WORLD PREMIERE

Created by Peter Rothstein, Carla Noack and David Darrow 
Music and Lyrics by David Darrow
Directed by Peter Rothstein 

Asolo Rep commemorates the 100th anniversary of John Ringling moving his Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus to Sarasota with a world premiere docu-musical brought to you by the visionary creator of All is Calm, Peter Rothstein. Inspired by dozens of interviews with legends in Sarasota’s Circus Community, The Day the Circus Came to Town is a celebration of the generations of Circus Artists who astonished, amused, and charmed the nation one train stop at a time. Through story and song, you get to peek behind the canvas at the back lot, clown alley, life on the road, and being center ring of the Greatest Show on Earth. Featuring a cast of actors, acrobats, aerialists and of course, a singing Ringmaster accompanied by the Circus Band, this love letter to Sarasota and its first industry will have you feeling like a kid again.

Winner of the 2026 Richard and Ellen Sandor Workshop Award  

Developed in partnership with the Ringling Museum and Circus Arts Conservatory