THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

[jo]

Is there anything new on the latest article? New announcements or photos?

Thanks, marymagdalene


Jo

[jo]

Can you read in any format -- such as this one?



Lol - is this what you were sharing with us, marymagdalene


Jo

[jo]

They finally uploaded the article

www.ctpost.com/living/article/Hugh-Jackman-starring-in-P-T-Barnum-musical-9232465.php

Meet P.T. Barnum, that stunningly handsome, deliciously dashing, captivating singer who will be filling movie screens next year.

Say what?





Photo: Lee Jin-man / Associated Press


Actor Hugh Jackman is starring as P.T. Barnum in a big Hollywood movie musical next year, “The Greatest Showman on Earth.”



Barnum was a lot of things in his colorful 19th century life, but a Hugh Jackman lookalike he was not. But the movie star, one of People Magazine’s “Sexiest Men of the Year,” will be playing the Bethel-born Phineas Taylor “P. T.” Barnum — America's first family-entertainment entrepreneur (not to mention former mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut legislator and state philanthropist) — in a big Hollywood movie musical next year, “The Greatest Showman on Earth.”



A little dramatic license may be forgivable for a Hollywood movie about the master promoter if it means the spotlight will return to the colorful and complex Connecticut figure and Bridgeport’s Barnum Museum.

Kathleen Maher is excited at the prospects, too.


Maher is the executive director of the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, and she can’t wait until Christmas 2017, when the 20th Century Fox film — which is gearing up for production now — is set to be released.

Rumblings of the movie began in 2009, says Maher, and seemed poised to begin production more than a year ago, but schedules, studio shifts, evolving scripts and an upcoming “Wolverine” sequel, in which Jackman stars (due out March 3), delayed the start of the filming.

The script has gone through many revisions, with four writers credited with the story: Michael Arndt has top billing, with credits also given to earlier versions by Jenny Bicks (“Sex and the City”), Jonathan Tropper and Bill Condon.


The bio-pic will be directed by Michael Gracey and besides Jackman will star Zac Efron as Barnum’s sidekick, who moonlights as a playwright, Michelle Williams as Charity Barnum, Rebecca Ferguson as singer Jenny Lind and Disney starlet Zendaya as a trapeze artist and Efron’s love interest.


Original songs will be by Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, who scored the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical, “A Christmas Story.” The movie will mark Hollywood’s first original musical in more than two decades. (Film versions of “Les Miserables” and “Chicago” in the last few years were based on Broadway hits. “Moulin Rouge” in 2001 had existing songs. “Newsies” was the last all-original film musical 22 years ago.)


According to the Hollywood Reporter, the story of the film focuses on Barnum’s creation of his three-ring circus (which became in his late life the Barnum and Bailey Circus) and his infatuation with Lind, known as “the Swedish nightingale.”

Maher suspected things were getting serious two years ago, when someone from the production company’s scenic department came by the museum to take a closer look at its collections of artifacts.

“And then I never heard from anyone (involved with the production) again,” she says.

Maher says she hopes the film will do for Barnum what the Broadway musical “Hamilton!” did for its oft-forgotten founding father.

“I hope it expands the awareness of the museum and for people to be curious to see the real stuff.”

She hopes the movie folks use the museum as a resource to get the story right “and not just pull it out of the air.”

She’s a bit wary, especially when she learned of the Barnum-Lind story line with the sexy stars. Did Barnum fall in love with her?

“No,” says Maher flatly, but adds that he indeed idolized the singer. Still, she says, the relationship was chaste because both “were religious and spiritual people.”

The new film is not the first time Barnum has been portrayed on film and stage. There was an 1918 play on Broadway, “Mr. Barnum,” just 27 years after the entrepreneur's death at the age of 80. There was a 1934 film, “The Mighty Barnum,” starring Wallace Beery and two TV movies, one in 1986 starring Burt Lancaster and a mini-series in 1999 starring Beau Bridges.

Perhaps the most high-profile show about his life was the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical, “Barnum!,” starring Jim Dale, with music by Cy Coleman, and which included the song, “There’s a Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute,” which Maher says Barnum never said.

