Synopsis
In the middle of the 19th century, Phineas Taylor (PT) Barnum introduces his circus acts as he stands in front of a tent, proclaiming "There Is a Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute". He then introduces the oldest woman alive, Joice Heth ("Thank God I'm Old"). His wife Charity ("Chairy") urges him to get a job in a factory, but Barnum refuses ("The Colors of My Life"). He enlists clowns to help in building a museum to house his circus collection ("One Brick at a Time"). His star attraction, Tom Thumb, appears to advise that "Bigger Isn't Better". However, when the famous Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind is hired, Barnum becomes enamoured of her ("Love Makes Such Fools of Us All"). He accompanies Jenny on tour, leaving Charity behind, as a marching band greets them ("Come Follow the Band"). Barnum finally returns home to Charity, and promises to live in "Black and White." As he presents his circus acts around the world, Barnum resists joining with another circus owner, James Anthony Bailey. Finally, after his beloved wife Charity dies, he relents and joins Bailey, and they form the famous circus Barnum and Bailey.
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