Barnum
Cy Coleman (music), Michael Stewart (lyrics)
and Mark Bramble (book)
Directed by Andrew Park
at The Blue Theater, 1609 W. Gregory (map)
thru March 18 | tickets: free | more info
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‘Barnum’ a sweet effort at a great price
Quest Theatre Ensemble presents
Barnum
Review by Lauren Whalen
How does one fit a circus – complete with tightrope, elephant and sideshows – into a theater space? The beauty of the musical Barnum is that considering the magnitude of its subject matter, it’s a relatively small-scale show. In many ways, Barnum is an ideal fit for the small but mighty Quest Theatre Ensemble. Despite some lackluster elements, Quest’s Barnum is presented with confidence and heart that would make the legendary entrepreneur proud.
P.T. Barnum (Jason Bowen) seeks to prove his theory “there’s a sucker born every minute” with elaborate “humbug” (his words) that includes over-the-top museum exhibits, an ill-fated mayoral seat and eventually his famed circus. By his side is his long-suffering wife Chairy (Laura Sturm), who deeply loves and supports her spouse but wishes he would settle into a normal life. Barnum’s various rises and falls are illustrated by an exuberant ensemble of freaks and performers, with elaborate masks and puppets thrown in for extra whimsy.
Though it’s easily scaled down, Barnum has some tricky source material. The second act doesn’t have much of a storyline, and the dalliance between Barnum and Swedish songbird Jenny Lind (Rachel Sparrow), ends as abruptly as it starts with no real progression. Suddenly, Barnum decides to stray from his beloved wife – and just as suddenly, six months have passed and he decides to return to Chairy. Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart’s score is deceptively simple, requiring strong and elaborate vocal capacity that many of the cast members do not possess. Unfortunately, any capably executed songs were overridden by Quest’s weak and problematic sound system.
However, there’s much to like about this Barnum. Nick Rupard’s set recalls an old-timey circus with aplomb down to the patchwork curtain. Also designed by Rupard, the many puppets and masks that populate transitions and production are odd and endearing works of outsider art. Emma Weber outfits the ensemble in the natty suspenders and striped shirts of traveling performers, easily supplemented as actors change scene and character. And choreographer David Leef recognizes the considerable strength and ability of his dancers, with enjoyable results.
Though Bowen doesn’t quite possess the necessary vocal range, his Barnum is so charming and effervescent it’s no wonder people bought whatever he was selling. Sparrow hits gorgeous operatic notes out of the park as Jenny Lind, and Kyle Kuhlman illuminates the stage (and executes impressive stunts) as a vertically challenged sideshow attraction. Barnum’s real standout, however, is Sturm. Her Chairy Barnum is patient and funny with a healthy dose of spark, bringing to mind a young Glenn Close (who in fact originated the role on Broadway opposite Michael Crawford). Sturm and Bowen have a believable chemistry and delightful rapport: “I Like Your Style,” the Barnums’ sweet ode to their difficult but steadfast relationship, is the highlight of the show.
Quest Ensemble does not charge for tickets. With an admirable mission statement of “theatre for the people,” the little company only relies on grants and donations to get by. Like what you see at Barnum? Throw in a dollar or two after the show. In a poor economy where arts often fall by the wayside, free theater is a wonderful thing.
Rating: ★★★
Barnum continues through March 18th at The Blue Theater, 1609 W. Gregory (map), with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are free (with donations greatly appreciated!), and reservations can be made online here. More information at QuestEnsemble.org. (Running time: 2 hours, which includes one 10-minute intermission)
All photos by Braxton Black
