Mercury Theater has your springtime fun all ready and waiting for you. “Barnum” is not just an enjoyable musical, but it is also an amazing spectacle complete with aerial artistry, gymnastics, unicycles, clowns and juggling. Donned in colorful costumes, each performer/actor helps in succeeding to creating the illusion that we, the audience, are actually present at a mid-1800s circus. A creative set brings us inside a circus tent where the story of Phineas Taylor (P.T.) Barnum fluidly unfolds – the story of “The Greatest Show on Earth”.
Veteran Broadway actor Gene Weygandt is nothing short of fantastic as P.T. Barnum, radiating a childlike energy that is joyous to watch throughout, creating a character to cheer for from the show’s opening number “There Is A Sucker Born Every Minute”. Weygandt exudes charisma and is sure to sing and dance his way into your heart as the man who dreams big and stops at nothing to make them happen.
“Barnum” is a story of vision, trial and error and overcoming obstacles with true love and support. It is the story of how one of the greatest entertainment staples over the past century and a half began – The Barnum and Bailey Circus. Cory Goodrich also shines in this production as Chairy Barnum, the loyal and reassuring wife of P.T. Plenty of the show’s numbers are attention grabbing, though Goodrich and Weygandt are simply adorable during “The Colors of My Life”. Full of ballads and toe-tappers by Michael Stewart and Cy Coleman, “Barnum” finds its footing quickly and keeps going forward.
With an ensemble made up of acrobatic cast members who can all sing as well as dance, the show really pulls off a circus-like excitement. It is a well-rounded pool of talent that helps in drawing the constant awe and anticipation from the audience. Taylor Krasne-Wilton performs outstanding gymnastics while both Donica Lynn and Summer Naomi Smart display their own unique and powerful vocals. Before the show even begins, a couple clowns take to the main floor to have fun with the crowd.
For adults seeing this show, “Barnum” will make you a kid again – back to the days when a circus could bring out that youthful exhilaration that many of us have long since forgotten. That said, “Barnum” is also great time for children, too. There is nothing offensive or off-color in this show that parents would need to be worried about.
“Barnum” is playing at Mercury Theater (3745 N. Southport, Chicago) thru June 16th so there is plenty of time to get your tickets. For tickets or more show information call 773-325-1700 or visit www.mercurytheater.com.
The circus is in town!