Michael Crawford as Barnum
Michael Crawford as Barnum
#0Michael Crawford as Barnum
Posted: 3/23/05 at 6:38pm
Has anyone else seen this production? Apparently it was recorded for PBS or a home video release or something. A friend of mine, also a showtunejunkie, loaned me a recorded copy, and I hate to admit it but I'm totally impressed by Michael Crawford's performance. Not only is he dramatically and vocally perfect, but he's literally doing a million circus tricks as well - he sings while walking a tightrope, spins on a rope, does some clowning, and all kinds of stuff. I didn't even know this existed. If anyone cares, it's great -- and I'm not a big Crawford fan most of the time.
Just being a dork, felt like talking about this:)
Barnum on Amazon.com
There's always room for pathos - and jazz hands.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#1re: Michael Crawford as Barnum
Posted: 3/23/05 at 7:12pmI have it on DVD and I think it is pretty good. I think Jim Dale did a much better version of it on Broadway. I would love to see a big splashy broadway revival.
morosco
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/10/04
#2re: Michael Crawford as Barnum
Posted: 3/23/05 at 7:22pm
"I would love to see a big splashy broadway revival."
And, as discussed here previously, Hugh Jackman would be perfect.
wildcat
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/04
#3re: Michael Crawford as Barnum
Posted: 3/23/05 at 7:32pmI actually prefer Crawford. I thought the Broadway production was purgatory.
#4re: Michael Crawford as Barnum
Posted: 3/23/05 at 7:35pm
The DVD is amongst my most favorite performances captured on tape, Crawford's brilliant in it!
Barnum's a show I'd love to see brought back to Broadway one of these days, though the list of stars that could pull off that part is awfully short.
MusicMan
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/03
#5re: Michael Crawford as Barnum
Posted: 3/23/05 at 9:09pm
Unlike Michael Crawford, Jim Dale starred in BARNUM without upstaging other cast members, talking over their songs, and hogging the spotlight. Plus Dale's son made out with my sister at a Barnum Christmas party.
wendy72
Broadway Star Joined: 5/9/04
#6re: Jim Dale as Barnum = Amazing!
Posted: 3/23/05 at 9:15pm
His performance prompted me to write my first and only fan letter. He sent me back a charming letter, that man oozes charm. When a friend of mine saw him in the lobby of "The Comedians" about a year ago, she told him her best friend once wrote him a fan letter, to which he replied, "Oh, DO give her my best." tee-hee, those Brits!
He was perfection in this role, and man, Hugh would be great as well!
Sally
Broadway Star Joined: 5/12/03
#7re: Jim Dale ? Michael Crawford = Amazing!
Posted: 3/24/05 at 1:39pm
I never had the chance to see Dale, but the Crawford DVD is one of my favorites.
Musicman, from everything I've read, the English Barnum cast was a very happy family. Maybe you would like Crawford better if he had a son 
#8re: Jim Dale ? Michael Crawford = Amazing!
Posted: 3/24/05 at 2:00pmI loved Jim Dales performance in Barnum. The production was a joy, especially Glen Close's performance as Mrs Barnum. Comparitively I find Michael Crawfords performance horrible. He over acts, mugs and in general ruins the show.
MusicMan
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/03
#9re: Jim Dale ? Michael Crawford = Amazing!
Posted: 3/24/05 at 2:04pm
Happy family or not, Crawford's indulgences are self-evident on the DVD.
And one Crawford is plenty, thanks.
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