The Bridgeport High School all-school production of “BARNUM” promises to be spectacular.

 

“I think people will be very excited to see the play,” said Jared St. Martin Brown, BHS theater teacher and a faculty sponsor of the play. “It’s a colorful show, full of music and action.  I think the community will be surprised by all the circus skills, dances and clown routines our students have learned.”

 

The Tony award-winning musical will be presented Feb. 23-25 at the school auditorium. The musical is based on the mid- to late-19^th century life of P.T. Barnum, known as “The Greatest Showman on Earth.” His mission and passion was to create a show starring outcasts of society. Although his wife objected, he set out to make that dream come true.

 

Cast in the roles of P.T. Barnum and his wife, Charity, are Derek Hess and Erica Cottrill (pictured right). Jordan Kennedy Rea portrays the Ringmaster with Andrew White as Chester Lyman and Olivia Ferguson as Joice Heth.

 

Also serving as light and sound director of the show, Brown said the special effects are worth the price of admission.

 

“You can expect to see everything from magic to acrobatics to comedy routines,” he said. “It's sure to engage people of all ages.  I have fun just watching the rehearsals.”

 

“BARNUM” is a joyful and moving musical portrait of the 19^th century’s greatest show-biz legend and a colorful, dynamic spectacle with heart, Brown said. Music is by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Michael Stewart and book by Mark Bramble. Starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya and Rebecca Ferguson, the movie “The Greatest Showman” -  based on “BARNUM” – opened in cinemas across the country Dec. 25.

 

The show is different from any others performed at BHS.

 

“We have never done a show that incorporates this many acrobatic skills,” he said. “Although, I will say this show compares in many ways a couple we've done in the past such as ‘Seussical’ or ‘Peter Pan.’ If you liked those productions, you'll enjoy ‘Barnum.’”

 

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25. All tickets are $10. To reserve tickets, call 304-842-6785. They will also be available at the door.

 

The remainder of the cast and staff follows:

 

First Woman: Haley Wilson, Second Woman: Caroline Fulks, Amos Scudder: Callia Byard, White-Faced Clown: Wesley Cotter, Sherwood Stratton: Corey Stephens, Mrs. Sherwood Stratton: Bailey King, Tom Thumb: Kamden Dulaney, Julius Goldschmidt: Mohamed Ben Fredj; Jenny Lind: Jenna Keefover, Edgar Templeton: Corey Stephens, Hubert Morrisey: Andrew White, James Bailey: Owen Hess, Soul Singer: Madyia McCullough, Wilton: Andrew White, Barker: Callia Byard, Amy Beecher: Haley Wilson, Lecturer: Mohamed Ben Fredj, Dance Captain: Caroline Fulks and Circus Captain: Jordan Kennedy Rea.

 

Townspeople are played by Haley Wilson, Caroline Fulks, Jordan Kennedy Rea and Heather Bokey. Clowns are Demi DiPiazza, Shelby Proud, Isabella Cecil, Hannah Randolph, Ava Wagner and Jazmyn Burgess.

Ensemble members are Jamie Giguere, Hannah Randolph, Michaela Hutcheson, Rylee Chamberlain, Corinne Yorkovich, Claire Lohmann, Demi DiPiazza, Shelby Proud, Heather Bokey, Meagan Hutcheson, Ella Flowers, Shelby Whiteman, Isabella Cecil, Caroline Nichols, Morgan Sprouse, Ava Wagner, Jazmyn Burgess, Darius St. Martin Brown, Gniss St. Martin Brown and Rook St. Martin Brown.

 

The show is directed by Gregg Brown and produced by Alice Rower. Other professional staff members are: Theater artist in residence: Bobby Hedglin Taylor, theater artist in residence circus trainer: Doug Young.

 

“I think it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience to work with Bobby and Doug, the guest circus artists,” Brown said. “The students are learning so much and I think it's a real confidence-builder and team-builder for them.”

 

Clown director is Michael Daugherty, music director: Joshua Stubbs, tech director: Troy Snyder, assistant school sponsor and lighting and sound director: Jared St. Martin Brown, costume designer: Trina Byard and hair/makeup designer: Rachel Griffith.

 

Students joining the “BARNUM” professional staff are Catherine Gray, serving as assistant director; Erica Cottrill, serving as assistant music director and Kady Hayes, serving as stage manager.