Barnum: The Circus Musical

“Barnum’s the name … P.T. Barnum. And I want to tell you that tonight you are going to see – bar none – every sight, wonder and miracle that name stands for!”

Roll up! Roll up! Step right up ladies and gentleman and witness the wonder that is Barnum: The Circus Musical. One of Broadway’s most treasured musicals, the show returns to Australia in an all-new spectacular production starring Todd McKenney in the leading role.

Based on the life of Phineas Taylor Barnum, this show will inevitably draw comparisons to The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman. If you’re expecting to see a rendition of the hit film, you’re going to be disappointed – but in a good way. Despite sharing a character list, this production is removed in style, theme, feel and lyric. I am a huge fan of the film, but I was fully immersed in this show and it more than held its own.

Painting a more realistic picture than the highly romanticised film, the stage show has P. T. Barnum superbly played by Todd McKenney, who I personally haven’t seen on stage before. So much more than a Dancing with the Stars judge, McKenney skilfully conveys Barnum as the loveable rogue you cannot help but root for, even though his brand of deception is “humbug” and his opening song is ‘There is a Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute’. Think Willy Wonka if he was a con man – Barnum is a spectacle of “schemes and dreams”!

Launching this production from the platform of good to great is the incredible ensemble cast. Not only are they the perfect show chorus and dance ensemble for a production that truly embodies everything that is musical theatre, but they can juggle, flip, contort and perform death-defying acts that will leaving you gasping. Yes that’s right, Barnum is not only a night at the theatre, it’s a night at the circus. Special mention to Kirby Burgess who plays the Ringmaster as well as countless other characters throughout the show. Her energy and talent were exceptional, snaring the spotlight whenever she was on stage.

Costume Designer Dann Barber should also be commended. His other-worldly creations were masterfully crafted to convey Barnum’s struggle to live out his dreams of colour, and avoid the black and white world that sought to trap him, while also paying homage to old-world circus.

Barnum is nothing but pure entertainment. The lyrics are witty, helped along by McKenney’s sharp delivery, and will leave you in stitches. It is a very cleverly crafted production and also a celebration of the circus arts, made all the more authentic by a magic and illusion consultant. I truly enjoyed experiencing Barnum and I can definitively say it is one for everyone.

Showing now until the 2 June at the Comedy Theatre, don’t miss your chance to witness the other greatest show.

Barnum
Till Sunday, 2 June 2019, Wednesday to Saturday, 7.30pm; Wednesday and Sunday, 1pm; Saturday, 2pm
Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne CBD
barnumthemusical.com.au