NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The UniverSoul Circus is celebrating 31 years with the theme ‘Rhythm of the World.’
From Thursday, June 5, 2025, to Sunday, June 22, 2025, the big top will be set up next to the former Military Circle Mall at 880 N Military Highway in Norfolk.
Donald ‘N.O.’ Long, the Ringmaster and comedian, tells WAVY-TV 10 that several new features are in the show this year.
“It’s a brand-new tent. It’s a tent that Hampton Roads has never seen before. So, when you walk in, it’s a brand-new expectation. It’s like ‘Where am I? What is this mega-mansion that we are standing in?’ That’s number one! Then there’s the talent, the acts that you’ve never seen, the costumes that you’ve never seen,” said Long. “You’ve probably had the funnel cakes and the cotton candy before, but this is a brand-new show!”
Long’s stage name, ‘N.O.,’ stands for his hometown, New Orleans.
“2012 was my first year. I started as an improv comedian and was like, ‘give me that microphone’ and worked my way on up,” said Long. “You can expect a whole lot of family fun for all ages. A lot of ‘ooze and ahs’ that you will probably never see anywhere else in the world under a big top.”
The show is described as a high-energy, cultural celebration with several genres of music ranging from R&B, Latin, hip hop, jazz, gospel and pop.
Some TikTok dances will also keep the kids engaged. One of Long’s favorite parts of the show is the crowd interactions.
“Everybody has a little bit of performer in them! It just takes a lot of courage and guts to get up on that stage. Sometimes you’ve got to pull it out of them, and that’s what we do. Our circus gives us permission to make the audience the star of the show! That is what sets us apart from so many other productions! We truly enjoy being interactive with our fans,” Long.
The opening weekend will include several performances.
Friday, June 6 is “Pastors United Night,” with a pre-show performance by Dance Dimensions. On Saturday, June 7, the D.N.D. Dance Team and Significant Dream Queenz will perform before the noon show. The Nurvouz Dance Team and Karma Cuties will perform before the noon show on Sunday, June 8.
“It’s not just what you see, it’s what you feel is what you’re a part of. It’s an experience! It’s not just cliche, it’s the real deal that’s coming under the big top and feeling like you’re in your family living room,” said Long.
Performance times are 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. On Saturdays at noon, 3:30, and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Then on Sundays at noon, 3, and 6:30 p.m.
“The UniverSoul Circus is just the stage for everybody to bring that soul! The soul is universal! We all have it!
Visit universoulcircus.com for more information.