Entertainment
"Barnum - The Musical" at Playhouse on the Green
By Playhouse on the Green
May 16, 2008 - 7:50:27 AM

Playhouse on the Green will bring the boisterous story of famous Connecticut native and former Bridgeport mayor, P.T. Barnum, to its stage in "Barnum - The Musical." The award-winning 1980 tuner runs June 13-22.

Audiences will watch as Phineas Taylor Barnum leaps through the many phases of his colorful life in song and dance, discovering Joice Heth (the world's oldest woman), Tom Thumb and Jenny Lind, "The Swedish Nightingale," along the way. His loyal wife, Charity, may try to tame him, but nothing can stop the irrepressible spirit of Barnum. Adults and children alike will delight in the music, the colorful characters and the circus theme.

Of "Barnum - The Musical," producing artistic director Matt Schicker said, "Playhouse on the Green is so pleased to bring this wonderful Broadway musical to P.T. Barnum's hometown, Bridgeport! Although many remember the spectacle and star power of the original New York production with Jim Dale and Glenn Close, this Bridgeport production will be its equal in theatrical magic and the sheer talent of the artists and will prove that, as P.T. himself said, 'bigger isn't better'."

"Barnum - The Musical" is presented in association with the Barnum Festival and The Barnum Museum.

Steven Smeltzer will direct and choreograph an ensemble cast of 10. William D'Andrea of West Haven is musical director. The cast features Rebecca Barko of Hamden, Elayne Cassara of Weston, Michael Costantino of Fairfield, Bob Filipowich of Fairfield, Frank Gennarini of Milford, Adam Levinskas, Ginelle Nicolas, Christine Nolan, Scott Ramsey, and Steve "Blimpy" Taylor of Bridgeport.

The design team includes Meredith Neal, costumes; Carl Tallent, set; Michael Jones, lighting; Jim De Vivo, sound; Donald Rowe, technical director; Tom Swetts, head carpenter; and Natalie Inzero, props.

"Barnum - The Musical" opens Friday, June 13 and runs through Sunday, June 22 for eight performances only. Performances take place Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. Additionally, a Saturday matinee performance will take place at on Saturday, June 21 at 3 p.m. A complete calendar of performances can be found on-line at www.playhouseonthegreen.org.

Special free "Talk-Back Sessions" with executive director of The Barnum Museum, Kathy Maher, will take place following these performances only: Saturday, June 14, 8 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 3 p.m., and Saturday, June 22 at 3 p.m.

The play continues the two-show "Spring into Summer" Series, which was launched with the play "Six Degrees of Separation," which ran in May at the 54-year-old not-for-profit theater company in residence at a 228-seat theater in the heart of downtown Bridgeport.

Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for senior citizens 65 and older. Tickets can be purchased 24/7 on-line at www.playhouseonthegreen.org or by calling TheaterMania at (866) 811-4111 (phone hours 9-9 weekdays, 10-6 weekends).

Playhouse on the Green is located at 177 State Street, between Main Street and Markle Court, in downtown Bridgeport. Free, secure parking one block from the theater is available. For more information, visit www.playhouseonthegreen.org.

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