“Barnum” at Ivoryton a sweet biographical musical

by Kory Loucks

IVORYTON — It’s bah humbug of a completely different sort at the Ivoryton Playhouse production of the musical “Barnum” directed by Jacqueline Hubbard and playing through Dec. 19.
Here, it is Phineas Taylor Barnum, or P.T. Barnum as he is still known the world over, the famous circus impresario from the 1800s and Connecticut native, who is often quoted as having said, “There’s a sucker born every minute,” which is the first of many songs in the show.
It’s not clear if Barmum really said that quote, but one can understand why it stuck to him, because he made his livelihood hyping his productions.
For example, Barnum sold tickets to people to see the 160-year-old woman, Joice Heth, played by Marianne Hile, who was supposed to have been the nurse to George Washington.
In the musical he explains that humbug is just another word for stretching the truth, also known as lying, to give the people a show.
The musical follows the story of his eventful life, played by the energetic and effervescent R. Bruce Connelly, from finding the diminutive Tom Thumb, played by the fine Justin Boudreau, and parading him and other unique people around the world in his show, to running for political office.
The musical also examines his relationship with his wife, Chairy, played by Beverly J. Galpin, who was a conservative New England woman, very different than her flamboyant showman husband.
That’s where this musical bogs down at times, because a musical biography, even if it is historically and chronologically accurate, gets a bit dull. Some of the songs drag.
Usually there a lot of professional actors in the Ivoryton Playhouse productions, but this show is almost all local amateur talent, with many young and well-rehearsed children playing the clowns and gymnasts and all are excellent.
The aerialists, Michael Viau and Sara Stelizer in particular do an amazing job reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil. The gymnasts are the real thing too, and the clowns are a cute as can be. There is even a little dog, Minnie, who does some adorable tricks in a little tutu.
Also believable with a gorgeous voice is Danielle Cohen who does a realistic interpretation of the Swedish Nightingale Jenny Lind, who toured with P.T. Barnum.
It wasn’t until after his political career that he hooked up with James A. Bailey, played by Scott Wasserman, and came up with the idea of a three-ring circus, where three acts could play simultaneously.
Barnum is a fine show for kids too. How can you go wrong with juggling, stilt-walkers, gymnasts, and clowns all performing as part of “The Greatest Show on Earth?

BARNUM

3 Stars
Location: Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton
Production: Book by Mark Bramble. Music by Cy Coleman. Lyrics by Michael Stewart. Directed by Jacqueline Hubbard. Choreography by Francesca Webster. Music direction by John De Nicola. Scenic design by Daniel Nischan. Stage manager Holly Price. Lighting design by Doug Harry. Costume design by Vivianna Lamb.
Running time: 2 hours including 15-minute intermission.
Show Times: Wednesday and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. through Dec. 19.
Tickets: $38 for adults, $33 for seniors, $20 for students, and $15 for children 12 and under. Call the box office at 860-767-7318, or visit their website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org
ACTOR…CHARACTER
R. Bruce Connelly … Phineas Taylor Barnum
Beverley J. Galpin … Chairy Barnum
Marianne Hile … Joice Heth
Justin Boudreau … Tom Thumb, Chester Lyman
Jamison Daniels … Julius Goldschmidt, Humbert Morrisey
Danielle Cohen … Jenny Lind
Scott Wasserman … Ringmaster, James A. Bailey
Patrick Lynch … Amos Scudder
Chris Mahan … Sherwood Stratton
Maureen Alfiero … Mrs. Sherwood Stratton
Zach Ivins … Wilton
Chris Mahn … Edgar Templeton
Michael Viau … Aerialist
Sara Stelzer … Aerialist
Charles Everett Crocco, Olivia Harry, Bridget Harry, Emily May … Clowns
Annie Alfiero, Emma Nanamaker … Female ensemble
Julianna Alvord, Jenna Berloni, Torie Chiappa, Sabrina Henderson, Addison Marchese, Allie Nelson, Sara Stelzer … Dancers and gymnasts