“That's how mythology is born, and that’s what happened a lot to Barnum.”

Because of all the inaccuracies surrounding Barnum’s life, Maher would love to see a serious and extensive examination on Barnum, perhaps as a PBS “An American Experience” show or a Ken Burns documentary.

In the meantime, Maher invites people to get to know the real dynamic, multifaceted and generous figure — he was a politician, a philanthropist and a temperance champion, as well as a family entertainment marketer (“He was like the Disney of his day.”) — through exhibits, talks and events at the museum, which Barnum created as his lasting legacy.

“He was his own unique creation,” she says.



rank Rizzo has covered Connecticut arts for nearly 40 years. He is a theater critic for Variety and has contributed perspectives to the New York Times and American Theatre magazine.

[jo]

Hugh Jackman ‏@realhughjackman · 1h1 hour ago

Day #1. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. Amazing to be working with this cast and crew. Cheers to you - Michael Gracey!!

[jo]

Is the first day of official pre-production... and/ or the start of rehearsals ??

When do they start studio recordings?

When will they build the circus tent?


LOL - the project is finally getting its act together

[jo]

Some misconceptions --

Sue Hutchinson ‏@rangerwyld · 17m17 minutes ago  Toronto, Ontario

@realhughjackman Welcome back to the Stage Hugh. Glad you are in Good Health. Our Season post-poned until next year but will be AMAZING!

Greatest Showman is NOT a stage musical!

Ais Russell ‏@aisruss · 2h2 hours ago

@realhughjackman I'm so excited for this! One of my favourite musicals!!!



Shane Cortese Verified account  ‏@shanecortese · 2h2 hours ago

@realhughjackman "One brick at a Time" one of the great musicals, you will absolutely nail this!!



Phil White One of my most favorite Broadway shows is "Barnum". I've been to the Bridgeport (grew up near there) museum, and to Baraboo as well. Living in Sarasota means circus history continues to be a theme in my life. I am eager to see this movie!

It is NOT the Cy Coleman stage musical which previously starred Jim Dale on Broadway and Michael Crawford in London.

[ruby]

Sept 19, 2016 17:20:22 GMT -5 jo said:

Hugh Jackman ‏@realhughjackman · 1h1 hour ago

Day #1. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. Amazing to be working with this cast and crew. Cheers to you - Michael Gracey!!

This has to be an old picture. Hair and beard length are not consistent with recent appearance.

[jo]

Obviously

But I was not about to point that out

Besides Hugh is known to have stored a few photos for use in the future -- and this was one of those times. Hugh must have visited either the Barnum museum or some other museum which has such historical images on display in the past. The project has been a-borning since 2009 after all

But the message is clear!

It is DAY ONE for this Jackman passion project which has had its share of ups and downs, including a major changeover in the top management of FOX!

But it is now looking good for that Christmas Day date next year!



Jo

[jo]

Darren Criss reacts to Hugh's "DAY ONE for SHOWMAN" tweet!

Darren Criss ‏@darrencriss · 3m3 minutes ago

Darren Criss Retweeted Hugh Jackman

This is gonna be so rad!

[jo]

Social media profile, via Instagram -- according to age!

*Zendaya -- 32 million followers

*Zac Efron -- 20 million followers

*Rebecca Ferguson -- less than 1 thousand followers

*Michelle Williams -- 9.8 thousand followers

*Hugh Jackman -- 7.9 million followers



Interesting! I wonder how the young demos will respond to THE GREATEST SHOWMAN ON EARTH

[jo]

Hope Hugh reads this Instagram message --

k_new_land Saw your 'Broadway to Oz' show in Perth when you mentioned you'll be doing this project....it inspired me to teach my primary school choir the classic show tune 'Come Follow the Band' and channel our 'inner Barnum' to present a circus spectacular as the finale at a Schools Make Music show at the Crown Theatre in Perth. Thankyou for inspiring up and coming Perth kids in musical theatre! Can't wait for this movie (so our kids can sing along)!

