After a two-month winter run in New York that ended Jan. 6, the Big Apple Circus will polish up its elephants — and grease down its ducktails — and bring Big Top Doo-Wop to Boston's Fan Pier, April 6-May 12.

The Circus, a non-profit institution, has been a staple of the American performing arts industry for 24 years. The Circus’ one-of-a-kind programs including the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit and Circus For All, designed to provide both fun and educational opportunities to disadvantaged children. The program Circus For All, for example, donates over 50,000 tickets every year to handicapped and financially disadvantaged children at substantially discounted prices or for free. Paul Binder, Founder and Artistic Director of the Big Apple Circus, notes in a statement that "As a result of the generous contributions received independently and through our Gala, the Circus is able to make a difference in children’s lives each year."

Big Top Doo-Wop, which premiered in DC and has also visited Atlanta and Bridgewater, NJ, pays homage to the 1950s and includes Grandma doing the handjive and tributes to rock n' roll radio, as well as the standard complement of trained doggies, horse-riding, juggling and tumbling performers. A particular favorite this time out has been Australian performer Justin Case, who takes bicycles apart and puts them back together — while he's riding them.

For tickets ($17-$50 and information on The Big Apple Circus' stint in Boston at Fan Pier on Old North Avenue, call (617) 931-2787.

— by David Lefkowitz and Chris Reichheld