THEATRE REVIEW BY MATTHEW MYERS

Todd McKenney finds the likeable Todd McKenney leads in Barnum. heart of a fast-talking loudmouth in the story of PT Barnum.

BY TODAY’S entertainment criteria, traditional circuses are an anachronism. However, in the 1800s, the circus coming to town was like the latest Marvel blockbuster opening, and that made circus entrepreneur Phineas Taylor Barnum both famous and very rich. His story is brought to life in the musical, Barnum, which premiered in 1980 and is currently being revived. The lead role has been played by Jim Dale, Michael Crawford and, in the first Australian production, Reg Livermore. It returns to the local stage with Todd McKenney (The Boy From Oz before Hugh Jackman) taking on this historic figure. “There’s a lot of research material out there about Barnum from different points of view, including the people who loved him and those who thought he was just a shark,” says McKenney. “He published his autobiography three times and each time he took stuff out that he thought didn’t present him in the right light. I’m actually in two minds about Barnum because I can see the reasons why people thought he was a charlatan, but I can also see why people loved him.” There’s a dark BARNUM side where he COMES TO TOWN just wants to walking, juggling and practical sessions on “At the end of the day it’s a circus musical magic, but the deeper challenge was within the and there’s a lot to like in it. Our director, Tyran exploit and make character itself. Parke has completely reshaped a significant “It’s making him likable that’s the real part of the show and re-orchestrated it with a challenge,” says McKenney. “You could easily fresh feel.” money... but I think he’s just a fast-talking loud mouth and Barnum has won Tony, Drama Desk and wonder what there is to like about him. I had to Laurence Olivier Awards. It is totally unrelated can also see why find that heart in him.” to The Greatest Showman, which starred Hugh Also in the cast are Rachael Beck as Barnum’s Jackman as Barnum. As for McKenney, it’s the people loved him. devoted wife Charity, Akina Edmonds as chance at another great role in a long list of Joice Heth, the oldest woman alive, Joshua theatre credits. “One thing I’ve leant was that he was the Reckless as Tom Thumb, Kirby Burgess as “It’s a unique show because we’re working first person to do a matinee performance,” the Ringmaster and Suzie Mathers as the with some amazing acrobats,” says McKenney. says McKenney. “He wanted to bring more songstress, Jenny Lind. “Audiences will be in awe of the performers’ people into the theatre, and thought he’d do it The story covers the period from 1835 to skills. It’s a show like no other around at the through getting families with their kids. There’s 1880, an era of very different social attitudes moment. People will learn a bit of history, so much to explore with Barnum; he was a and norms, and Barnum itself was penned especially about Barnum… he’s fascinating!” showman through and through. There’s also back in the 1970s, before the rise of political that dark side where he just wanted to exploit, correctness, so much of the text needed dusting be famous and make money. For an actor, the off. “Some of the writing, especially to do with MORE: Barnum is playing at Melbourne’s role is quite rich. Those characteristics are what women, I think was poorly handled,” says Comedy Theatre. Go to attracted me to it.” McKenney. “We’ve taken out anything that is barnumthemusical.com.au In preparation, McKenney practiced disrespectful to women but left what keeps it tightrope walking every day, as well as stilt- truthful to the story.

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