Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey returns in 2023 as a reimagined, multi-platform franchise

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey family-owned entertainment company has branched out, and the returning live production of “The Greatest Show On Earth” will debut in fall 2023.

The circus-based franchise has expanded to include consumer products such as toys, games, packaged goods, collectibles, and more. Plans for brand extensions such as theme park attractions and touring exhibitions are also in the works.

In 2019, Ringling created a farewell documentary, and now a new documentary slated for release will take viewers on a backstage tour to meet the cast and crew, and learn how “The Greatest Show On Earth” comes into being.

“As passionate stewards of Ringling, we are committed to creating a lifestyle brand that connects with families and sparks real fun 365 days a year through live performances, digital content, consumer products, school curricula, youth circus arts programs, and more,” said Kenneth Feld, chairman and chief executive officer of Feld Entertainment. “We are innovating all aspects of the live show and modernizing the franchise to create an engaging property that is built for today’s families and will last another 150 years.”

The company’s new logo is intended to “evoke the brand’s rich heritage while also creating feelings of wonder, discovery, and joy.”

“The new Ringling logo illustrates the essence of the brand combined with modern simplicity,” insists Juliette Feld Grossman, chief operating officer of Feld Entertainment and producer of “The Greatest Show On Earth.” “The contemporary look will invite curiosity and captivate families as they discover more ways to become part of the awe-inspiring world of Ringling.”

Ringling’s new live show includes talent from around the world, and has added new technology to its 360-degree experience, along with audience interactions that will keep each performance fresh and unique.

Currently, the company is conducting a world-wide search for the best acts, looking for exceptional talent and larger-than-life personalities. Auditions are taking place in countries including Ethiopia, France, Mongolia, Argentina, and the United States.

Rehearsals will begin in June 2023, and the U.S. tour will officially launch in September 2023, with stops in more than 50 North American cities.

“We’ve spent countless hours conducting research, speaking with consumers, and scouting for talent all over the globe to deliver an experience unlike any other,” Feld Grossman continued. “‘The Greatest Show On Earth,’ with its combination of thrills, artistry, comedy, and whimsy, will bring generations of families together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.”