Michael Crawford as Barnum

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

---

"I would love to see a big splashy broadway revival."

And, as discussed here previously, Hugh Jackman would be perfect.

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.

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!

I 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.