Flags streaming, balls juggling, spires growing, ribbons twirling, the circus is coming under the spotlight at Bridgeport High School in its’ all-school-show, Barnum. All hands are going on deck as students and staff gear up to bring the house down in this hysterical, family-friendly, American classic. With the help of some of New York’s finest, the community might just be able to put on “the greatest show on earth.” Auditions for Bridgeport’s next big show are set to be Saturday, November 25, at 11 a.m. and Sunday, November 26, at 2 p.m.  Eighth graders are invited to try out as well.

 

“This is a show we wanted to do for years. I finally decided to pass the score to our musical director, Joshua Stubbs. He was thrilled to hear that we were doing it because it is a classic Broadway piece. This was really just a show where everything falls together perfectly,” said director, Mr. Gregg Brown.

 

Even though it is looking like the puzzle pieces are magically fitting together, it was a journey to get the kind of talent that is going to help this show come to life, “While doing research, I found my way through the Barnum Museum, and individuals there directed me to an organization called Long Island Circus Arts. I told the people there what we were planning on doing, and they led me to a man by the name of Mr. Bobby Hedglin Taylor. He brought us another guy that he will split the work with, Mr. Doug Young. These two extremely qualified individuals will stage all of the musical numbers in our show. Bobby has done this show roughly 23 times. He has done it at various high schools and universities across the country. He has also understudied all the characters in Barnum, except for the character Charity,” said Brown.

 

Harrison County School Board Member, Mr. Michael Daugherty, is also pleased to see Bridgeport taking on this new learning experience, “As a former member of the Barnum and Bailey, Ringling Brother Circus, this show is definitely something I am thrilled about. Anytime you try to copy a performer or build off them, you realize that what they are doing is a lot harder than it looks. The individuals involved, I hope, will gain a new respect for circus performers and all performers in general. It is going to be difficult for them, with a show, they have to act, but now they have to act and be funny, while on stilts, a unicycle, or doing gymnastics. This show is going to be much more than just acting. Those involved will grow a new love for circus, and having a unique skill that will help them in the future. I learned a lot of skills from Ringling Brothers, skills that go way beyond the stage.”

 

Mr. Daugherty has led a riveting life, “I started when I was young, and I wanted to be an actor. During my senior year, my theatre teacher was Mrs. Lisa Mosca. She always inspired us to push ourselves in every aspect of theatre, the arts, and in school.

 

“One day, she found an audition form in the back of one of her magazines for the Barnum and Bailey, Ringling Brothers Circus. She said that I had to go, and that I would perform wonderfully in the circus. There were only thirty-four selected of several thousand that auditioned, and then, out of the thirty-four that were called back, five were selected, and I was one of the five. Then in 1996, 1997, and 1998, I devoted my life to clowning.

 

“This show is huge, I want children of all ages to laugh, be entertained, and develop a love for the circus. I cannot emphasize enough that the skills you learn while being in the circus are skills you will use for the rest of your life,” said Daugherty.

 

This show is most definitely going to be an interesting experience for students in the area, “I think teamwork, trust, and how to have fun on stage will be huge with this show. Theatre is like this in general, but this is a play where a lot is going on at the same time, and it really takes everybody working as a team, as a unit, for it to work. It is about thinking on your feet and listening to your teammates whether they are on or offstage. It is going to be hard, and this is what it is going to take for it to look good. I hope the techies learn that they have to be just as in the moment as that the actors do. It is just like being on the basketball court; you always need to know where the ball is,” said theatre teacher, Mr. Jared St. Martin Brown.

 

The students are already anticipating their chance to get clowning around, “From the time I was little, I have enjoyed tumbling and doing acrobatics, so I am hoping I will be able to do some stunts in the show. I think it will be a really awesome experience that the students get the chance to work with two Broadway performers who will be helping us. I love that Barnum is mainly an ensemble show, and I hope lots of people will try out this year,” said junior Claire Lohmann.

 

This show is going to be different for many, “Every show I have seen at Bridgeport has been excellent. Each one continues to be better than the last, and I know Barnum will not break the streak. This is going to be the best show yet. If the actors work hard and give it their all, there is no doubt in my mind it will turn out amazing. The other perk is that it is something new, and I am sure not many West Virginians can say that they have been to the circus. I have had to learn something new for most of the shows that I have done in the past, but Barnum definitely takes the cake,” said sophomore Demi DiPiazza.

 

It could really be a chance for many to grow their talents, “I think this show is very ambitious because it is a show with a lot of elements and aspects of a real-life circus. Even though there are kids that have taken gymnastics or know little tricks, a lot of this material is coming from pros. It is really going to be a challenge for us. We already had the pleasure of meeting the men that are going to be working with us, and they really gave us a lot of hope. They gave me the feeling that with the right cast, we are going to be able to tackle this,” said junior Erica Cottrill.

 

I guess it is time to get out your magic wand and stop tugging on that never-ending scarf because auditions for Bridgeport High School’s, Barnum is set for Saturday, November 25 at 11 a.m. and Sunday, November 26 at 2 p.m. in the Bridgeport High School Auditorium. This show is also going to be open to all high-schoolers at Bridgeport and eighth graders at Bridgeport Middle School. All those interested must contact the theatre teacher, Mr. Jared St. Martin Brown, to get an audition packet.

 

“I hope the kids will exceed my greatest expectations,” said Mr. Gregg Brown.