Brad Oscar as Barnum

[Patash]

Posted: 12/7/08 at 9:19pm

Just saw the production of Barnum today at Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida (where Tale of Two Cities started). While his acting was fine, in my opinion Brad Oscar's singing voice just wasn't up to it, particularly in comparison to the rest of the cast. Fantastic technical including spectacularly detailed and exciting costumes. Being circus country, the circus effects were to the full, including lots of juggling, stilt-walking, tight rope, trapeze, and much more. Renee Brna was perfect as Jenny Lind with a voice indeed like a nightingale. Misty Cotton's Chairy was fine.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 12/7/08 at 9:20pm

Am I the only one who feels bad when I hear about a Tony-nominated performer who originated a role in a smash hit musical doing community theatre in the middle of Florida?

[Patash]

Posted: 12/7/08 at 9:29pm

Huh? I guess that would be sad. But what does Asolo Theatre have to do with community theatre? It is one of the leading repertory companies in the country -- a far cry from the usual definition of community theatre.

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 12/8/08 at 12:07am

Many Broadway actors take work out-of-town in REGIONAL theatre. It is still equity.

[Sondheim_Geek]

Posted: 12/8/08 at 12:46am

Hence the popularity of Paper Mill. When actors are unemployed in New York they can commute go just outside the city (for many closer to home) to be part of a great production with professionals...and it's still an Equity gig. That's one of the reasons why they always have top-notch casts.

[Patash]

Posted: 12/8/08 at 9:45am

I think either PiraguaGuy2 mistakenly thinks that the only good theatre in the world takes place in New York -- and/or his comment is as misguided as someone saying "I can't believe ______(insert famous film actor here) has lowered himself do doing a Broadway show."

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/8/08 at 11:32am

Or he thinks that anything outside of the Times Square Theatre District is "community theatre."

[Jon]

Posted: 12/8/08 at 11:42am

Byh his difinition, Karen Ziemba is doing "coominity theatre" next month when she stars in SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION at Old Globe in San Diego.

...working in San Diego vs. being unemployed in NYC in January... smart career move!

...much like choosing to work in Florida in December!
Updated On: 12/8/08 at 11:42 AM

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/8/08 at 11:45am

And if the Old Globe in SD is "community theatre" so is the Music Box on 45th Street.

[Ashley4Tale]

Posted: 12/12/08 at 11:35pm

Patash, it is nice to see you credit the Asolo! I happen to agree that it is one of the best, if not the best (for those who have never been there, you would not understand). I just got to see Barnum last Wednesday night, also, and it was fabulous!
What a production! The actors/circus performers were great! I actually held my breath through the "tight rope" performance, it was amazing, and a treat, to see this in a theater musical.
I also agree that Brad Oscar was not at his best, pipeswise. However, one must realize that he barely left the stage during the show, and he was quite "lively" throughout his performance, so it must have been a tough to keep on top all the time. The opening number, I thought, was quite well done and he was on top vocally, on that one.
Barnum will be part of the top musicals at the Asolo, no doubt.