Jumbo the Elephant Circus Poster

Jumbo the Elephant was one of P.T. Barnum's most famous circus attractions.

OFFBEAT: Musical about circus wiz Barnum is fascinating fun

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

The Daily Fix

Offering perspective on today's issues

Rabbi Zukrow installed at Temple Beth-El

Karen Zukrow lights candles with her sister, Susan, left, during Friday’s Shabbat worship service at Temple Beth-El in Munster. Karen's husband, Leonard Zukrow, was installed as the new rabbi for the temple.

Rabbi Zukrow installed at Temple Beth-El

Rabbi Leonard Zukrow visits with members of Temple Beth-El on Friday night in Munster. Zukrow was installed as the temple's new spiritual leader, taking over for Rabbi Michael Stevens, who served for 25 years.

Rabbi Zukrow installed at Temple Beth-El

Leonard Zukrow talks about becoming Temple Beth-El's new leader.

Orak Shrine Circus wows in Hammond

William Morris, of Tampa, Fla., directs elephants as they perform Thursday with the Orak Shrine Circus at the Hammond Civic Center. The event marks the 49th time the circus has come to the Civic Center. Performances are 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. today; and 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.…

Orak Shrine Circus wows in Hammond

John Dominguez, of Springfield, Ill., performs Thursday with his family and eight poodles during the Orak Shrine Circus at the Hammond Civic Center.

Alexander Lacey and his Lion

Hailing from Great Britain and appearing in the United States for the first time, trainer Alexander Lacey and his big cats, including tigers and lions, are stars for the latest edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Chicago this month.

Circus to come to Schererville church grounds this weekend

SCHERERVILLE | The Kelly Miller Circus will perform at 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday at the St. Michael the Archangel Church grounds near Anna and Wilhelm streets.

Circus life - and death - depicted in new exhibit and book signing

The art exhibit "Life's A Tightrope" will open to the public from 6:59 to 9 p.m. Friday at Studio 659, 1314-119th St., Whiting.

Thanks to everyone who helped find my coin purse

I would like to thank the girl and her father who returned my coin purse I dropped at the circus at the Civic Center in Hammond. Also, special thanks to the two Orak men who assisted me to find it.

VIDEO: Shrine Circus stops in Hammond

The Orak Shrine Circus rolls into Hammond for a series of shows at the Hammond Civic Center this weekend.

Circuses aren't fun for animals that are exploited

If you're thinking about attending an animal circus, please remember that elephants are not trained with "treats" but rather with an object called a "bullhook" which has a sharp point for inflicting pain, to get elephants to do clumsy, unnatural "tricks."

Ringmaster Brian Crawford Scott of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Circus

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Ringmaster Brian Crawford Scott is No. 36 in the historical line of great names to wear the noted top hat of the Big Top. He recently graduated with a degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Northern Colorado.

The circus comes to Balmoral Park this weekend

CRETE | The circus is coming to town.

Teaming up on tent

Lisa, an Asian elephant with the Kelly Miller Circus, pulls a support to raise the circus tent Friday in a lot of St. Mary's Church in Griffith. Circus performances continue today at 2 and 6 p.m. at the church, 525 N. Broad St. Tickets are $14 for adults and $7 for children, ages 2 to 12.

Teaming up on tent

Workers with the Kelly Miller Circus start to raise their circus tent in a lot at St. Mary's Church in Griffith. Performances continue today at 2 and 6 p.m.

Teaming up on tent

Claudio Zacatzontel swings a sledge hammer while preparing to raise the main circus tent Friday at St. Mary's Church in Griffith.

From circus life to ad sales

CROWN POINT | Upon retirement, some people joke that they plan to "join the circus" in their future endeavors, but George Carl has been there and done that.