Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus - Built To Amaze! at United Center

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Aside from a half-shaved poodle that had a particularly potent personality and the Negrey Troupe's superb tumbling act (which I've seen before and love), the star of "Built to Amaze" is one Irina Emelin, a hugely talented Russian clown who also, with her husband Alex, runs the pooch act. They've not been seen in American before."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...No matter how quaint the circus seems in this CGI-besotted age, there's still something about watching living creatures (human and otherwise) performing in real time that keeps this ancient entertainment thrilling. OK—sometimes the thrill comes from watching an elephant poop in the middle of an act, which prompted the biggest gasp from the crowds on the night I attended. But there are more than enough rehearsed thrills in this current edition of a venerable American tradition—fearless acrobats, inspired clowns, eye- and ear-pleasing spectacles—to keep an audience enthralled."

Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended

"...Indeed, Built to Amaze! is one of the most generous spectaculars from the circus empire in some time. And that doesn’t include the colorful International Folklore Dancers, the 12 cavorting clowns with their contagious antics, or the hour-long pre-show where audience members can mingle with circus stars or do their own acrobatics in a bouncy house or watch an elephant do a very original painting. The face-off of girl power between the Ringling Girls and boy power from Barnum B-Boys is so exciting you’ll root for both sides. This is theater at its most unabashed and, unlike so much in so-called real life, you can’t fake this kind of splendor."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...This past Thursday, I went to The Ringling Bros Barnum and Bailey circus at the Allstate Arena, where they presented "Built to Amaze". I thought the production was back to back entertainment/ comedy from start to finish."

Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended

"...The second act was an immense upgrade, offering one act after another that displayed Ringling Brothers at the top of its game. The joy began with a spectacular dog act in which 16 black or white poodles dashed about the ring in controlled frenzy, leaping and tumbling with remarkable precision. The scene stealer was a tiny black poodle that looked about 18 inches high and captivated the audience with its hind leg prancing and scurrying and generally leading its canine colleagues with exuberance and flair."