OnStage's 'Barnum' a Winner

Fifteen talented area singers, dancers and actors auditioned in the Spring and have been rehearsing like mad along with a live orchestra to bring to life the story of PT Barnum, the irrepressible showman who would never take no for an answer.

The story, based on a book by Mark Bramble, with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics written by Michael Stewart, takes place in turn-of-the-century America and traces the history of a young man and his young bride as they sing and dance their way from owning a museum full of oddities to very rudimentary days of Vaudevillian Circus Acts to the era of the world-renowned Barnum and Bailey’s “Big Top Circus”.

During the show, the enthusiastic Deborah Holden-Halloway, musical director of West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, gives cues with a nod and a smile while banging out familiar tunes on the piano. Two page turners assist her in “Bigger Isn’t Better”, “Come Follow the Band” and “Thank God I’m Old,” among others.

The stage, with its colorful big-top back drop, comes alive with entertainment for viewers of all ages: acrobatics and silly hyjinxing by colorful clowns -- and plenty of sentimental favorites for those of multiple generations with enough waltzing to make you want to run, not walk to the nearest Fred Astaire’s Dance Studio.

OnStage, Inc. was started 38 years ago by parents of stage struck kids who had no outlet for their callings during summer months. The largely volunteer organization is directed by Doug Gipple and produced by Janice Ing Strauss.

OnStage is “mostly self-funded,” although its status as a not-for-profit organization is pending. Auditions are held in the early spring for July and August shows (this year “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and the current “Barnum.”) Past shows have included “Sweet Charity,” “Oklahoma,” “My Fair Lady,” “Footloose,” “Kiss Me Kate,” “South Pacific,” “Guys and Dolls” and so many more favorites from Broadway.

History comes alive as characters are illuminated, one after another during the show. Jenny Lind, the infamous singer from “across the pond,” played by Maggie Collins; Tom Thumb amusingly portrayed by Nicholas Venturini; the lovely Chairy Barnum, played by Kyla Heinz; and ambitious old Phineas Taylor (Barnum) himself, played by Blake Pressly, bringing life to the stage the way only bright young performers can, namely, making light of often-times controversial material.

James Bailey is played by Alex Albanese and Faith Sacher nearly steals the show with her portrayal of “the Old Woman” thanking God for being old.

The show, which opened Thursday, goes off at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday in the charming Theatre at Ramsey High School located at 266 East Main Street in Ramsey. Ticket prices are a modest $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. "Barnum" is well worth the price and parking is free.