Al Ringling Theatre

C. August Albrecht (Albert) Ringling was born in Chicago on December 13, 1852, the eldest of seven brothers (there was one sister), the sons of August Frederick Rungeling (later changed to Ringling), an immigrant to the United States. Five brothers were the founders of the now-famous circus, and the brothers were to make the family name Ringling synonymous with the American circus.

The first actual Ringling performance, where all five brothers took part, was presented as a vaudeville-type show in Mazomanie, Wisconsin, on November 27,1882. Two brothers danced, two played instruments, and one sang. Albert was to become a juggler, John a clown.

By 1912 Al. Ringling was Baraboo’s leading citizen, one of the best-known names in Wisconsin, and a national figure due to the success of the circus. During visits to Europe, he was fascinated with the beauty and majesty of the European Opera Houses. Bringing the idea home, the magnificent Al. Ringling Theatre was constructed in 1915.

The first movie was shown in the new theatre on November 22, 1915. Less than seven weeks after the theatre opened, Al. Ringling passed away, on New Year’s Day, 1916.  Ownership of the theatre remained in the Ringling Family until 1952, when it passed to private hands.  In 1989, a non-profit community-based organization, the  Al. Ringling Theatre Friends, Inc. obtained the theatre. The group currently maintains the historic building and plans the diverse events.

The spectacular palatial Al. Ringling Theatre today is a wonderful venue for a wide variety of shows, exhibits and movies.  When in Baraboo this is a “must see” destination!  And naturally, a visit to the nearby Circus World Museum is a nice complement.