Parley Baer, who plays 'Judge Parker', was actually a former ring announcer for Barnum & Bailey, and also owned a circus and had is own circus act.
He was also married to a former Barnum & Bailey performer (Ernestine Clarke) who's father was also a famous circus performer.
The role of Erica Hastings is the only non-musical acting role that former ballerina Gelsey Kirkland has so far played, both on television and in film.
The title is a parody of the world's largest circus, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey.