7:30pm
Sundays November 4 and 11 at 1pm and 5pm - special Spanish language concert after the 5pm show and tickets are $5 more
Wednesday through Friday November 7-9 at 7pm

The shows at the United Center are:
Wednesday November 14 at 7pm - $12 opening night tickets
Thursday and Friday November 15 and 16 at 10:30am and 7pm
Friday November 23 and Saturdays November 17 and 24 at 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 7:30pm
Sundays November 18 and 25 at 1pm and 5pm - special Spanish language concert after the 5pm show and tickets are $5 more
Tuesday November 20 at 7pm
Wednesday November 21 at 2pm and 7pm

The show is fun for all ages, with a free all-access preshow for 90 minutes before the start of the performance.  All ticket holders are invited to the arena floor for the Power Party where you can meet your favorite performers and animals.

Tickets range from $13 to $90 for the Circus Celebrity tickets (where you and your family are actually a part of the circus and which sell out quickly!), but I have a 40% discount code for weekday shows and 20% off all weekend shows.  Simply enter the promo code MOM when you order your tickets. (Fine print: Weekday is defined as any show Monday through Thursday or Friday matinee, not including holidays such as the day after Thanksgiving. Discount does not apply to Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges, handling, and facility fees may apply.)

So are you ready to head off to the big top?  I have a family pack of tickets to give away for your choice of shows: at Allstate Arena on Thursday, November 1 at 7pm or Friday, November 2 at 10:30am or at United Center on Wednesday November 14 at 7pm.  First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!

This contest is open until Thursday October 25 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 24 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me - what is your favorite circus act?

Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):
1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter, then tweeting this contest with the following tweet: "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is coming to Chicago.  Win tickets via @honestandtruly. http://bit.ly/W7STUf #ChiRingling" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.
4) Earn one additional entry by liking Honest & Truly! on Facebook. (Yay, it's legal again, so long as you know you have to leave a comment here to enter and that simply liking me isn't the entry, along with acknowledging the fact that Facebook has nothing to do with this giveaway whatsoever.
5) Earn an additional entry by putting me in your Google Plus circle. Am I already in your G+ circle? No problem - just leave a comment letting me know that you've added me or already have me there.

Good luck!

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Feld Family Ambassador.  As such, I am receiving complimentary tickets to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus as part of my outreach.  I am not otherwise compensated.  As always, all opinions expressed remain my own.

Review: Monster Truck Jam

On Friday night, Mister Man and I headed to Allstate Arena to check out Monster Truck Jam. He's been wanting to go to something like this since he got a stuffed version of Grave Digger (one of the more popular trucks) awhile ago. I was a little more hesitant - the noise being my primary concern. But go, we did, and I don't regret it at all.

When we arrived at the Allstate Arena, I was surprised by how chilly it was in the arena, but it quickly made sense as I realized they needed the doors open to get the giant vehicles into and out of the arena for setup and the actual show. Mister Man left his coat on for a good while - with his earplugs (and headphones to hold the earplugs in place).

I was surprised by how family-friendly the show was. I'll admit that the crowd attending was not at all what I had expected. The show sponsors are obviously aware that many fans are there for the first time. Prior to the show starting and throughout the show, there was a great em cee who gave information on what was going to happen or what was happening so that I wasn't sitting with a blank look on my face for the majority of the night.

When the trucks first came in, all ten (I believe) went roaring around the outside of the arena at the same time. Sitting one a few rows from the sectioned off portion of the arena (for safety, I presume), I was a little concerned right then. They were huge and loud and I vibrated. Fortunately, that was as nervous as I got, as no more than one or two performed at a time after that, making it much more palatable. That said, the fumes from the trucks were a big strong by the end of the evening, and I was feeling a bit sick to my stomach from them - but I also know that I'm hypersensitive to smells and noises.

The first event for the trucks was freestyle. Trucks had two runs (if I remember right!) to show what they could do. Grave Digger - Mister Man's favorite - fell over on its side on the first stunt it attempted and had to be righted by a backhoe. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and Grave Digger came back for later competitions.

That said, my favorite truck was Monster Mutt. He was so cute, and his tongue actually panted. His ears moved and his spring-loaded tail kind of wagged. Unfortunately, he didn't win anything that night, but he was still a ton of fun to watch.

