Comments on: Big Apple Circus

By: ronruck

ronruck — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:02:53 +0000

I would have preferred to listen to the entire program but got so tired of listening to Tom I gave up and turned it off before I made it to the end. I love the show but I often want to hear more of what the guests have to say.

By: Alison

Alison — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:58:54 +0000

I agree with the critique of Tom Ashbrook’s interviewing style in this context.

I don’t think it is unusual for Ashbrook to interrupt guests, and that style can create good conversational energy. But the circus seems too wily a subject for that kind of muscley moderation.

By: Steven Santos

Steven Santos — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 02:51:34 +0000

Great interview.

Steven Santos
Simply Circus

By: Kate and Leon

Kate and Leon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:29:02 +0000

We loved this chance to hear about the how Big Apple Circus came to be and to experience Tom’s great excitement and enthusiasm. He sounded at times like a kid who has just been to stand by the ringmaster at the circus, and why not? He was, and we were completely a part of it, too. Thanks for an uplifting and informative show.

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:54:47 +0000

I enjoyed this morning’s interview with Paul Binder. I never liked circus; in fact, I avoided them after being taken by mom for years to Ringling. I hated the arena setting, the loud music, the cage acts. I walked over to the BAC 3 years ago when they were at Lincoln Center, after listening to friends rave for several seasons. I was blown away by the setting, the artists, the live music and yes, the intimacy. Mr Paul in his red ringmaster get up is indeed tall as was pointed out during the interview but what I noticed was his apparent pride and caring about each act. I am a huge fan and hoping that Big Apple remains true to his style.
I’d have liked to hear more about how the artists and staff live on the road.
Good interview.

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:03:04 +0000

I’ve played as a substitute musician in the Big Apple Circus as well as some of the other circuses. Mr. Paul is the only circus owner who ever made a point of coming up onto the bandstand during the show to hear his band and then again to thank us at the end of a run. His is the best show.
The interview with Paul Binder was wonderful. Thanks.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:37:09 +0000

This morning’s second hour of On Point has been some of Tom Ashbrook’s worst interviewing I’ve heard. I’m a huge fan of his and of the show as well as a longtime fan of the Big Apple Circus. But Mr. Ashbrook frequently interrupted his guests and unnecessarily reworded their comments on a few occasions. I was looking forward to this program and have been disappointed.