The Ringling Bros and Barnum Bailey Circus coming to the XL Center in Hartford May 8 through May 11. The Ringling Bros “Legends” show has never had so much to offer!

An hour before show time, families can come to the arena floor and participate in interactive, up-close circus experiences, the All-Access Pre-show and the brand new Ringmaster Zone.  For the ultimate circus fan experience, the producers have created a new, exclusive, intimate experience: the Ringmaster Zone where families are offered an unprecedented look behind the curtain of The Greatest Show On Earth. Fans have the opportunity to walk on the RinglingRed Carpet with Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson and the stars of the show, step inside the Globe of Steel, take photos on the ringmaster’s float and have an up-close elephant encounter

Meet Ringling Bros. Ringmaster, Johnathan Lee Iverson

Johnathan Lee Iverson was the first African-American and the youngest Ringmaster in the history of Ringling Bros. At the age of 11, Johnathan began performing with the world-famous Boys Choir of Harlem and was awarded the lead tenor role. For seven years, he was intensely trained in all forms of music including classical, jazz, hip hop, and gospel. Johnathan graduated from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School in May 1998 with a degree in voice performance, and shortly after his graduation, Johnathan was invited to begin his professional entertainment career with the 129th Edition of Ringling Bros.

What made you want to join the circus after you graduated Connecticut’s Hartt School of Music?

Opportunity! No one plans to run away and join the circus except for clowns. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey were looking for a Ringmaster who would continue in the tradition of Harold Ronk and Eric Michael Gillett, two of the finest  singing ringmasters in their show’s history. With my education in vocal music courtesy of the Hartt School of Music, I just so happened to fit the bill.

Image Credit: Ringling Bros. / Feld Entertainment

Johnathan toured with Ringling Bros.® all around the United States, and his charismatic charm and his incredible voice caught the eye of Barbara Walters, who within a year of his first tour named him one of the ten most fascinating people in 1999.

In 2000, Johnathan met Priscilla when she joined the Ringling Bros family. Priscilla is a classically trained dancer from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Today Priscilla works alongside Johnathan at the circus.

Image Credit: Ringling Bros. / Feld Entertainment

What does your family do with you in the circus?

My children go to school and enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities, including acrobatics, piano, ballet, art and outings with their mother and I all across the United States. My wife, their mother, is the Production Manager for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS, which means in addition to overseeing and maintaining every aspect of The Greatest Show On Earth, she’s my boss.

Image Credit: Ringling Bros. / Feld Entertainment

What is your favorite act in the circus? Do you work directly with the animals?

They’re all so dynamically innovative and require so much of those who display them that it’s impossible for me to have a favorite. Regarding the animals, I don’t work with any of the animals directly. I simply and humbly enjoy second billing. We all know, though we two legged mammals are entertaining our many fans come to The Greatest Show On Earth to enjoy our World Famous Menagerie.

Image Credit: Ringling Bros. / Feld Entertainment