P.T. Barnum - Misunderstood Master of Marketing

Here I am at Circus World, Baraboo, Wisconsin in May, 1991

Why I'm a big fan

Ever since I was a kid, I loved the circus. While growing up in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, I always looked forward to seeing the circus train roll into town. I'd go to the field where the tent was to be set up early in the morning and stay all day. I'd even go back the day after the circus left town to see how it all went back to normal, as though nothing had been there the day before. I was proud of the fact that my Dad was employed to deliver tons of swadust for the circus -- provided by a company in Wilkes-Barre called "The Hazard" -- a wire works plant. The sawdust was from the wood shop which produced the wooden rolls on which the wire was rolled.

Continuing into my adult life I have loved the circus. I still go to the annual Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey extraviganza. But my interest has broadened. I've read most of the works on P.T. Barnum, including his autobiography. This was inspired more by the Broadway Musical, Barnum, than by my love of the circus.

I feel that we can learn a lot from Barnum. He wasn't just a master of Humbug -- he has had a major influence on marketing techniques and can serve as an example to entrepreneurs and anyone who deals with the public.

Join me on these pages as I explore the magic of Barnum and analyze the message of the broadway musical -- especially as it reveals itself in the lyrics of several of the songs. If you are unfamiliar with the musical, I recommend that you begin by reading the "Album Notes" that I have reproduced here to provide an overview of the show. Eventually, you will be able to click on to all of the songs to reflect on the lyrics. Meanwhile, you will find a few highlighted for your review.

Joe Laufer

There is not much on the internet right now about P.T. Barnum. The Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, CT still does not have its own web page. However, I can refer my readers to a few net resources:

"Barnumisms" in the English Language

If you want to know how Barnum changed the English language forever, you might want to visit The Website of Useless Information

Barnum Bibliography

My personal library of books on Barnum includes some antique collectibles. One of the most recent critical works is the one by Irving Wallace, available in paperback. Click here for the complete bibliography.

Barnum, the Musical

The Broadway Musical, Barnum, is a fantastic tribute to the showman, and its lyrics and music summarize the man and his message. Jim Dale was, by far, in my humble opinion, the best Barnum in both the London and New York productions of this award winning musical. The music was written by Cy Coleman, the lyrics by Michael Stewart and the book, by Mark Bramble.

For those unfamiliar with the musical,

click here for the ALBUM NOTES.

In addition to providing you with the story line of the show, the songs are listed by title as they come up during the show. I have been able to capture the lyrics of all of the songs of the show -- with the help of some other Barnum fans. As the highlighted titles appear in the text of the Album Notes, just click on that title and up will pop the complete lyrics of that song!

Adopting the Barnum Philosophy of Life ala Michael Stewart's Lyrics

Two of the songs sung by Barnum in the musical sum up for me a very positive philosophy of life. They are "The Colors of My Life" and "Out There Somewhere".

The Colors of My Life

In the show, Barnum expresses to his wife, Chairy, his philosophy through his version of "The Colors of My Life" -- and she, in return, expresses her philosophy in her version of the same song. Click below for Barnum's version, and you will get an insight into my personal view of things, and understand why I'm such a great fan of Barnum.

The Colors of My Life

Out There Somewhere

In a second song, when Barnum is going through a personal lifestyle struggle, he sings "Out There Somewhere". The lyrics champion a lifestyle "outside the lines" or "outside the box", a lifestyle which welcomes risk and challenges tradition. My fascination with these lyrics will give you another insight into my personal philosophy and what I call "The Barnum Principle".

Out There Somewhere

Barnum Trivia

This section is under construction. However, one of the first trivia categories will be to come up with a list of individuals who played Barnum in London, on Broadway and on the road. My first entries:

If you know of any other famous "Barnums", please provide their names in the comment area of the guest book or Email them to me. Thanks!

BARNUM'S LAST WORDS

Ever wonder what the Master of Humbug said on his deathbead? After hearing his last words quoted by our parish priest in a Good Friday homily, we checked the "Famous Last Words" web site and verified Barnum's farewell. To see what he said, CLICK HERE!

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