PARTIALLY BLIND ACTOR STARS IN BAXTER PLAY
PARTIALLY-blind performing arts finalyear student Tomley van Vuuren will be starring in the lead role as PT Barnum in the Northlink College Performing Arts Department’s production of Barnum, the Circus Musical, at the Baxter from October 31.
The musical, by Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart, is based on the life of the “world’s greatest showman”, PT Barnum. Van Vuuren, a former pupil of the Pioneer School for the Blind in Worcester, is excited to play the lead.
Van Vuuren studies Performing Arts at Northlink College Tygerberg Campus after winning a scholarship of R72000 in a competition run by the college in 2016.
“When I am on stage I feel comfortable, complete and content, but when I am in a public space I sometimes feel lost,” said the young actor.
”Acting is my first love and I do not let my partial blindness determine my future. My heart is in theatre and the performing arts. I want nothing else but to excel in my gift.” PT Barnum charmed his way into the hearts of the American people with the collection of “circus freaks” he put on display. From the world’s tallest to the smallest and the hairiest, and people with more than the usual number of limbs, people with oddities were put on display at Barnum’s “museum”.
He eventually employed Swedish opera singer Jenni Lind (played by Zandre Messeur). This lead to the demise of his marriage to his wife, Charity (played by Eurika van Wyk). Finally, when his museum burnt down, Barnum joined the circus of James A Bailey (Jesse Pretorius) to form the famous Barnum and Bailey Circus.
The musical promises to be high energy and you can expect to hear favourite vintage songs like Come Follow the Band and The Colours of my Life.
You can also hear the Oscar-nominated hit This is Me, from the movie The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman.
Barnum will be at the Baxter Theatre from October 31 to November3. Bookings can be made through Webtickets, online and at selected Pick n Pay stores. | Staff Reporter