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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus turns 145 this year, and to keep up with the fast pace of a digital world, the show received a futuristic facelift. The Salt Lake Tribune talked with circus producer Alana Feld about modernizing the performance, engaging a new audience and what to expect when the "Greatest Show on Earth" goes "Out of This World" at the Vivint Smart Home Arena this weekend.

Engaging kids from a digital generation

There's still no substitute for live entertainment — though in some ways, it's a little harder to impress them. But when you see six motorcycles zooming around, there's no substitute for that. We've added a lot of new technology in the show, like 3-D projection mapping. It helps transport the audience to outer space and adds an unbelievable theatrical aspect to the show. We've also added a spotlight tracking system, so the audience can see performers wherever they go.

Another new piece to all of this is that we've released the Ringling Bros. app. The audience can download it before they come to the show, take selfies and create their own circus identity. When they come to the show, they have access to all this exclusive content.

Creating an "immersive" experience

We've created a storyline, so the audience really gets to go on this journey with us. When we're transporting the performers to outer space, the audience is coming with us. It helps kids follow along, but it's also creating a greater purpose for each performer, and it helps deepen the relationship between performers and audience. We're going where we've never gone before.

Enjoying the show after all these years

What makes the circus modern is that it's always changing — Ringling Bros. has always been on the cutting edge of entertainment. One thing that hasn't changed is that the circus is for families, and it's always been for families. It's wholesome and it's thrilling and it's exciting. I think in this day and age it's really hard to find something for everyone. It's for children of all ages, and anyone who goes to the show, no matter what age or if you go with a partner or alone, you're going to enjoy the experience and you're going to be blown away by what you're seeing and amazed by the talent and charisma of the performers. "Out of This World"

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey takes the audience on a cosmic voyage, with gravity-defying acrobats, aerialists, animals (minus elephants), daredevils and clowns.

When • Sept. 23-26: Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 1 and 5 p.m.; and Monday, 7 p.m.

Where • Vivint Smart Home Arena, 301 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $15-$60; Smith's Tix; more information at http://www.ringling.com