After the freestyle round, quad racers came out, which I didn't even realize was going to be a part of the show. The ATVs had two rounds of Quad Wars, with purposeful animosity on the part of Team Missouri becoming "Team Green Bay" to antagonize Chicago. Again, it was all in good fun. In the second round, one of the ATVs tipped over, but again all was well - and Team Illinois ended up winning. Yay!

The next Monster Truck competition was a race. Two by two the giant trucks came out and raced around the course twice, with the first vehicle to cross the finish line moving to the next round of competition. The Batman car also fell over once and had to be righted, but that was the only casualty. And yes, it also came back for the last competition of the night. Mister Man was thrilled when the US Air Force truck won the race.

There was also a bit of entertainment that came with two transforming "robot" cars - one good and one evil that battled just after intermission. There was a whole backstory and plot of what was going on, and the way the vehicles played to the crowd thrilled Mister Man. He actually asked me again just now about what happened to Reptar (the evil car) who had the whole shot in his chest. I loved having the break between the trucks that was again very family friendly.

The last segment was another competition of style where the vehicles each had sixty seconds each to show what they could do. Here, they flew higher and went more vertical than they had previously. The crowd's favorite move? When the trucks spun, flinging dirt and mud and rubber into the stands - and yes, we were hit by mud more than once.

All in all, it was definitely a fun night, and Mister Man can't wait to go back. The earplugs were definitely needed, although it wasn't as loud as I'd feared. The explanations made the action much easier to follow, and it was really impressive to see what these drivers could do - all long veterans of the sport.

I'll admit that the parking was steep - but that's an Allstate Arena issue, as is the inability to exit the arena parking lot - and the fumes were a bit much for me. The show itself was surprisingly cool. And when it comes next year? I'll be looking forward to the show - and hoping that Monster Mutt has a slightly better showing!

There are still more shows on Sunday February 13 at 2 and 7:30. If you can't make it now, there are more shows throughout the country, and Chicago is already reserved for February 10-12, 2012, so block it on your calendar now.

Don't forget, you can get discounted tickets. Use the promo code MOM to save 33% on adult tickets Saturday and Sunday. Children's tickets (I love shows that charge less for children!) are $10 all weekend, and adult tickets are already $10 on Friday night. For the discounted tickets, use promotional code MOM when purchasing tickets at the Allstate Arena box office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Enter Code in the “MC Promotions Box” on Ticketmaster. Offer only valid on $20 mid-level seats. Not valid the day of the show. Service charges and handling fees may apply. No double discounts.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received tickets to attend Monster Jam with Mister Man for review purposes only, and there was no additional compensation. All opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Disney on Ice Toy Story 3

Last week, the wee ones and I had the opportunity to go see Disney on Ice Toy Story 3. Given that Toy Story 3 is the current favorite around here - it's possible that it's actually supplanted Star Wars with Mister Man - I knew it would be a hit.

Which is, of ourse, why I didn't mention to the wee ones that we were headed there until we were on our way. Fortunately, the wee ones "happened" to choose Toy Story 3 t-shirts to wear. Again.

The show finished up at the Allstate and is now playing (through this coming weekend!) at the UC, where family shows have free parking - yet another bonus and reason to go see the show before it moves to the next city (or if you're in another city - check out the list of upcoming shows to see when it's coming to a venue near you)

Little Miss was so excited for the show to begin. She literally couldn't sit in her seat.

It was absolutely adorable how the show started with the toys "stored" in the box headed for the attic.

The show was introduced by the traditional Disney characters - Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy - who were "telling" the story of Toy Story to some degree. The first half of the show borrowed bits and pieces from all three movies but wasn't truly any of the movie stories.

That didn't bother the wee ones, who were happy to see all the characters from the Army Men - most of whom "parachuted" onto the ice...

And Hamm!

And of course, Slinky Dog!

Buzz had one of the coolest entrances of all the characters - and yes, they were just about all there - where he "flew" in with his rocket jet pack. The wee ones were in awe.

One of their favorite parts was when Rex was "playing" the video game and finally had Buzz defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg. Good triumphing over evil is always a win - and that was the only time in the show that Zurg was present, fortunately not at all scary for the wee ones.

After intermission, Little Miss's favorite character finally made an appearance. Lotso showed up, and the remainder of the show was primarily focused on the telling of Toy Story 3 - much to the delight of the wee ones.

