Circus Smirkus or Big Apple Circus?

[dharmama]

Anyone been to both? Which do you like better?

Both are coming to southern RI this month. Trying to decide which one to go to.

We've been to the Big Apple annually for the last 10 years or so loyalty makes me want to go there, but I'm curious about Circus Smirkus, and it's a fundraiser for the local Waldorf school, so that's a plus.

Ticket prices are comparable so that's not really a factor.

[mumofboyz]

I've done both. Big Apple is quite professional and all; Circus Smirkus is wonderfully amateur and home-grown. I would vote for the latter. You kids won't be overwhelmed by the performances but they will have a delightful time in a smaller venue where they can probably be much closer to the action.When I took boys to BA, it was almost 'too big' to comprehend ... to far-reaching for them, until they got a little older. CS made my kids want to run away and join the circus themselves, which I think is sooooo cool. (not them actually running away to join, but just them liking it so much and finding it accessible enough to want to.)
http://www.smirkus.org/
Besides, it is for a good cause!

[Zadee]

I would go to Circus Smirkus but they do a week long workshop at my kids' school every year which I love so I am biased.

[Katho]

We have taken DS to Circus Smirkus every year since he was a toddler. (Disclaimer: two boys who are neighbors of my parents have been in the cast; they are amazing kids!). Sometimes the routines get a little repetitive over time, but overall we love the experience and look forward to it each summer. We have been to BA once. Grandma the Clown was great, and as noted it is a more professional production, but I personally I enjoy seeing humans do tricks more than animals.

[mermommy]

I haven't seen circus smirkus but my kids ( 6 and 2 ) both love the big apple circus, we've been the last two years in a row.

[PatchChild]

Circus Smircus!!!! My cousins were in it for years. It's a perfect size for younger kids.

[dharmama]

well...it looks like we just might be going to both!!!! :

yesterday i got a last-minute assignment from the newspaper to go take photos of the big apple tent going up. while we were there, we received free tickets for the show this weekend!!!!

there are photos from the day on my blog, which is in my siggie. we had so. much. fun. hanging out with the "circus kids" (the absolute nicest kids you could imagine!! ) and meeting the horses and their trainer.

circus smirkus is at the end of the month and since we didn't have to pay for these tickets, we can definitely do that now!!!! :

(oops. not in my siggie. must renew my signature advertising first. off to do that....)