In Rehearsal With New UK BARNUM Revival

Popular Broadway headliner Christopher Fitzgerald leads the new Cameron Mackintosh revival/revisal of the celebrated Cy Coleman/Michael Stewart/Mark Bramble circus-themed musical BARNUM at the Chichester Festival Theatre's new theater in the UK and a new look behind-the-scenes has been unveiled of the reworked tuner.

Also, BARNUM marks the first production in the new hi-tech open-air auditorium at the venue, Theatre In The Park, making it a major event for the hallowed Chichester Festival Theatre to host - to say nothing of the pedigree of talent involved, headed by uber producer Mackintosh.

The new production of BARNUM stars Fitzgerald as PT Barnum alongside Tamsin Carroll as his wife, Chairy. Additional casting includes Areth Ayeh, Anna O'Byrne and Jack North as well as a company consisting of Rachael Archer, Jacquie Biggs, Nick Butcher, Sophie Camble, Jon-Scott Clark, Leon Cooke, Stefan Dermendjiev, Faith-Louise Francis, Chris Gage, A C Garcia, Trina Hill, Jack Horner, Erin Jameson, Jasmine Kerr, Mitch Leow, James O'Connell, Michaela O'Connor, Max Parker, Tom Scanlon, Lucie-Mae Sumner and Robert Tregoning.

BARNUM is directed by Timothy Sheader and Liam Steel from a new vision for the piece spearheaded by Mackintosh and musical director William Brohn.

BARNUM plays July 15 through August 31 at Chichester's Theatre In The Park.

Additionally, Cameron Mackintosh recently spoke to me about the new production in our March InDepth InterView. Portions of the conversation pertaining to BARNUM follow:

"PC: So, what's next for you as far as new stage musicals go?

CM: We are doing BARNUM with Chris Fitzgerald as PT Barnum and I think he is going to be just fantastic in the role. I am really looking forward to it.

PC: Who are you considering for the female lead?

CM: That is one role we have not yet cast for it yet. We are still working on it. You see, we actually have some new numbers in the show, too - we have reconstructed it, specifically the second act. It's a very important part to cast, especially now.

PC: Cy Coleman passed away years ago, so how can you have new numbers?

CM: Ah, yes, he did - but, listen, Pat: I have my methods! [Laughs.]

PC: What great news it is that BARNUM will live again.

CM: Yes, I am working with Mark Bramble on it and we have invented a lot of exciting new stuff for the show. It will be fabulous.

PC: "The Colors Of My Life" and the rest of the score will stay intact, then?

CM: Oh, yes - "The Colors Of My Life" and all the great original numbers will stay, but we have added some new ones that I think will add a lot to the story and enhance the experience even more. I am very much looking forward to it."

Check out the entire InDepth InterView: Cameron Mackintosh, available here.

View behind-the-scenes photos of BARNUM featuring Fitzgerald and more below.

Photo Credits: Johan Persson