You could say the circus is in Juliette Feld Grossman’s DNA.
Grossman, 40, is chief operating officer of Feld Entertainment, which produces Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Greatest Show on Earth, which comes Nov. 24-26 to Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena
Feld Entertainment, which was started by Grossman’s late grandfather Irvin Feld, also produces Monster Jam, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, Disney on Ice, Jurassic World Live Tour and Marvel Universe Live!
Jmore recently spoke with Grossman — who grew up in Potomac and now lives in Sarasota, Florida — about how the circus has evolved over the years and her family’s legacy.
How do you appeal to today’s audiences?
JFG: Our intention with this production is to bring joy to families, to bring families and fans closer together, to connect them through a really wonderful experience that creates a lifetime of memories, and to inspire that joy and wonder.
At the end of the day, people come to live entertainment because they want to be connected to other people. They want to be part of that spirit, that excitement of doing something communally and creating this community, if only for the two hours of the production.
How has the circus changed?
The show is certainly quite different in terms of the content and the production elements. We’re in a 360-degree environment, which is actually kind of classic to circus but not something that we had done in recent years. Although there are so many changes, we retain the ethos of Ringling.
My grandfather revolutionized the circus business [in the late 1960s] for Ringling when he moved the show from tents into arenas, which was controversial at the time. Over time, it’s always had to evolve to connect with audiences of the day.
What can people expect, and what’s appealing about this new iteration of the circus?
In terms of the performances, we look at creating a balance within the circus arts of comedy, artistry and thrills. We have elements of each that give everyone in the audience something to look forward to. We have a lot of classic Ringling elements, but they’ve been reimagined in a new way, and in some cases in a really, really thrilling way.
One of the most dynamic acts that we have is a crisscross flying trapeze. We’re pushing the limits of things that have never been done before. It’s so exciting and dynamic to watch.
In every possible way, we see our performers pushing the limits on their respective skills. We have no gimmicks, what you see is actually happening. It’s the result of years of training, determination and grit on behalf of the performers and the crew to put this production together.
What’s exciting about the process of evolving?
It’s thrilling for us to take something that was first a concept in our imagination, and then became drawings, and then became a model, and then became populated by the incredible performers — a cast of 75 from 18 different nationalities. It’s just thrilling to see the whole process and to see the team join together and create this beautiful collaboration.
Have any moments stood out for you?
We have a performer named Wesley Williams, who is a [world-renowned] unicyclist. We have a light narrative in the show where it’s Wesley’s first day at Ringling. He comes in and then over the course of the production you see him on all different kinds of unicycles. And then at the end of the show, he actually performs on a world-record setting 34-and-a-half-foot tall unicycle.
One of the most exciting moments I heard on opening night was when people started chanting his name. And I heard kids behind me going, ‘You can do it, Wesley!’ And then the audience started chanting, ‘Wesley, Wesley,’ and I thought, wow, this audience is invested in Wesley. And it was amazing to see that happen over the course of two hours.
Your grandfather started Feld Entertainment, and now you work with your father and sisters. Talk about your family’s legacy.
I just think about what we can do that is the right thing, the best thing for the business. And hopefully that builds toward continuing that legacy and the future.
We’re fortunate that it’s not only our family’s business, but we also have a lot of multi-generational associates and a lot of spouses who work together at the company. We have a lot of longevity. I work with a lot of people who are incredibly experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated to the company.
How do Jewish values guide your work?
For me growing up around Ringling, and then also perhaps my faith as a Jewish person, I think the biggest thing is just appreciating the value of human life. Each person is distinctive, and each person lends a unique skill that makes the show better.
Every associate that we have brings a value and a dynamic that’s unique to them, and for which we value them and appreciate the work that they bring to our company, and our community.
Another element is l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation. Your grand- parents went to Ringling, and your parents went as children, and now you get to re-do that together. I see it with my father getting to enjoy it with my three kids. There’s an intergenerational connection.
Anna Lippe is a Washington, D.C.-based freelance writer.
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