Barnum at Hatbox Theatre

Music. Comedy. Magic. Juggling. Opera. Tumbling. The world’s smallest man. The world’s largest elephant. Smiles. Tears. And joy. Lots and lots of joy.

With music by Cy Coleman, Lyrics by Michael Stewart and Book by Mark Bramble, this Tony-award-winning musical tells the story of the Prince of Humbug, Phineas Taylor Barnum, from his humble beginnings through the end of his life. Barnum, the Greatest Showman on Earth, combines razzle-dazzle with charm and brass to sell “humbug” to cheering crowds. Along the journey we meet Barnum’s strong-willed (and lovable) wife Charity; the oldest woman alive, Joice Heth; the smallest man in the world, Tom Thumb; glamorous Swedish opera singer, Jenny Lind and a cast of characters including partner James A. Bailey with whom Barnum creates “The Greatest Show on Earth.” A joyful and moving musical portrait of the nineteenth century’s greatest show-biz legend, BARNUM is a colorful, dynamic spectacle with heart. Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart’s rousing score includes “There’s a Sucker Born Every Minute,” “Join the Circus,” “The Colors of My Life,” and “Come Follow The Band.”

Directed by Bryan Halperin (one of the founders of the Winnipesaukee Playhouse), with music direction by Troy Lucia and choreography by Amelia Hamilton-Miller, BARNUM is performed by a baker’s dozen of talented performers. This is the first full-blown musical presented at Hatbox Theatre and features Marc Murai as the title character, Sheree Owens as his partner and wife, Charity, and a cast of local and regional performers including Erik Peter Hodges (who recently appeared as Ebenezer Scrooge in Hatbox’s acclaimed production of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol) as the Ringmaster.

This story is more than just a spectacle side-show, it shares the all-important message of staying true to yourself and those you love (and who love you) through the many obstacles of life.

Authors

• Cy Coleman
• Mark Bramble
• Michael Stewart (i)

Tony Awards and Nominations for Barnum