P.T. Barnum’s story continues in greatest show in Melbourne
Barnum The Circus Musical deep dives into the showman’s trials and tribulations, this time with Australian musical theatre legends Todd McKenney and Rachael Beck taking on the roles of P.T Barnum and his wife Charity Barnum.
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The Greatest Showman might have been the most popular film of 2017, but there’s more to tell about P.T. Barnum’s story.
Barnum The Circus Musical deep dives into the showman’s trials and tribulations, this time with Australian musical theatre legends Todd McKenney and Rachael Beck taking on the roles of P.T Barnum and his wife Charity Barnum.
But its director Tyran Parke from Elwood who’s to thank for showing the darker side Barnum.
“P.T. Barnum was a product of his time and also an opportunist.
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“We were really interested in exploring his pursuit of applause, sometimes at the expense of others.”
Barnum first premiered on Broadway in 1980 and is a show that Parke said he’s been itching to put on for years.
Pairing up with Zebastian Hunter as the show’s circus director, the duo are pulling off a show with quadruple threat talent; that being singing, dancing, acting and circus.
Hunter’s unique circus expertise from many years with Cirque Du Soleil is responsible for the daredevil trapeze acts and thrilling acrobatic stunts performed by the ensemble during the show.
McKenney has even learnt tightroping and stiltwalking for the role, which Parke said shows his extraordinary professionalism.
“You can’t do this show without someone as talented and extrodinary as Todd.”
Its come full circle for Parke, who in 2001 was a theatre usher when McKenney and Beck stared in the production Singing in the Rain.
Trapeze artist, contortionist and acrobat Sarah Gray from St Kilda said the show is a dream come true.
“I wasn’t even going to audition because I wasn’t sure I’d be the right fit for the show but I put myself out there and gave it a go and I got it!
While honing her skills at the National Institute for Circus Arts in Prahran, Gray also studied the history of circus and is now excited to be able to bring that to life on stage.
Barnum the Circus Musical opens April 27 at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne.
Visit barnumthemusical.com.au to book tickets.
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