Clowns, trapeze artists, animals and other acts will once again shine in the spotlight when Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus descends on Chicagoland Thursday to Nov. 30. The 138th edition of the circus, long known as The Greatest Show on Earth, will be performed Thursday to Nov. 16 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont and then moves to Chicago's United Center for performances Nov. 18 to 30.

This year's theme, "Over the Top," features many more imaginative acts, tricks and lots of fantasy, said ringmaster Chuck Wagner,

"We've ramped it up. The acts are spectacular and we've got nearly 100 animals, including a performing porcupine," he said.

Wagner, a singing ringmaster with more than 20 years of Broadway musical experience, said the loose storyline in this year's show revolves around bringing a bit of "magic" to the circus forum.

Throughout the evening, both ringmaster and clown Tom Dougherty engage in antics involving a magic top hat and its ability to bring "imagination" to life.

Stand-out acts fans will see include the Flying Caceres trapeze act, The Cossacks with their regal, swift horses and daredevil motorcyclists in the Globe of Steel.

Wagner, who's enjoying his second year as a circus performer, said the excitement surrounding the action under the Big Top, never gets boring.

"I'm a big man with a big voice and to be in the center of the grand, glorious tradition that is the circus is an honor," he said.

Wagner remembers the late famed ringmaster Gunther Gable Williams and the energy he brought to the production.

According to the ringmaster, he admires the business philosophies of circus founder P.T. Barnum.

"He believed that every business situation should be a win-win situation (for all involved) and he always tried to give the audience a little more than their money's worth."

Wagner said the Feld company, which produces the circus, has put the focus on those philosophies as well.

"They've done a good job keeping that alive."

Even before he got heavily involved with the circus, Wagner viewed the Big Top as a place where "good, wholesome family entertainment" took place.

"People seem to love the circus. You come to the circus and become a child again," he said.

In addition to taking the helm as ringmaster, Wagner helps with putting up and taking down the tents, sets and other "mechanics" of the circus.

"It's a huge feat," he said.

"It's good hard work. The chance to be part of the crew is like a tour of duty," Wagner said.

The ringmaster said it's particularly delightful to watch the animal acts. He especially likes the elephants.

For Wagner, it's always nice to see people's reactions to what's going on under the Big Top.

"You see people laughing and having a good time. Any hardship melts away at the circus," Wagner said.