Cy Coleman, Glenn Close, Cy Coleman, Michael Stewart, Glenn Close, Terri White - Barnum (1980 Original Broadway Cast)

If ever there were a bigger-than-life American figure whose biography seemed custom-written for the Broadway musical stage, it was the legendary showman Phineas T. Barnum. That 1980 musical arrived during one of the Great White Way's most serious, pre-Webbermania doldrums, but its innovative circus-ring staging and buoyant songs helped point the way to the future, garnering 10 Tony Award nominations, winning star Jim Dale the Best Actor Tony for his riveting, tour-de-force performance in the title role and showcasing co-star Glenn Close on her way to Hollywood stardom.

The show's buoyant songs include romantic drama ("The Colors of My Life," "I Like Your Style"), shameless hucksterism (Dale's verbal gymnastics on "Museum Song," a tune whose brisk syllabic gymnastics one-ups even Gilbert and Sullivan), and infectious crowd-pleasers: "Come Follow the Band" and "Join the Circus." This last pair are also featured in previously unreleased demos by composers Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart. Among the other bonus tracks are Coleman's demos for "At Least I Tried" and "So Little Time," songs that were cut before the show's bow on Broadway. This edition includes new notes by star Jim Dale and reminiscences by Coleman. --Jerry McCulley Amazon.com

Cy Coleman at Its Best.... lyrics?

Yes the score for this musical is beautiful. So much going on in each one, perfect for that circus atmosphere. Each instrument has character which is so lost in modern musicals. Now my thing with the lyrics is not that they're bad. They get rather dulled at points, and I just tuned them out. When Jim Dale was singing I listened just to hear him, but otherwise, take them or leave them. It Seems to be show you need to see not hear. Favorite song: "There Is a Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute" July 27, 2006

Uplifitng - a true joy

I LOVE this Broadway musical! I find myself humming the tunes all day. There is only one cut I am not crazy about, and all the rest are lively, fun, interesting, musically appealing and joyful. The music is terrific and the words are throught provoking and entertaining. I am so very glad I bought this. July 2, 2006

Can't get it out of my head

I saw this production with Jim Dale and Glenn Close when I was 14 years old at the St James Theater in NY, with my drama club. It was my first BIG show ever, and to this day rates in the top 5 productions I have seen.

Enjoyed so much that even as a young teen I bought (and still own) the album, even though I have nothing to play it on. Still, 26 years later here I am, very surprised and pleased to find this CD version available, needless to say I'm buying it.

It was interesting to read some of the comments here. The only song I didn't care for was the operetta "Swedish Nightingale" song. If the creator was trying to get us to hate the "other woman", just by using that song he succeeded.

Yes PLEASE ignore the London version. It simply does not compare. I can still see clearly in my mind, Jim Dale on the tightrope, Glenn Close with her bricks, and the whitefaced clown who entertained the audience prior to the opening act. You had to be there, but even if you weren't, there are enough upbeat and happy songs here to get you tapping your toes, and even a few that might make you a bit introspective.

And hey, learning the "Museum Song" by heart is a great way to spend time in a traffic jam. May 12, 2006

OK, But Not The Best Cy Coleman Musical

This 1980 Cy Coleman musical, starring the terrific Jim Dale and Glen Close, has its moments, but doesn't compare with his best efforts: "Sweet Charity", "City Of Angels", "The Life" or "The Will Rogers Follies".

Best Tracks:

There's A Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute
One Brick At A Time
Come Follow The Band (great Act II opener!) September 16, 2005

Awesome, definitely a great show to watch let alone hear.

I love everything about these songs. I wasn't much of a circus showtune person until I watched my classmates reenact it in our new auditorium. I love everything about Phineus Taylor Barnum's history. I play in the pit for the high school show, and it's the most fun music to play. I love it. I definitely recommend this to anybody. March 17, 2005

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