The circus has come to town, complete with clowns, high-flying daredevils, magicians, contortionists, aerialists and acrobats.

The Moscow International Circus has returned to Hawaii after a decade-long hiatus, offering action-packed shows this weekend at Blaisdell Center.

Circus producer Cornell "Tuffy" Nicholas confirmed it is an animal-free show that combines the traditional family fun of "old-school" circuses with a Moscow-style twist.

Many still remember the tragic death of Tyke, the circus elephant, who went on a fatal rampage in 1994, killing its trainer during a performance by Circus International. While there is no official ban in Hawaii, groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have protested the idea of bringing circus animals back to Honolulu.

The Moscow International Circus decided to leave its animals behind.

"The animals were never that big a part of the show to start with," Nicholas said. "It was about circus people performing for people."

The performers come from around the globe, including Moscow, Ukraine and the Czech Republic, Nicholas said.

There are a trio of clowns — Olex, Papa Grimmy and Vlastic — who offer world-class clowning as they perform acrobatic routines and trampoline stunts and ride unicycles.

"They’re not just slapstick comedy, they’re acrobats," Nicholas said. "They’re just hilarious. They juggle, they do balancing, trampoline and audience participation."

Highlights include appearances by fifth-generation circus performer Viktoria Grimmy and the daring trapeze duo known as the Mongolian Angels.

"They’re incredible," Nicholas said. "I’ve seen a lot of great acts, and this is the best flying trapeze duo I’ve ever seen. … They’ve done tricks I don’t think you can imagine unless you’ve seen them. … They’re fearless."

"American Idol" finalist Jordan Segundo is performing for the opening number and as an accompaniment for an aerial silks act.

Fire dancer Susanna Walczak-Pol of Maui, better known as Seafire, illuminates the stage, demonstrating a variety of dance influences, including belly dancing, ballet, Balinese and Tahitian.

The Bertini family, sixth-generation circus performers, do stunts atop unicycles and include son Vincent, 12, and daughter Violet, 4.

Aerialist Ana Koval of Brazil hangs from her hair during her performance, which is an act not performed at every circus stop, according to Nicholas.