Theater Review: Join the circus with DSU’s ‘Barnum’

P.T. Barnum said it best: “Clowns are the pegs on which the circus is hung.” DSU’s production of “Barnum” wobbles atop those talented pegs. While a good effort is made at bringing the pizzazz and showmanship of the circus to the stage, the show is hampered by inconsistent energy and pacing. With a full theatrical arsenal, this show should’ve wowed but instead fell short of the mark.

Thrust into the middle of the 19th century, we find Phineas Taylor (P.T.) Barnum introducing his circus act. In love with spectacle and excitement, he promotes his exhibits with hype and “humbug.” Charity, Barnum’s level-headed wife, worries for their future security. She urges Barnum to take a steady job managing a factory. Barnum refuses.

Surrounded by colleagues of another sort—The Ring Master and Pierrette (his two clowns), Joyce Heth (the oldest woman alive), Tom Thumb (a man no more than 25 inches tall), and others—Barnum embarks upon his vision to build a museum to house his many attractions. Disaster strikes when a fire decimates the exhibit on the eve of the grand opening.

Undeterred, Barnum’s next endeavor comes in the form of the captivating opera singer Jenny Lind. The lure of this “Swedish Nightingale” proves too much for Barnum to resist, he leaves his wife to tour the world as her manager.

Amidst the glitz and glamour of success, Barnum realizes that his life is hollow without Charity. He severs his ties with Jenny Lind, rushing back to the woman he loves. Once back in her arms, he vows to live the stable life she always wished for them, opting to try for a career in politics. True to form, Barnum channels his talents and passions, injecting color and life into his campaign.

Their newfound happiness and contentment is brought to an abrupt halt by the sudden passing of his wife. Bereft and overcome with loneliness, Barnum is “humbugged” by life. All hope seems lost when a Mr. James Anthony Bailey arrives and offers Barnum a reason to lift his head: a chance to join the circus—The Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Crossing the stage with a broom; a young boy sweeps open the show and we see P.T. Barnum (played by Jarrod Hayes) part the thick red curtain, hopping atop a circus block center stage. Declaring the opening of his circus attraction, Hayes is firm on his feet and commanding in stance. One of the best in the show with confident delivery and smooth vocals during his songs, Hayes holds his own on a stage that threatens to overwhelm. A natural and budding actor, he had inconsistent moments throughout, such as during his monologue in the second act after Charity dies. Hayes lacked the emotional connection and true-to-life feel needed to move that moment.

Barnum’s true love, Charity, is sweetly played by Becky Collins. With angelic vocals, she is natural as she moves across the stage. With such a graceful ease about her, I was disappointed to see a rather one-dimensional performance. Collins kept at surface level, never reaching into the vulnerability and depth of the character.

The clowns who stole the show were the Ringmaster (played by Andrew Bullard), and Pierrette (played by Mindi Kirk). Their energy and engagement was on a higher level. The agile Bullard had the presence and command of a true acrobat and showman. Kirk was perfect as Pierrette, never dropping character and catching your eye with every move. Also playing the part of Jenny Lind, Kirk showcased her talented vocals. Although I didn’t like that she still wore clown makeup while playing the opera singer, her talent shined through nonetheless. These two captivated the audience.

The comical and animated James Anthony Bailey (played by Alex Pizzo) stood out among the rest of the cast. Although he didn’t appear until the end of the show, he brought energy right when it was needed.

The show needed to be bigger in every way. The stark black stage loomed over the set and cast. The sets and musical numbers would have worked better in a smaller, more intimate space. Musical underscoring was needed throughout the show, not just during the songs. Why have a four-piece band if you’re not going to use them? Nothing made that more clear than Charity’s death scene. It was done in such a beautifully symbolic and poetic way, with The Ringmaster draping her lifeless body over his back as he takes her slowly away across the stage—a very long stage—in absolute silence. With a sad melody playing, this scene could’ve moved the audience to tears.

Every show has its difficulties. It’s just a shame when you see most, if not all, of them. The strong suits of this show were some of the actors and the remarkable costumes. Every character was adorned in ensembles true to the era, but it wasn’t enough to animate some of the lackluster performances. In the words of P.T. Barnum himself, “The bigger the humbug, the better the people will like it.” I wish the show had followed his advice. DSU’s Barnum plays until Nov. 14 at the Dolores Dore Eccles Fine Arts Center. Get your tickets to the circus before it leaves town.