Great American Circus

My husband & I walked out of this event saying, "We really spent over $75 for our family just to see that." I think the advertising works up the event too much much more. There were moments that our young ones enjoyed but for the most part it was "just ok." Everything that they were selling inside the event was cheap and too exspensive.

Alot of fun. Perhaps the name should be something else, since it was more of a show than truly a circus. When I hear circus I think of animals being included. However, I was pleased to see no animals.

The Great American Cirus was not so great. The Dena'ina Center was not tall enough to do justice to the trapeze act and everything was outrageously priced. The acoustics were poor, too. It appeared that everyone was not excited, but the noise of the audience was lost.

The show was just awesome and AMAZING . I have never seen that much excitement before. I had a blast!!!

This was the worst event I've every been to I think especially for the price. We paid over $100 dollars for 3 tickets and it was worth about $10. I've definitely seen better acts on a cruise ship. I would not consider this a circus it was a joke!

Just disappointing, the performers would not turn to the whole audience, so we saw the back side of them most of the show and/or could see nothing. The highlight was the end.

I loved the performers, The strong men were captivating and the archery was great. My only problem is that due to the limitations of the dena'ina center there was very poor visibility, even from the first few rows. The ceiling was so low that the trapeze artists had barely enough room. Beyond the venue, the performance was great.

Our daughter (she is 4) loved the show. However, we felt it was incredible cheesey and not worth the money. We often found ourselves laughing becuase of the cheese factor or the acts were just so random. It was also funny because it is called the all American circus but they seemed to be mostly foreigners. I would say save your money and take the kids to the movies or to build a bear. I wish we would have.

This circus was very small and pretty lame. I've never heard of a circus with ZERO animals. And why in the world did they have a Michael Jackson impersonator?!? The MC (or ringmaster, or whatever he's called) was annoying. For example, during intermission he kept going on and on and on asking Security to do stuff, but for some odd reason, he kept talking through the microphone and standing on the stage.

I was grossly disappointed this weekend when I took my child to The Great American Circus. We were excited to see that they had a trapeze set up--only to find out that the ceilings at the venue were lower than other places, so the trapeze artists were scared to do anything--they just swung back and forth and didn't do flips or anything. The "circus master" wore a cheesy sequined outfit and spent more time schlepping overpriced coloring books, snacks and toys. I kid you not, there was a Michael Jackson tribute singer that sang THREE songs...how is that circus material, people? The remaining performers spent the rest of the show trying to get the audience to participate and clap and cheer, but their performance didn't warrant any of that. Save your money or take your kids to the moview--costs about the same and you all will be much happier.

The show was ridiculously over inflated in all areas.... Price, egos, talent, hype... And completely under whelming. My family and I had fun, but only because we made it fun despite our disappointment. The male performers strutted like peacocks with no apparent reason for all the pride. I will say that the trapeze flyers were ok. The female aerialists were a favorite of my husband, but it reminded him more of a bar than a circus. All the performers seemed to be doing multiple duties, which makes me wonder who is pocketing alllll the money, because it doesn't seem to be spent on staff or development of the performers.

The ring leader was on a power trip and kept yelling at people over the microphone and in front of everyone. Some of the acts were good, but some of them were just silly and boring. It just seemed like they were trying to fill time. Plus, it seemed like they were trying to oush their cheaply made merchandise that you could find at any fair more than making sure you were having a good time. The popcorn and cotton candy were WAY over priced (more so than movie theaters!) and tasted stale. I would not recommend this circus. It was way over priced for what you get.

We spent $180 on tickets for 4 Adults and 1 child and saw 4 passes by the trapeze performers, some hula hooping and gymnastics. Our two year old was not amused and in fact picked up her coat at one point and wanted to leave. No bleacher seating, just rows of chairs sitting on the floor. Crowd response pretty dismal, Definity not for small children.

