Popular scary circus is bringing the Big Top back to Tri-Cities
The horror-themed Big Top circus that has set up camp outside the Columbia Center JCPenney’s the past two summers is back by popular demand. For four days straight this month, you can experience the thrill of acrobatics, sword-swallowing and other stunts right outside the mall in Kennewick.
Paranormal Cirque, a Cirque Italia production, will be in town May 16 through 19, with two performances on both Saturday and Sunday.
The show features traditional circus acts with scary influences. For example, the roller-skating performance features two brooding vampires, and the aerial performance is done by a zombie character, according to Steve Copeland, show host and comedian.
What is Paranormal Cirque?
The two-hour long show is different every year, with new elements and characters added to each tour. So even if you’ve gone the past two years, you’ll see something new at Paranormal Cirque this year.
“We have a brand new opening number with lots of acrobatics and excitement,” Copeland told the Herald in a phone interview. “We have a sexy, fun lounge number that opens the second half with our scintillating siren of the circus singing a song.”
Some fan-favorite characters and stunts will be returning as well, like the death-defying finale, the Wheel of Death. Steve and Ryan return as hosts, but with new comedy routines.
“Every year we try and make it better and better,” Copeland said. “We’ve made some major changes since the last time we were in town.”
Copeland informed the Herald of one trigger warning for the show, warning anyone sensitive to strobe lights.
Paranormal Cirque tickets
Paranormal Cirque shows are scheduled for:
May 16, 7:30 p.m.
May 17, 6:30 p.m.
May 17, 9:30 p.m.
May 18, 5:30 p.m.
May 18, 8:30 p.m.
May 19, 7:30 p.m.
You can buy tickets at the ticket office outside the eye-catching, climate-controlled, black and white circus tent or online. Tickets range from $20 to $65, depending on age and seat selection.
Copeland recommends buying tickets sooner rather than later, as the shows do sell out and tickets are going fast.
Because the show is R-rated, youth under age 13 are not allowed into the show. 13- to 17-year-old teenagers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Doors open an hour before the show starts. That hour features a Haunt Walk, where the entrance is filled with creepy characters to interact with before the show, decorations and easter eggs hidden throughout the area.
This has also been upgraded since Paranormal Cirque was last in town, with new decorations, animatronics and a new hidden QR code aspect.
There will also be vendors in this entrance area.
Once you’re seated, there will be an opportunity to take photos with a Chucky doll. During intermission, audience members can go on stage to take photos with Michael Meyers.
Some attendees may dress up for the occasion, with spooky attire or makeup. Copeland says this is absolutely encouraged, but please keep any decorative masks at home, so they can see their audience’s faces.
Paranormal Cirque on tour
This Paranormal Cirque show has been on tour since January, with the first stop in Arizona. The show heads to Tri-Cities from Oregon.
“It’s been really nice for the past few years, really getting to know the West Coast, specifically Oregon and Washington, because those are states I hadn’t spent much time in before,” Copeland said.
Their fanbase has been growing in the west coast, too. Copeland said they’ve been selling out a lot of shows, and they notice that growing support each year they return.
Copeland said he’s looking forward to Tri-Cities seeing the new show elements, and is particularly excited to return to Summer’s Hub of Kennewick.