[jo]

A number of people thought that Hugh was being literal when he said he looked forward to working with "this cast" and crew while pointing to an obviously old photograph in sepia tones of people who worked with RINGLING BROTHERS and BARNUM & BAILEY, as stamped on the image.

Interesting how many clowns ( practically the front row) are featured on this photograph -- was the circus really a main attraction for families, especially with the kids, then? Will the movie hold the same sway with current very young demos ( assuming the rating is a family-friendly GP or, at the maximum, a PG)? Will Hugh and company feature a musical number that appeals to the young ones

But trying to squint at the images of the supposed " circus freaks" makes me view THIS IS ME as probably a bittersweet number for these people. There is lament on how others see them, but there is also pride in being different. That must have been very true in those times ( Barnum lived in the 19th century) but I wonder how people in current times with a different sense of sensibilities will view them in the movie. THIS IS ME could be a triumphant musical number...even Hugh was very touched by it (that he debuted it in his Broadway to Oz), even if it was not meant for Barnum to sing!


Jo

[jo]

In reply to Hugh Jackman


Chris Roth ‏@chrislroth · 25m25 minutes ago

@realhughjackman the greatest showman was really The Great Danton.

[jo]

Casting notices --

www.backstage.com/news/casting/now-casting-hugh-jackmans-greatest-showman-earth-and-more-59194/

Today’s Backstage casting notices include the chance for you to get up close and personal with Hugh Jackman in his upcoming feature, “The Greatest Showman on Earth.” We also have three other fantastic on-camera opportunities. Check them out below!

“THE GREATEST SHOWMAN ON EARTH”
The Hugh Jackman-starring feature film, “The Greatest Showman on Earth,” is currently casting two young actors for supporting roles. The project seeks one female actor, aged 11–13, who “can sing very well,” and one male actor, aged 10–12, to depict a young version of Jackman’s character. Rehearsals are slated for October, with shooting set to begin in November at an undisclosed location.

[jo]

“THE GREATEST SHOWMAN ON EARTH”
The Hugh Jackman-starring feature film, “The Greatest Showman on Earth,” is currently casting two young actors for supporting roles. The project seeks one female actor, aged 11–13, who “can sing very well,” and one male actor, aged 10–12, to depict a young version of Jackman’s character. Rehearsals are slated for October, with shooting set to begin in November at an undisclosed location.

Interesting that the biopic will cover as early as his childhood. I have read the first parts of Barnum's autobiography and there are quite a number of chapters devoted to his boyhood. It includes observations on what might have helped shape his thinking about the business of business ( including spotting opportunities, the art of selling, and how to price one's services or products to make a profit)...I wonder how much they will pursue of his early life in the biopic? Will the young Phineas Taylor have a song and dance number himself?

Jo

[jo]

Zac Efron and Michael Gracey together -- they seemed to have attended a screening of another Fox movie, the Tim Burton Miss Peregrine movie?

This is the first time that I have seen a photo of a major cast member (other than Hugh Jackman) with director Michael Gracey.

Did they come from rehearsals for SHOWMAN ... or is the project still winding up its pre-production activities ?









Jo

[jo]

The Barnum Museum ‏@barnummuseum · 17m17 minutes ago

Getting calls from the production team working on @realhughjackman's #Barnum movie! Excited to bring PT Barnum to the silver screen!

[mamaleh]

In that photo above, Michael Gracey looks like he could be Marty Ingels, Jr.

Ellen

[jo]

The casting of the role of Jenny did take some time. But it looks like the film project succeeded quite well on the casting of Swedish/British actress Rebecca Ferguson.

www.movienewsguide.com/mission-impossible-6-happening-tom-cruise-jake-gyllenhaals-life-co-star-rebecca-ferguson/286625


Rebecca Ferguson, who was a breakout star in MISSION IMPOSSIBLE : ROGUE NATION has been cast again for the next movie in the Tom Cruise-led franchise --

So far, only Ferguson has been confirmed to reprise her role as Ilsa in Mission: Impossible 6. This will be the second time she is playing the character.