I took my 3 year old, and he enjoyed it, but overall there's not much to recommend. The production is all about trying to sell you expensive souveniers, and the concession items are also overpriced. How are families supposed to afford going to these events? The tickets alone were expensive, which on it's own is fine, but the whole thing just seemed to be one big money grab. The performances were interesting, but overall, I'd rather spend my money flying to Seattle or a larger city for true entertainment. The little kids seemed to love it, so maybe I'm just the jaded adult speaking, but be prepared to spend some bucks because it's all aimed at making your kids want the expensive (worthless) crap they hawk for the ENTIRE TIME.

Although this was the "Fairbanks" version of a circus, without alot of the hype, I took my two granddaughters and found it to be very entertaining. There were some really spectacular acts. We had a great time and really enjoyed it!

Once again the Carlson center gauges you after they gauge you. Ticket prices weren't cheap, and the performances weren't great. The kids had a good time, but were left a little disappointed. Concessions were extremely over priced, and they charged to play on the blow up activities. Extras were a huge rip off considering the ticket prices!!!!!

It's great that such an amazing display of talent was made available to a podunk town like Fairbanks. I especially enjoyed the trapeze act and the wheel.

The kids were so into it there eyes were big and fogetting to cheer them on. they loved the giant wheel that the guys run in and on : )! My daughter likes girl stuff so she had a hard time deciding what was better the girls or the guys on the wheel.

This wasn't the big top circus with elephants, tigers and dancing bears, BUT it was a really spectacular show. I don't care what age you are, trapeze, comedic clowns, and other acts are always exciting to watch. If you've never been to the circus, this one is a good place to start.

I took my 5 year old grandson to see his first circus, he enjoyed it so much and is still talking about it.

Was excellent...kids loved it! Would reccomend for all ages!

some performances were good, some ok, some were way too unimpressive

This was a fun event enjoyed by everyone around me. The entertainers did a grest job interacting with the crowd, the performances were fabulous. Cannot pick just one favorate. Fabulous evening, great memories, and a couple of neat pictures for the scrapbook page(s). Would (and did) recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, intimate circus.

This show would probably have been more enjoyable as a kid. A lot of the acts seemed amateurish and not planned for the layout of the Carlson Center itself, especially since there was a lot of dead time due to having to change the props constantly. If there wasn't dead time between prop switching the announcer was telling you how great their merchandise was and to buy things from them, even though there were two people constantly walking in front of you the entire show trying to show off the items. It was hard to tell when an act was complete because of how often the cast would stop and look at the crowd for approval. Many times it caused an awkward silence when an act did finish but the crowd was so confused they didn't even clap. Also being on the floor you would imagine good seats and being able to see the entire show but the circus let them set up our section so those to the right of our seats weren't even able to see certain acts like the Crossbow Masters because the target's back was facing them. It's kind of hard to get excited about the man shooting a piece of paper in half when you can't see it happen.

Too much money Horrible seating and view stage lights in audience eyes Audio discomfort - too loud, shrilling feedback, obnoxious constant LOUD eurotechno remix... for a circus.. really? my daughter only enjoyed the bouncy castle @ a $5 charge during intermission.

This was by far the worst circus I have ever been to. Every performer was "award winning" (winning what awards and from who?) and most of them performed multiple times and were introduced each time as being from somewhere else in the world. There was no animals at all, not even a monkey. It was like watching a trainwreck (only I could and DID take my eyes away). One thing I can say for them, they certainly have the "freak show" part of a circus nailed down pat.

the aeralist were good, as well as the hula hoop girl but other than that it was okay

Overall, the "circus" was a bit of a disappointment. There were some cool acts- we liked the archery and the world record hoola hooper, but for the most part, it just wasn't really very interesting. I thought the Michael Jackson impersonator was pretty good, but the kids didn't know who he was supposed to be. The "ring master" was a bit of a jerk as well. He openly berated the sound tech. OH, and bring your wallet! There were toys, programs, face painting, and pictures that all cost extra. Of course, the snacks cost more than a movie theater. The view from these seats was not good. One of the light techs (?) was right in the way. The stage hands were constantly moving equipment in front of us. It was just hard to see from here. If the venue had been stadium-style and we could have been up higher rather than ground-level, it would have been better

Since moving from Texas, we've been desperately seeking something to do here in Alaska. The circus seemed like the perfect event to get out of the house. After all, the Barnum and Bailey Circus was one of our favorite annual family events to attend. Well, the Great American Circus was not even close to being great. Should have kept it a blockbuster night is all I can say.

