Big Apple Circus In 2001, the circus' best known performer, "Grandma" the clown (played by Barry Lubin), inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame. A new seating system was installed in the circus big top, and, after the September 11, 2001 attacks, the circus opened its "Dreams of a City" show, which was dedicated to the City of New York. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg proclaimed November 1, 2002, as "Big Apple Circus Day". The circus celebrated its 25th anniversary with a documentary film about the creation and production of that year's show. In "Carnevale!", actors and circus performers Pedro Carrillo
Big Apple Circus new tent was purchased, and Michael Christensen was given a Parenting Achievement award by "Parents" magazine, to recognize his work with Clown Care. Gary Dunning became the Big Circus' executive director in 1994. In addition, the coffee brand Chock full o'Nuts began sponsoring the circus. Peter T. Grauer became the circus' Chairman in 1995, replacing Patricia Rosenwald. In 1996, the circus' Art in Education program began to work in different grade schools. Clown Care continued to develop, opening chapters in Washington, D.C. and in Connecticut. 1997 saw new attendance records set, as an estimated 170,000 people went to see the