Personally, my favorite part was the interaction between Barbie and Ken. It was priceless. Completely campy, but purposely so, and I loved it - as did other parents I know who've attended the show so far.

Obviously, there's no way the completely recreate the entire movie on ice, but they did a pretty good job. The dump truck that transported Lotso was awesome and very true to the movie.

That said, there was definitely some license taken with the movie to get it to fit the timeline of the show and the restrictions of live action on ice. The wee ones were fine with it, and best of all - the claw was still there with the alience. It was adorable.

Nonetheless, we had a blast, and I wish the show were coming to Milwaukee soon so we could go see it again. Disney on Ice has yet to disappoint, and I know I'm eagerly looking forward to the next show coming through town.

Still want to see it while it's in Chicago? It's not too late - and there are great discounts available, too. The remaining shows at the UC are:

Wed, Feb 9 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 10 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 11 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 12 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 13 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM

And once again, you do not need to pay full price to go see the show. If you are looking to go Monday-Thursday or to a Friday Matinee, excluding holidays, you can get a family four pack of tickets for $44* by using the coupon code MOM. If you're going Friday night or on the weekend, you can still save $4 using the same coupon code.

How? Simply go to Ticketmaster and enter MOM in the “MC Promotions Box” or mention the code when purchasing tickets at the Allstate Arena or United Center Box Offices or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Note that this is not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply. Discount not valid on Front Row or VIP seats.

Winners!

It is contest ending time around here again, which of course means that I have more to put up soon - and I will, although I am about to head out to Blissdom next week, so I'm trying to catch up on a ton of things at home so my family has everything they need while I'm gone for five days. Keep watching!

The Avatar Blu-Ray copies - I had two to give away - were won by Michelle (great name, no?) and Cherl F from The Lucky Ladybug. They both have 48 hours to get back to me with their contact information before I select a new winner.

And more locally, I had tickets to give for Disney on Ice's Toy Story 3 that starts this coming Wednesday January 26 at the Allstate Arena. I am so excited to see the show when it moves to the UC on Wednesday February 2. And I hope that Tiaras & Tantrums is looking forward to seeing it with her family four pack of tickets as much as I am! Congrats to her for winning the tickets.

If you didn't, you can still go see Disney on Ice in the next couple weeks - and for a discount, too! Simply go to Ticketmaster and enter MOM in the “MC Promotions Box” or mention the code when purchasing tickets at the Allstate Arena or United Center Box Offices or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Note that this is not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply. Discount not valid on Front Row or VIP seats.

That will get you a family four pack of tickets for $44* Monday-Thursday or to a Friday Matinee, excluding holidays, simply by using the coupon code MOM. If you're going Friday night or on the weekend, you can still save $4 using the same coupon code.

The show dates are:
Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL
January 26-30, 2011
Wed, Jan 26 7:00PM
Thu, Jan 27 7:00PM
Fri, Jan 28 10:30AM,7:00PM
Sat, Jan 29 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sun, Jan 30 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM (Spanish language show)

United Center in Chicago, IL
February 2-13, 2010
Wed, Feb 2 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 3 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 4 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 5 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sun, Feb 6 11:30AM, 3:00PM (Spanish language show)
Wed, Feb 9 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 10 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 11 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 12 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 13 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM

As for the Monster Jam tickets - and oh is Mister Man excited about this one, although I have to admit to being a little nervous about the noise! He can't wait to see all the crashing and smashing and jumping and action of Monster Jam. Brandie from A Journey of 1000 Stitches Begins With Just One... will enjoy the show with her family, as well.

Again, all is not lost if you didn't win. The show will run Friday February 11 at 7:30, Saturday February 12 at 2 and 7:30, and Sunday February 13 at 2 and 7:30.

There are ticket discounts for this show, as well. Use the promo code MOM to save 33% on adult tickets Saturday and Sunday. Children's tickets (I love shows that charge less for children!) are $10 all weekend, and adult tickets are already $10 on Friday night. For the discounted tickets, use promotional code MOM when purchasing tickets at the Allstate Arena box office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Enter Code in the “MC Promotions Box” on Ticketmaster. Offer only valid on $20 mid-level seats. Not valid the day of the show. Service charges and handling fees may apply. No double discounts.

Congrats to all the winners!