Circus returns to Rosemont

The magic of the circus returns to Rosemont today to bedazzle children and people of all ages.

The 139th edition of "The Greatest Show on Earth" will play for the next 11 days at the Allstate Arena before moving to the United Center in Chicago for a 12-day run.

This version, named "Zing, Zang, Zoom," goes with an anti-gravity theme, led by magical Ringmaster Alex Ramon, working to ward off a cynical Mr. Gravity and his team of Heavies who try to bring everyone down.

Circus goers will see the circus turned upside down, as apprentice illusionists from the audience mysteriously levitate their parents, a four-ton elephant disappears and Mr. Gravity transforms into a ferocious tiger.

The circus also will feature thrill acts such as human cannonballs, Russian fire-swing acrobats, the Qi Qi Har Chinese Swinging Log Trapeze and dueling wheels of steel. The exotic animal acts include a herd of grand Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, and Arabian and Friesian horses.

A preshow an hour before showtime gives ticket holders a chance to meet the circus performers and animals and learn circus skills.

Tickets, which range in price from $13 to $24, are available at Ringling.com, (800) 745-3000, Ticketmaster, and the Allstate Arena and United Center box offices. VIP tickets and front row seating range from $35 to $85.

For information, call the Allstate Arena at (847) 635-6601 or go to Ringling.com.