Date: Fri 23-Jan-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Quick Words:

Discovery-Barnum-circus

Full Text:

Life Under The Legendary Big Top, In Bridgeport And Beyond

with cuts

BRIDGEPORT -- The dazzling world of the circus has taken center stage at The

Discovery Museum. The museum's Simpson Art Galleries have been transformed

into the legendary big top of the circus world, displaying some rarely seen

items from the museum's collection of circus art and memorabilia.

"The American Circus: Barnum, Bridgeport & Beyond" presents posters,

photographs, route books, clown costumes and memorabilia from such well-known

Barnum luminaries as Tom Thumb, Jenny Lind, and of course, P.T. Barnum

himself. A grand opening celebration with sideshow performers and other live

entertainment will be held at the museum, 4450 Park Avenue, on Sunday,

February 1. The exhibition itself is already open for viewing.

The exhibit, which remains on view until June 7, has been organized by themes:

Advertising, featuring items used to promote the circus before and during its

appearances in a town; Transportation, with route books and other items used

to record the year's events and to ensure safe arrival at each stop; Parade,

with posters and photographs of the parades used to promote the circus'

arrival; Sideshow and Menagerie, with posters and photographs of the side

attractions; and Performance, featuring Clyde Beatty, clown Emmett Kelly, the

aerialists Walenda family, and others.

Of particular interest to residents of Connecticut are items on Barnum, his

family and homes; Tom Thumb and his wife, Lavinia; the winter quarters of the

circus (in Bridgeport); and the 1944 fire at a Hartford circus that forever

changed the way circuses would be presented from then on.

Visitors will hear circus marches and songs associated with Jenny Lind as they

wind their way through the creatively jammed galleries, just as it would have

been during the heyday of the traveling circus.

Guest curator A.H. Saxon, of Fairfield, is guest curator of the exhibition. A

circus historian, Dr Saxon holds a PhD in theatre history and dramatic

criticism from Yale University. He has twice been awarded Guggenheim

Fellowships, along with several other grants and fellowships.

Dr Saxon is the author of over 130 books, chapters, articles and reviews on

the history of the theatre, circus, popular entertainments and natural

history. Among his titles are The Autobiography of Mrs Tom Thumb (editor,

1979); Barnumania (1995) and P.T. Barnum: The Legend and The Man (1995). This

last title won the Barnard Hewitt Award for Outstanding Research in Theatre

History, presented by the American Society for Theatre Research. The book has

also been recorded in its entirety for the "Talking Books" program of the

National Library Services for the Blind and Handicapped. His work has been

translated into 34 languages.

In 1980, Dr Saxon became the first American to become named a lifetime

honorary member of the Paris-based Club du Cirque. Additionally, he has been

honored with the key to the City of Bridgeport and the medal of the Barnum

Festival Society.

A Sideshow To The Circus

"The American Circus" will have its own sideshows... that is, related

lectures, workshops and performances for all ages to enjoy along with the

exhibition. Among those planned are:

Sunday, February 1, 1-6 pm, "Celebrate the Circus" -- This will mark the

official opening of the exhibition, with performances of The Backyard Circus

by Midway Caravan, which creates a live circus with members of the audience;

"All About Bridgeport," with poetry by former mayoral candidate Joseph

Eanuzzi; caricatures by Michael Bryan; and performances by clown Joe Barney.

This event is free with museum admission. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Tuesday, March 3, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, "P.T. Barnum Collects" -- Guest curator

Arthur Saxon will present a slide-lecture on the many wonderful items

collected by the Bridgeport showman.

Tickets are $15, in addition to museum admission, available at the door.

Seating is first-come, first-served.

Monday, March 16, 10 am-noon, "Jesters, Clowns and Fools" -- A workshop for

children in grades 3-6, participants will explore the history of clowns in the

circus. Children will learn about the makeup and clothes that give each clown

his or her individual identity. Every child will also create a clown to take

home.

Cost is $12, and reservations are required. Call 372-3521, extension 129.

Sunday, March 22, 2-5 pm, "Celebrating Women -- Women in the Circus, Women in

the Arts" -- Live performances by dancer Mary Barnett, "Maya's Magic" mime by

Joelle Maya Aubry, and a drama improvisation by the actress Carol Glynn.

The program is free with museum admission. Seating is first-come,

first-served.

Sunday, May 17, 2-5 pm, "Celebrating The Family: Under the Big Top" -- Crafts,

activities and live entertainment with a circus theme for the entire family to

enjoy.

Free with museum admission; seating is first-come, first-served.

Viewing of "The American Circus" is free with museum admission (adults $6; $4

children ages 3-18, students with ID and seniors; free for children under 3).

The exhibition is meant to be enjoyed and remembered by all members of the

family. It is an opportunity for grandparents and parents to share childhood

memories with their children; a chance to view rare items of local and

national interest; and to once again experience one of Bridgeport's

highlights.

The museum is at 4450 Park Avenue; telephone 372-3521.