Currently, Ferguson is filming two films that are set to be released in 2017- Life and The Greatest Showman.


Life is a sci-fi thriller film written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick and is being directed by Daniel Espinosa. It stars Ferguson opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Reynolds.

The Greatest Showman is written by Michael Arndt, Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon and is being directed by Michael Gracey. Among Ferguson’s co-stars in the upcoming musical biopic are Zac Efron, Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams and Spider-Man: Homecoming star Zendaya...

An actress whose next few films will have Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal/Ryan Reynolds, and Tom Cruise as leading men must have real talent and strong appeal!

In SHOWMAN, Rebecca will share the feminine spotlight with 3-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams and pop star Zendaya, who is also now breaking into major films!


Jo

[jo]

Zac Efron ‏@zacefron · 7h7 hours ago

Low key went to @peregrinesmovie's NYC premiere with Michael Gracey- one of Tim Burton's best yet- check it out! #beaniebros

Of the trio, who would have looked best with a beanie

[jo]

Could there be one less competition in the musicals genre in the 2017 timeframe ?

www.showbiz411.com/2016/09/07/bradley-cooper-may-leave-star-is-born-for-different-movie-but-another-star-wants-same-role

Bradley Cooper May Leave “Star is Born” for Different Movie, But Another Star Wants Same Role

by Roger Friedman - September 7, 2016 10:22 pm




EXCLUSIVE The future of “A Star is Born” with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga is getting more and more curious.

After I reported that the film might be in trouble, some other news rolled in. Cooper has suddenly voiced an interest in a sci-fi movie being set up for winter. If that’s true, it certainly means “Star” is in jeopardy.

When I contacted another inside source about “Star,” I got back a one word answer: “Rumors.” As in– maybe, because the answer wasn’t a denial.

But wait: Cooper wants a role that another more tenured star is also getting excited about. The one and only Brad Pitt also, I am told, wants to play the lead in the sci fi adventure. I won’t tell you the title yet, but I know it. This could get interesting.

What could be the problem with “A Star is Born”? Money? Credit? The soundtrack rights with Gaga? We all just saw pictures of Brad and Lady grocery shopping, didn’t we? That seemed to seal the deal.

Funny, isn’t it? “A Star is Born” always breeds gossip. John Gregory Dunne wrote about trying to make the Barbra Streisand-Kris Kristofferson version in his great memoir called “Monster.” Let’s all read that while we wait for the next episode…

Stay tuned…

And the current update --

www.showbiz411.com/2016/09/28/exclusive-update-lady-gaga-will-write-a-whole-new-album-of-songs-for-the-new-a-star-is-born-if-it-happens

Exclusive UPDATE Lady Gaga Will Write a Whole New Album of Songs for the New “A Star is Born” — If It Happens

by Roger Friedman - September 28, 2016 10:42 pm


Bradley Cooper’s “A Star is Born” with Lady Gaga is a go go– that’s what a Hollywood insider insists. I am still hearing, however, rumors that the project is in trouble. We’ll have to wait and see how it materializes.

What I did hear today was that Lady Gaga will write a whole new album of songs for the “A Star is Born” soundtrack — if the movie happens. That’s pretty extraordinary because she has a whole new album of songs coming in three weeks called “Joanne.”

Fans are speculating that Gaga is soft-pedaling “Joanne” because it’s the last album she’s under contract for with Interscope. But Gaga isn’t leaving Universal Music– I can’t see that happening. And I do think despite “Perfect Illusion” being met with ambivalence, the album itself will come in as a hit on October 21st.

As for “A Star is Born,” time will tell. Plenty of movies have had rougher starts.

Movie musicals do have a long gestating period, as we very well know *rolleyes*

[mamaleh]

With the critical success of LA LA LAND, it would seem likely that more movie musicals will be a "go."

