4 out of 5 stars

The Ringling circus’ reimagining of its show surely qualifies as one of the great cultural redos of recent memory. Heck, I’d put it right up there with the Tony-winning revivals of Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along” or Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard” in terms of its smart, bold concept. Think circus as a sweeping, arena-scale affair without the three rings, but with a fluid sense of music and action and a lively mix of daredevil acts. Granted, the 2026 iteration isn’t perfect – I’m not sure the “party” theme quite works – but it is hugely entertaining and still quintessential family-minded fare. – Charles Passy

At the Barclays Center through Feb. 22, 2026, then playing other venues around the country; ringling.com. (Review date: Feb. 21, 2026)