DUNMORE — The circus is coming to Act Out Theatre Group on East Grove Street.

“Barnum” depicts the life of PT Barnum, famed prince of humbug, and his journey to the circus. It shows the early years of his humble beginnings and covers when he dabbled in politics, all while putting on a circus right in front of the audience.

High-energy musical numbers and circus tricks make this a show one will not want to miss.

The cast includes Max Snyder, Madison Township; Caelan Baden, Taylor; Dylan Ofner, Scranton; Sarah Pugliese, Wilkes-Barre Twp.; Lorcan Baden, Taylor; Giada Gowden, Moosic; Emma Christianson, Wilkes-Barre; Ava Kulenich, Clarks Summit; Sam Greenfield, Old Forge; and Emily Nowikowski, Luzerne.

Dan Pittman of Plymouth is the theatre’s artistic director and choreographer of Barnum.

“Barnum is a beautiful musical telling of, who I believe to be, the father of the travelling circus,” Pittman said. “This show is perfect for this age group because it allows them to show off their special talents and learn a little more about American history.”

Snyder plays the challenging title role, Barnum.

“The most challenging part of this show is learning the lines,” Snyder said. “I have trouble learning them because Barnum talks in an exotic way and uses words that I wouldn’t use in everyday life.”

The show sticks out from the others that Christianson has done because of how “fun, wild and entertaining” it is. She also thinks it is fun to make yourself into a new character.

Greenfield plays the role of Charity Barnum, PT Barnum’s wife.

“My favorite part about playing Charity is playing someone who is a real person,” Greenfield said. “I also like playing Charity because she is strong and stands up for women’s rights.”

Barnum runs on the Act Out Theatre Group stage from April 26-28 with performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students/seniors at the door. Tickets reserved or purchased in advance are $10 for student/senior and $15 for adults. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.actouttheatre.com.

Photo cutlines:

BarnumSupporting:

CharityandBarnum:

TomThumb:

Some of the cast members of Barnum take a break from a recent rehearsal to try on some of their costumes. From left, are Lorcan Baden, Taylor; Sarah Pugliese, Wilkes-Barre Twp.; Emily Nowikowksi, Luzerne; Giada Gowden, Moosic; and Ava Kulenich, Clarks Summit.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_BarnumSupporting.jpg.optimal.jpgSome of the cast members of Barnum take a break from a recent rehearsal to try on some of their costumes. From left, are Lorcan Baden, Taylor; Sarah Pugliese, Wilkes-Barre Twp.; Emily Nowikowksi, Luzerne; Giada Gowden, Moosic; and Ava Kulenich, Clarks Summit. Submitted photo

Max Snyder, of Madison Township, and Samantha Greenfield, of Old Forge, share a dance moment during a recent rehearsal. The two play Barnum and his wife.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_CharityandBarnum.jpg.optimal.jpgMax Snyder, of Madison Township, and Samantha Greenfield, of Old Forge, share a dance moment during a recent rehearsal. The two play Barnum and his wife. Submitted photo

Max Snyder, Madison Twp., and Emma Christianson, Wilkes-Barre, play Barnum and General Tom Thumb in the Act Out Theatre Group’s production of ‘Barnum.’
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_TomThumb.jpg.optimal.jpgMax Snyder, Madison Twp., and Emma Christianson, Wilkes-Barre, play Barnum and General Tom Thumb in the Act Out Theatre Group’s production of ‘Barnum.’ Submitted photo
Theater group presents ‘Barnum’ April 26-28