Brand new scary circus comes to Tri-Cities mall with five days of horrific Big Top shows
For the first time ever, a Big Top circus tent will be outside the Columbia Center mall for a series of adult, horror-themed shows. Don’t be confused if you see the massive set-up in the parking lot, just consider stopping by to step into the climate-controlled tent — and another world.
Paranormal Cirque, a Cirque Italia production, will be in Kennewick from August 3 to 7, with two performances on Saturday and Sunday. The immersive two-hour long show features traditional circus acts with horrific twists, like porcelain doll contortionists and a juggling serial killer/barber character.
“It’s very immersive,” said Steve Copeland, show host and comedian, in an interview with the Herald. “From the moment you enter our tent, you are in the world of Paranormal Cirque.”
What is Paranormal Cirque?
A first-of-its-kind performance, Paranormal Cirque is a mix of circus entertainment, horror themes and comedy. Copeland describes it as a “Vegas-quality, R-rated horror circus.” He recommends it to anyone who loves horror or unique live entertainment, or anyone who wants something new.
But all are welcome at the shows — at least, all ages 18 and up. Ages 13 to 17 are welcome with a parent or guardian, at their discretion. The show includes adult language and themes and “isn’t for the faint of heart,” according to the press release.
The show features acrobatics, magic, side shows and many other unbelievable performances. You’ll experience a bevy of emotions, from the fear and exhilaration from watching stunt work, to the joy and hilarity of comedic relief. This fine-tuned experience has been so successful thus far in the tour, with some audience members returning again and again.
“Life is not easy all the time,” Copeland said. “It’s nice to have something for people to have an escape and just come out and have some fun for a couple hours.”
The tour is the first-ever for Paranormal Cirque, which has been on the road for about a year. The cast has been in Washington for several weeks now, coming to the Tri-Cities after numerous sold-out shows in Spokane and Seattle. The show is unique in its horror themes and adult-only performances, plus it is fairly uncommon for first-time tours to include performances in Eastern Washington.
“You don’t have to wait for Halloween or go to a major city, we bring this right to you,” Copeland said.
What to know before going to Paranormal Cirque
Tickets are available online at paranormalcirque.com and at the ticket office, which opens at 10 a.m. on show dates. The box office is on site, in the Columbia Center parking lot near JCPenney’s. Tickets range from $20 to $65.
Performances begin at 7:30 on August 3, 4 and 7. Saturday, August 5 has shows at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., and Sunday has shows at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.
The Big Top tent seats around 1,000 people and is climate-controlled. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be available, including traditional circus fare like popcorn, cotton candy and slushies. Other snacks will be available.
The only trigger warning to be aware of, according to Copeland, is flashing strobe lights during the show.
Included with each ticket is the option to arrive early for a pre-haunting, where cast members in costume will roam around and interact with people like at haunted attractions.
