Step
right up for the grandest musical theatre production at Asolo in
decades! In
myriad colored lights,
the
marquee announces the name of the show and its subject, notorius
showman P. T.
Barnum.
Barkers and circus band music draw you in. Clowns, tricksters,
hucksters (appealing Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory actors
all)
spread enthusiasm throughout the lobbies. You wonÕt be disappointed in
the
actual theatre, with its footlights, grand painted curtains, 19th
century
boxes, and color on everything and the costumes and makeup of everyone
performing from the moment youÕre seated until they parade down the
aisles. You
canÕt say they settle down onstage; something or someone is always
moving.
Credit skillful director Gordon
Greenberg: Everything attracts yet
nothing detracts from interest in
the star of the show: Brad Oscar
as the master of humbug, P. T. Barnum!
Two
threads intertwine in this presentation of BarnumÕs life, 1835 to 1880,
from
Bridgeport, Conn. throughout America,
in world capitals, and back Ōhome.Ķ Professionally, he pursues
success
with a small show and then an American Museum of oddities toward his
major
creation of Circus and even a
short term in politics. Personally, he shares a somewhat rocky but
always true
love with his wife Chairy (beautiful singer and credible--especially as
she
matures-- actress Misty Cotton).
Chairy prefers
showmanship
to be a black-and-white realistic business. As Barnum explains in the
signature
song
ŌThe Colors of My Life,
Ķ however, he champions promotional,
flamboyant
humbug.
The
showmanÕs ascent begins when he buys a contract to present Joyce Heth
(dynamic
Debra Walton) as the Oldest Living Woman at age 160. SheÕs a
ho-hum attraction
until he makes her over into
George WashingtonÕs singing, swinging nanny. He promotes small of
stature but
big dancing talent Tom Thumb to General (Nathaniel Braga, made to look like a
midget by being surrounded by oversize props or seated in a huge tall
chair).
When a soprano comes from the Old World with classic credentials,
Barnum bills
her as The Swedish Nightingale, and she appeals to everyday audiences.
She also
appeals to Barnum romantically. With Chairy keeping the homefires
burning,
Jenny Lind (faithfully interpreted by sophisticated blond Renee Brna) becomes
BarnumÕs on-the-road flame, contributing suspense to the story of his
life as
well as career . A sample, even in Swedish, of her repertoire is a
highlight of
the musical menu, though itÕs as unmemorable as the rest of the
pleasant score.
Because
circus has been so important to Sarasota, Barnum was chosen to
open AsoloÕs 50th
Anniversary year. Brad Oscar, who comes across as a natural for P. T.,
illustrates as well the personality and energy of the experienced
Broadway
actor-singer he is. With leads and a few supporting players cast in New
York,
Ringmaster Kevin Kraft not
only exemplifies their professionalism but also that
of Asolo, where he began his stage career. Leads and ensemble alike
were put
through circus paces by Pedro Reis,
co-founder and director of Circus Sarasota.
Musical
direction by Helen Gregory
never flags, as is true of Joshua
RhodesÕ
choreography. YouÕll marvel at the authentic and fun scene designs of Michael
Schweikardt. Alejo ViettiÕs
costumes meet well the close scrutiny of local
circus people. The technical staff supports all with flair. Musicians
will
please you too. In fact, even if
the show isnÕt one of BroadwayÕs best or most memorable, you may well
remember
two hours seeing and hearing it in this production as a favorite. And thatÕs not just humbug!
Return to Home Page