Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages, the legendary Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus roars into the Lehigh Valley, 7 p.m. April 2 and 3; 11 and 3 p.m. April 4 and 1 p.m. April 5, PPL Center, Allentown.

"The Greatest Show on Earth" presents "Built to Amaze," a multi-faceted extravaganza that features trapeze artists, unicyclists, aerialists, basketball tricks, clowns, crossbow acts and more.

Ringmaster Andre McClain presides over the famed 143-year old circus in his third year as ringmaster. With a background in rodeos and horse training, McClain started as an animal trainer in preshows with Ringling Bros., training horses, zebras and more before moving up to the official ringmaster position.

"The ringmaster is really a glorified fan of the circus," says McClain. "I take you on a tour of the show. There is so much to see.

"We have performers from 17 different countries. There are families that have been performing with us for seven generations."

McClain is on the road with the circus year-round and only manages to return to his home base in Kansas for two weeks of the year.

"I tried to get off the road," he says, "but I couldn't do it. I love seeing new places.

"Every audience in every city is different," says McClain. "I make a living having fun and making dreams come true for everyone. "

The Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus is owned by the Feld family, which also owns "Monster Jam" and "Disney on Ice."

McClain encourages the Lehigh Valley audience to come on out and see the iconic show.

"We are truly 'built to amaze,' from beginning to end," McClain says.