News

Actions

Two clowns reflect on their time with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

Posted at 5:30 PM, Mar 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-17 17:30:44-04

Although he’s a clown, Stephen Craig can’t hold back his sadness.

“The further we get to the end, the harder it is,” Craig said through tears.

After over 150 years of entertaining countless people, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s curtain will fall for the last time May 7.

For the circus performer Brian Wright, the feelings are mixed.

Wright said he knew he wanted to be a circus clown at the age of 4.

“I saw my first show and I said, 'That right there. That's what I want to do for a living,’ and here I am all those years later,” Wright said.

Wright said he was sad at first when it was announced Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will close.

“At first it was very sad, but then I think about it, come May 7th in Providence, Rhode Island, I’m going to be part of history,” Wright said.

As for how many shows he has left, Wright said he’s not counting.

“I'm just living it one day at a time, and when it all comes to a head, we'll bow out gracefully,” Wright said.

Craig realizes his time with Ringling Bros. is limited, but he doesn’t want to think about that final show.

“I don't want to imagine it. I just want to experience it,” Craig said.

Craig said the circus will live on even though the “Greatest Show in the World” will not.

“The big show is gone, but circus doesn't have to be,” Craig said. “There are still circus fans. There are still circus performers. They will just have to meet on a different stage.”