My kids loved the circus. It was great. We would go again.

This show was not worth the price of admission. The performances were largely unexciting, and the venue for this event (the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage) was ridiculously inappropriate for a circus act. The "circus" was held in a glorified meeting hall, where every seat in the house was a bad seat. the ceiling was so low, the acrobatic acts could not even be performed properly. Several groups of people left the show at different times throughout the performance, as it was that bad. The part of the show that was given the most focus was when the "ringmaster" came out to hock $4 coloring books and overpriced concessions during the performance. I guess in Alaska we are not entitled to a true circus like those that often perform in the real United States. Shows that include big spectacles with animal acts, etc. Save your money and don't bother with this show.

We paid way too much for this "circus". Seating was horrible, sound system was worse, the acts were not appropriate for my three year old son who was more intrigued with the $10 sword we bought him. Skip the show, buy a sword and stay home!

Some of the stunts were great but I feel like something was missing and for the price of the tickets it sure wasn't worth it. Was a bit disappointed. I think you guys need to check out the circus from the lower 48's like the soul circus now they put on a good show. lol No fence just giving you guys tips.

Low budget, less than spectacular, small scale, cheap. We were expecting "THE GREAT AMERICAN CIRCUS!" we got "A circus". The only thing American about it was the price. Oh and the cheesy flag waving at the very end. We won't go back if they come up again.

Didn't like it and we only stayed because there was bouncy equipment to play on. Very disapointing. I guess I have High Expectations. I wasn't impressed by any of it.

My husband and 8-year old daughter loved the show. It was fun, had great music, and was a welcomed event for our community.

We loved the show! What amazing athletic abilities by all performers. We stopped smiling only when we were gasping or "oooh-ahhh"-ing. :-0 My 7 year old son thought it was the "best" show that he's seen in his "whole" life! I was only disappointed in our Anchorage audience and their low energy. But it had NOTHING to do with the show, more with the late night, poor crowd acoustics and more kids than adults (less clapping power). While leaving the center all around us people were saying how great the Circus was.

The circus was great, the performers very entertaining. The venue where the event was held could have been better thought out. The seating was flat instead of stadium style, so nobody beyond the first row could see very well. The admission for the extra "circus rides" was not included in the price of the event ticket and were not worth the additional money.

1. We felt the venue was wrong - too small and seating on one level instead of risers. I realize that is probably why you raised the stage, but proper viewing was not as good as ait should have been and we paid extra to be in row 3. 2. For the most part, the acts were mediocre especially the two men on the ropes, The girls on the corners were more entertaining. 3. Whose idea was it to sell those horns? They were very obnoxious especially when you have three of them directly behind you and they went on constantly.

My boys enjoyed the circus, but they haven't seen one before this - they are 6 and 3. It was entertaining, but the price was steep for the performance given. I wouldn't go again, but for some friends, I would recommend it - only if they haven't seen one before.

We went to the circus on Sunday afternoon, and simply had a blast! This was both my grandsons' first circus, and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I would highly recommend this as an excellent family day out.

The kids had a good time, but the performances weren't impressive at all. The magic show was poor: That "empty" plexiglas box where a girl crawls out of a thick false bottom... come on, even my 4 year-old figured that one out. Oh, and the Argentinean gauchos, come on... I am from Argentina and their outfit looks more like a 80's ski outfit than that of a gaucho!! Michael Jackson's impersonator, "Michael Kiss" may have been okay, but the sound was echoing off everywhere in the hall turning punchy tunes into unbearable noise. However, the lady with the hoops and the "geometrics?" show was great!

