Barnum comes to Melbourne, 2019

Todd McKenney and Rachael Beck are set to star in a new Australian production of Barnum The Circus Musical at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre.

Producer Adrian Storey of StoreyBoard Entertainment has confirmed that McKenney will star as P.T. Barnum and Beck will co-star as Charity Barnum in a completely re-imagined production of this award winning Broadway musical.

“Barnum is one of those roles in musical theatre that every actor dreams of playing and performing this role has been on my bucket list since 1983 when I first started in musical theatre. It’s a dream come true for me to get the chance to play this iconic man in this legendary musical.” said McKenney.

Directed by Tyran Parke with choreographer Kelly Aykers, musical director Stephen Gray, set designer Dann Barber and circus director Sebastian Hunter rounding out the all Australian creative team, the show will play a limited season at the Comedy Theatre from 27 April 2019.

Based on the life of P.T. Barnum – America’s legendary circus impresario and unparalleled showman – this heart-warming and uplifting musical is a theatrical event for all generations, full of great music, circus, magic and comedy; not to mention Barnum’s magnificent tight-rope scene. In collaboration with the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), this brand new Australian production brings together some of the creative team from its critically acclaimed production of Follies, In Concert.

Barnum debuted on Broadway in 1980 playing almost 900 performances. The first Australian production premiered in Sydney in 1982 starring Reg Livermore.

Further casting to be announced at a later date.

Waitlist open now on the official Barnum website.