Ellen

[jo]

I think the real issue is the size of the production budget for a genre that is not always for everyone. If it is an indie-type musical like LALALAND, there is a greater probability of getting a greenlight. But when the project calls for major funding and even full studio support ( both production and distribution) because the nature of the movie calls for major elements of a big musical ( big production numbers, well-written script, a stunning musical score, and getting a major cast), then the greenlight will not be that easy to come by. Even big Broadway musical successes do get a very long time to adapt to film!


Re LaLaLand -- of course I have not seen it -- but from what I have read, its strong appeal is probably because it is also a rom-com that appeals to the heart, supported by music!

Per Wiki notes --

Much of the tone of the film was inspired by the film Umbrellas Of Cherbourg, with Chazelle telling Deadline, "I had never seen a musical like that, a musical that was just as kind of high-flying as the sort of MGM style that it was borrowing from, but dealing with both the highs and lows, so to speak, trying to actually kind of reflect a somewhat more realistic version of life and how things don’t always work out in life."

Btw, Marc Platt is a major producer of LaLaLand -- maybe that is how Pasek and Paul got into the picture as lyricists for the movie? Marc is of course the father of Ben Platt who is starring in the new musical bound for Broadway written by Pasek and Paul called DEAR EVAN HANSEN. Marc is also known as the producer of WICKED but he is probably more known for his film productions in general.



Jo

[jo]

Somewhat OT --

I have always wanted to get a DVD of Umbrellas of Cherbourg ( LES PARAPLUIES DE CHERBOURG) -- but I have never gotten around to doing it.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Umbrellas_of_Cherbourg

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (French: Les Parapluies de Cherbourg) is a 1964 French/German international co-production musical film directed by Jacques Demy, starring Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo. The music was written by Michel Legrand. The film dialogue is all sung as recitative, even the most casual conversation (similar in style to an opera).

It is a sung-through French musical film. And Michel Legrand writes beautiful music! Here's the love theme of the movie ( sung in French, but we know it as I WILL WAIT FOR YOU -- the familiar strains start at around 1'35") --




The film established Catherine Deneuve as France's film favorite! Her face has been used as the model for a statue of the French symbol Marianne.

Michel Legrand has a very romantic touch with his music. His Windmills of Your Mind is a personal favorite. He has also written The Summer Knows and What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life, etc.


Jo

[jo]

Two key members of the creative team ( Production Design and Costume Design) have been signed up.

www.imdb.com/title/tt1485796/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm


Production Design by
Nathan Crowley

Costume Design by
Jany Temime



Re Nathan Crowley --

www.imdb.com/name/nm0189769/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm

NATHAN CROWLEY (Production Designer) Born in London, grew up in Islington . Started as a set designer on Hook and Bram Stoker's Dracula after attending Brighton School of Art in England. As an Art director, he worked on Braveheart, Mission Impossible 2 and The Devil's Own before becoming a Production Designer on , Behind Enemy Lines, Insomnia, Veronica Guerin, Batman Begins, The Lake House , The Prestige, The Dark Knight and Public Enemies. He has received Academy Award nominations for" The Prestige" "The Dark Knight"and "Interstellar",also Bafta Nominations for "Batman Begins" , "The Dark Knight" and " Interstellar".
- IMDb Mini Biography By: WME

One of 115 people invited to join AMPAS in 2007.

Re Ms. Temime --

Jany Temime is known for her work on Gravity (2013), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) and Skyfall (2012).

Nathan Crowley's work portfolio is particularly impressive. In THE PRESTIGE, he did create an atmosphere that was almost ominous but exciting, in keeping with the dark theme of the movie. While the movie was about how the art of illusion and magic can drive two men to perfect their art compulsively .... and at the same time, the underlying obsession themes were reflected in the electrically charged ( figuratively speaking) atmosphere between the antagonists and the people surrounding them. One of the most visually impressive scenes was that of Angier being subjected to the impact of the machine as Tesla tried to replicate him for the first time! Electrical bolts passing through Angier's body and the expression of anxiety, shock, and then awe on his face was an excellent cinematic moment - both from the set design viewpoint and the acting emphasis!

And we can count on one AMPAS vote - LOL!
He is also with WME.