Asolo Repertory Theatre's Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards announces the creative team for the theatre's upcoming production of Barnum the musical and names Brad Oscar in the title role. Barnum will be directed by Gordon Greenberg and choreographed by Joshua Rhodes; with music direction by Helen Gregory, scenic design by Michael Schweikardt, costume design by Alejo Vietti, and lighting design by Traci Klainer. Barnum kicks off Asolo Rep's 50th anniversary season in grand style on November 15th.
According to Edwards, "We are thrilled to bring back Gordon Greenberg and Josh Rhodes after the great success of Working. The entire Barnum creative team, along with our own world-class production staff and shops, will create an unbeatable partnership. I didn't think we could raise the bar any further, but we have. Now we have Brad Oscar cast in the lead role as P.T. Barnum, heading up a stellar ensemble. With the remarkable success of Asolo Rep's productions of A Tale of Two Cities and Working last season, the theatre community has become more aware than ever of what we are capable of here and the quality of our work. Audiences are about to experience the spectacle of Barnum with its colorful characters and wonderful music, combined with the brilliant talent of these artists. This will be a dazzling, memorable production. Barnum also gives us the chance to explore Sarasota's rich circus history, forge new partnerships within the local and national arts communities, and create tremendous excitement about our future as we enter our 50th anniversary season."
Says Gordon Greenberg, "I have always been a great fan of Brad Oscar-both as a person and a performer. He was the first person that came to mind in casting the role of P.T. Barnum. We are so fortunate to be able to explore the show anew with such a profoundly talented actor. In many ways, Brad embodies the spirit of Barnum, a born showman with a rich imagination and a keen sense of the public's taste. Barnum was the father of modern advertising and a quintessential symbol of American values. From his humble beginnings in his father's dry goods store in Connecticut to his museums, shows and circus, Barnum was a visionary, bringing us the idea of theatre as family entertainment. This production aims to use the fertile mind and acute ambition of Barnum as fuel for his many successes as well as his personal challenges. It's an incredibly compelling-and all too relatable story, told in the most theatrical and entertaining way-just as Barnum himself would have wanted it!"
Rehearsals commence in Florida on October 14th with previews on November 12-14, 2008. Opening night is on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. with a star studded champagne reception following the performance. Barnum runs through December 20, 2008, with performances at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets ($11-$58) are available by calling the Box Office at 1-941-351-8000 or toll free at 1-800-361-8388. You may also purchase tickets online at www.asolo.org. This is an Asolo Rep production in the Mertz Theatre (5555 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, Florida).
