Hartt School to Present BARNUM, 10/24-27

The Hartt School presents the musical circus spectacle Barnum Thursday through Saturday, October 24 through 26, at 7:30 PM; and Sunday, October 27, at 3:00 PM. All performances take place in Lincoln Theater, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford. Admission is $20, with discounts for seniors, students, and groups of 10 or more. For tickets and information, visit www.hartford.edu/hartt call 860.768.4228, or visit the University of Hartford Box Office at Lincoln Theater.

Barnum is based on the life of Connecticut-born showman P.T. Barnum. Though known for founding what would become the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Barnum was engaged in many other endeavors, including politics. He served two terms in the Connecticut legislature and also served as mayor of Bridgeport, where he is buried in a cemetery he designed.

With book by Mark Bramble, lyrics by Michael Stewart, and music by Cy Coleman (Sweet Charity, City of Angels, "The Best is Yet to Come," "Witchcraft"), Hartt's production is directed by Ralph Perkins and choreographed by Hartt alumnus Kyle Brand. The show is based on the life of showman P. T. Barnum, covering the period from 1835 through 1880 in America and major cities of the world where Barnum took his performing companies. The production combines elements of traditional musical theatre with the spectacle of the circus, complete with stilt-walkers. The characters include jugglers, trapeze artists and clowns, as well as such real-life personalities as Jenny Lind and General Tom Thumb. The score includes "There is a Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute," "Love Makes Such Fools of Us All," and "The Colors of My Life."

Nominated for ten Tony awards, and winner in three categories, including Jim Dale as Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in the title role, the original production opened at the St. James Theatre on Broadway, on April 30, 1980, and closed on May 16, 1982, after 854 performances and 26 previews. The original Broadway cast also featured Glenn Close as Charity (Chairy) Barnum.

The Hartt School is the comprehensive performing arts conservatory of the University of Hartford that offers innovative degree programs in music, dance, and theatre. Founded in 1920, Hartt has been an integral part of the University of Hartford since its charter merged the then Hartt School of Music, the Hartford Art School, and Hillyer College to create the University in 1957. 2010 marked Hartt's 90th year of providing world class performing arts education to students in Greater-Hartford and around the world. With more than 400 concerts, recitals, plays, master classes, dance performances, and musical theatre productions performance is central to Hartt's curriculum. For more information about The Hartt School, visit www.hartford.edu/hartt.

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