Send in the Clown: Veteran Performer Hopes to Save Big Apple Circus
Amid doubts the circus industry can survive, Bello Nock is seeking to buy bankrupt Big Apple Circus at auction
In his three-decade career as a daredevil-minded circus clown, Bello Nock has done everything from taking his place atop a 70-foot sway pole to riding a 5-ton elephant—sometimes all within a single show.
But now, the 47-year-old performer, once hailed as America’s top clown by Time magazine, is looking to attempt what might be his most challenging feat yet: bringing New York’s bankrupt Big Apple Circus back to life.
Mr. Nock, who is based in Sarasota, Fla., but has long considered New York City a second home of sorts, says he is planning to make a bid for the circus’ assets as part of a bankruptcy auction.
His plan comes at a time when the long-term survival of the circus as an art form is under question, particularly with last month’s announcement that the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus was closing after nearly a century-and-a-half run.
Link to Full Article on the Wall Street Journal.
Do you have a story to share? Submit your news story, article or press release.