Barnum's life chronicled in play

The Quadramics spring show Barnum opens tonight in the Annenberg School Theater. Although the show falls over Spring Fling, it promises only to enhance students' spring celebration. The broadway show chronicles the life of circus great P.T. Barnum from his early ideas to his final achievement of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. This untraditional musical tells the story through a myriad of clowns, dancers, singers and acrobats. College senior and Mask and Wig member Michael Shames plays the leading role of Barnum, filling the show with his usual wit, fabulous dancing and great voice. Other main characters include College freshman Sarah Norman playing Barnum's wife and College freshman Daniel Gutin as the ringmaster. "This show involves much more than the typical musical," Wharton senior and director Jesse Hertzberg said. "There is tumbling, acrobatics, dancing, juggling, magic and much more. All of the actors were taught how to do these things." With a cast of 20, and 45 more students on the behind-the-scenes staff, this is one of the largest shows that Quadramics has ever put on. Filled with elaborate costumes and creative sets, tonight's opening required much preparation. Before the curtain goes up at 8 p.m., there will be a pre-show beginning at 7:30 p.m. including food, music, acrobats and jugglers to help the audience get into the feel of the show. There will also be a magic show titled "Masquerade" performed by two University students at intermission. "We really involve the audience in what we are doing," said College senior and Producer Michelle Gochoco. "We've been having a lot of fun and we want to share that with the audience." Hertzberg said the group aims to continue the circus and carnival atmosphere of Fling on stage. He said seeing the show will not deprive anyone of a great weekend Fling. "This show is particularly appropriate for Fling weekend because it has the circus feeling that will be all over campus," Hertzberg said. "If you take two hours out of your Fling to see Barnum, not only will it not slow down the pace of your partying but it will turn it up a notch and you will be ready to go out afterwards." Hertzberg said this show has a lot of life and the cast is ready to perform for an audience. The show runs tonight, Friday and Saturday at the Annenberg School Theater at 8 p.m. Tickets are available on Locust Walk or at the door. If you buy them on the Walk you will get a free snow cone at the pre-show.