November 17, 2008 (Sarasota, Florida) Asolo Repertory Theatre and Maltz Jupiter Theatre have partnered to present Barnum, the multiple Tony Award winning musical that ran for two years and 854 performances on Broadway. Barnum runs from November 15 to December 20, 2008, in Asolo Rep’s Mertz Theatre in Sarasota, and opens on January 9, 2009, at The Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Jupiter, Florida.
The co-production between the two theatres represents sharing on many levels, from concepts to expenses, and from artistic decisions to sets, costumes and props. It also means that the production will move from one theatre to the other, taking with it all the shared elements, including the actors and creative team.
“We are thrilled to be co-producing Barnum with the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. This musical is a vibrant, dynamic show that deserves to have the highest quality of production. When the opportunity arose to partner with Andrew Kato and the brilliant team at Maltz Jupiter, I knew it was too good to pass up. We have every expectation of creating a production that will have a memorable life on both of Florida’s coasts.” – Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director, Michael Donald Edwards.
In the case of large scale musicals, such as Barnum, a co-production provides regional theatres an opportunity to take on larger and more complex projects than they might normally undertake. The sharing of resources and expertise will enable a more robust production.
“Co-producing Barnum with Asolo Repertory Theatre will allow the Maltz Jupiter Theatre to present an ambitious season that is both artistically excellent and financially viable. The details of mounting a production on this scale requires a partnership with a theatre that has years of experience behind them. We are lucky to have this with Asolo Rep.” – Maltz Jupiter Theatre Artistic Director, Andrew Kato.
In addition to the co-production with Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Asolo Rep is collaborating with other organizations in the Sarasota community with strong ties to circus history. Pedro Reis of Circus Sarasota is on board as the circus consultant for Barnum. The cast is in ‘circus skills’ training with Reis, and with coaches Susan Loeffler and Anna Bello at the Pal Sailor Circus facilities in Sarasota. Additional circus and P.T. Barnum expertise and resources are being provided by The Ringling Museum of Art and by Feld Entertainment, Inc.
Previews run from November 12-14, and opening night is on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. Opening night tickets include a star-studded champagne reception following the performance. Barnum runs through December 20, 2008, with performances at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets ($11-$58) are available by calling the Box Office at 1-941-351-8000 or toll free at 1-800-361-8388. You may also purchase tickets online at www.asolo.org. For group reservations and discounts, call 941-351-9010 ext. 4810. This is an Asolo Rep production in the Mertz Theatre (5555 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, Florida).
A special “Museum, Dinner & Play” package is available on November 19 and 26, and December 3, 10 and 17. The package price of $79.00 includes a visit to the Ringling’s Circus Museum, dinner at Treviso, and orchestra seating for Barnum.
About the show: Winner of a Theater World, a Drama Desk and three Tony Awards, this Broadway hit sparkles with a cast of singers, actors, jugglers, clowns and tumblers. In this grand production, the worlds of musical theatre and circus fuse into a vibrant and entertaining musical celebrating the colorful, creative and driven life of the World’s Greatest Showman, Phineas ‘P.T.’ Barnum. Come Follow the Band and meet the extraordinary acts that led Barnum from humble beginnings to ‘The Greatest Show on Earth.’
Originally produced on the Broadway Stage by Judy Gordon, Cy Coleman, Maurice and Lois F. Rosenfeld in association with Irwin Feld and Kenneth Feld.
Barnum is presented by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc., 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022.
About Asolo Rep: Asolo Repertory Theatre is Florida’s premier professional theatre and one of the most important cultural forces in the United States. Having built a 50-year reputation as a center for theatrical excellence, Asolo Rep crafts the highest quality productions of classical, contemporary, and newly commissioned work all performed in the rarest form of rotating repertory. Featuring an accomplished resident company – complemented by distinguished guest artists – Asolo Rep offers audiences a unique and dynamic theatre experience. Under the skillful leadership of Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele, this world-class institution has taken a bold step toward the future, building landmark partnerships and collaborations which will add to its success over the next 50 years.
About Maltz Jupiter Theatre: In six years, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre (MJT) has become one of Florida’s preeminent professional theatres committed to performance, production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Under the leadership of Artistic Director, Andrew Kato and Managing Director, Tricia Trimble as well as a dedicated Board and staff, MJT has received the “Best Musical” Carbonell Award, South Florida’s highest honor for artistic excellence, for the last two years and increased its subscription base to over 7,000. The Theatre recently built world-class facilities in support of their Conservatory of Performing Arts that serves 350 students in after-school, weekend and summer programs. This year, MJT is the proud recipient of a prestigious John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation grant for its Emerging Artist Series in Musical Theatre Playwriting.
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Asolo Repertory Theatre is funded in part by the Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State, the Florida Arts Council, the city and County of Sarasota and the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax through the Board of County Commissioners, the tourist Development Council and the Sarasota County Arts Council. Funding is also received through efforts of support groups including the Asolo Angel Association, the Asolo Theatre Guild, the Directors Emeritus and the generosity of individuals, corporation and foundations.