Barnum For Melbourne in 2019
Broadway musical Barnum returns to Australia in an all-new production at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne from April 27, 2019, directed by Tyran Parke.
Starring in the new Australian production as America’s legendary circus impresario and unparalleled showman, P.T. Barnum will be Todd McKenney. Rachael Beck will play the devoted wife of P.T. Barnum, Charity and joining the cast playing Joice Heth, is Akina Edmonds.
Based on the life of P.T. Barnum, Barnum is a colourful, dynamic spectacle with heart, where audiences shall witness the wonders of the world including Jumbo, the largest elephant, Joice Heth the oldest woman to ever live, a great white whale from Labrador, General Tom Thumb only twenty-five inches from toe to crown, and the rarest and most beautiful bird in captivity the Swedish nightingale, Jenny Lind. Plus marching bands, tumbling bands, flying bands, bands of every size shape and description!
In collaboration with the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), the new Australian production is produced by StoreyBoard Entertainment bringing together some of the creative team from its production Follies, In Concert.
Barnum debuted on Broadway in 1980 where it played for almost 900 performances. A West End production premiered in 1981 at the London Palladium before a successful UK tour in 1985-1986. The first Australian production premiered in Sydney in 1982 starring Reg Livermore.
With a book by Mark Bramble (42nd Street), lyrics by Michael Stewart (42nd Street), and music by Cy Coleman (Sweet Charity). Barnum covers the period from 1835 through 1880 in America and other major cities of the world.
This reimagined Australian production of Barnum will be directed by Tyran Parke, with the all Australian creative team also including Choreographer Kelly Aykers, Musical Director Stephen Gray, Set Design by Dann Barber, and Circus Direction by Zebastian Hunter.
MELBOURNE
Comedy Theatre
From April 27, 2019
ticketmaster.com.au or Ph: 1300 11 10 11
Image: Todd McKenney & Rachael Beck. Photographer: Jeff Busby.