We all loved the show. My son who is not yet two, could not take his eyes off of the stage. He sat with star stuck eyes the whole time. We were a group of 7, age ranged form 67 to 2 and we all thought it was great. Thank you Great American Circus.

The acts were not varied enough, too short, they weren't THAT good, and it was way too expensive for the quality of acts.

The circus was great, my 3 year old grandson was amazed by the whole thing..I thought it was very entertaining..

Honestly.. where were the animals?? Where were the DARING stunts? 10 ft above the floor for a trapeze was not that impressive. This was really a Grade C Circus. Elephants? Tigers?? There really wasn't any excitement! Not to mention... Michael Kiss??? Really?? please! I can go to a Halloween carnival to watch Michael Jackson impersonators.

It would have been a lot better if it was a "true" circus like if they had animals, but overall it was fairly decent. If my daughter wasn't under the age of two then I probably would have been quite upset having to pay almost $70 just to watch not even two hours worth of acrobats. I would probably recommend it to a friend who has children only because there isn't much to do in Alaska and this is better than nothing. The kids enjoyed it...so that's all that really matters!!

The show was great!! Our grandchildren loved it!! It would been more enjoyable and entertaining though if there had been animals.

First, there was only one clown and he was minimally "deck-out", i.e. little to no face paint and no audience participation. Secondly, there seemed to be a lack of organization when it came time to setup for the trapeze; the ringmaster got very rude with security because they didn't know what to do ahead of time for the safety net.

Where were the elephants, horses and fun stuff?? This was not a "circus" but a "show". I took my 3 yr old nephew and he lost interest quickly.

We want to the saturday evening performance. I was a little disappointed in that there wasn't any of the animals that go with a circus, but the performers were great...... with one exception. Way too much was made of the lip syncing Michael Jackson impersonator. Especially the last number when there was a superb aerialist that should have been one of the star attractions. He detracted from the whole experience although he was the scariest clown there. This was also my first trip to the Denaina Center and it was flat out the wrong venue and very disappointing. the seats were well below the stage and what would have been great seats anywhere else were awful. The ceiling was way too low for the trapeze and the spinning wheel. I hope they return (without Michael) and put it in the Sully.

This show was a travesty, the worst circus, if not the worst performance of any kind I've ever seen in my life, at a ticket price of about $25 for adults for general admission when all the random fees were included. It started out with a woman doing hula hoops, then several scantily-dressed women sliding up and down ropes in the style of pole dancers, then two brothers in tights swinging under each other's crotches, then a man balancing on chairs, then an inflatable clown, then a Michael Jackson impersonator, then a tedious archery demonstration. Throughout there were numerous announcements about the wide variety of merchandise available. The audience was appalled and the performers did little to disguise their dissatisfaction with the audience, at one point saying, "Thank you for your enthusiasm." All this was accompanied by deafening house music. Excruciating microphone feedback met with the response from a performer, "Are you awake?!" The second half began with the trapeze (at last), although the announcer constantly complained that the ceiling of the building was too low to do it well. My 2-year-old was utterly fed up by then and we left.

This circus was terrible! Could not see the show and it was just very cheesy! My five year old was ready to go home after the first twenty minutes.

The performers were excellent, they worked hard and it showed. The announcer is what made the shows poor in my mind. He spent half the time messing up the performers names and repeating directions that he kept stumbling over. The worst was when he was screaming angrily at the convention center security team about the ground cables. Yes, I can see why it was important, but he yelled at them from the stage with the microphone. Completely unprofessional. It's a circus, he shoul maybe move to a line of work he actually enjoys. Keep the performers but get rid of the rude announcer. Lastly, the convention center with it's low ceilings was a horrible place for a high flying circus, pick a new venue or don't expect people to be awed, as it didn't show off their talents to their fullest potential.