The main character in this musical is America’s great showman ‘Prince Hambug’ alias P. T. Barnum. Between 1835 and 1880 he travelled every route in America with his itinerant ‘Sensation Show’ purely based on swindle and trickery as his motto was ‘The last fool is yet to be born’. So we follow his lifelong career and witness some of his show attractions: among others the oldest woman in the world Joice Heth, allegedly 160 years old and former nanny to George Washington, also the dwarf Tom Thumb, the Swedish nightingale Jenny Lind and lastly the great circus with three rings hosted by J. A. Bailey. Eventually, the latter persuades Barnum to join his circus troupe. Concurrently we also meet Barnum’s wife Chairy, who adds a little normality to the show by hoping for her husband to choose a more stationary existence.
Orchestration:
Violin
Cello
Bass
Reed I: Piccolo Flute, Clarinet and Soprano Saxophone
Reed II: Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet and Alto Saxophone (cued Stage Pennywhistle)
Reed III: Piccolo Flute, Clarinet and tenor Saxophone
Reed IV: Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone
Reed V: Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet I (Doubling Piccolo Trumpet and Cornet)
Trumpet II (Doubling Cornet)
Trumpet III
Trombone I (Doubling Euphonium)
Trombone II (cue Stage Trombone)
Trombone III (w/Bass attachment)
Tuba (Doubling Sousaphone)
Drums
Percussion
Guitar (Doubling Banjo) (cue for Stage Banjo)
Stage Violin and Viola
Pianos I & II
Piano Conductor’s Score
