Overview
Synopsis
Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth, the world of Phineas Taylor Barnum, full of spectacle and humbug. Sometimes with her support, and sometimes against her objections, P.T. Barnum works with his wife Chairy to create unbelievable attractions in a variety of ways, from the American Museum in New York City to a national tour featuring Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightingale. Along the way, Barnum meets Joice Heth (the oldest woman alive) and Tom Thumb (the smallest man in the world). He dabbles in politics and begins a lecture tour, culminating in his founding of the Greatest Show on Earth with partner James Bailey. Nominated for 10 Tony Awards (and winning three), Barnum is a joyful ride of humbug and laughter for audiences of all ages.
Show Information
- Book
- Mark Bramble
- Music
- Cy Coleman
- Lyrics
- Michael Stewart
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1980
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings, Spectacle
- Time & Place
- Bridgeport, Connecticut, New York City, United States, 1870s, 1880s
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- Large
- Dancing
- Heavy
- Licensor
- Tams Witmark Music Library
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Elderly, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult, Child, Early Teen Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Spoken, Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
Songs
Act I
- "Overture Chase"
- "There is a Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute" – Barnum
- "Humble Beginnings Chase"
- "Thank God I'm Old" – Joice Heth and Tambourine Players
- "The Colors of My Life" (Part 1) – Barnum
- "The Colors of My Life" (Part 2) – Charity
- "One Brick at a Time" – Charity, Barnum and Bricklayers
- "Museum Song" – Barnum
- "Female of the Species Chase"
- "I Like Your Style" – Barnum and Charity
- "Bigger Isn't Better" – Tom Thumb
- "Love Makes Such Fools of Us All" – Jenny Lind
- "Midway Chase"
- "Go Out There" – Barnum and Charity
Act II
- "Come Follow the Band" – Potomac Marching Band and Washingtonians
- "Black and White" – Charity, Choir, Blues Singer, Barnum and Citizens of Bridgeport
- "The Colors of My Life" (Reprise) – Barnum and Charity
- "The Prince of Humbug" – Barnum
- "Join the Circus" – Bailey, Circus Performers and Barnum
- "Finale Chase"
- "The Final Event: There is a Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute" (Reprise)
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress