Over the past several weeks, The Circle Series has brought the theatre community together on Monday evenings to explore developing works and celebrate the classics in a new way. Concluding their first slate of staged readings, producers Circle in the Square Theatre School (Paul Libin, President; Susan Frankel, COO), Pigasus Institute, and Rachel Shuey will present three readings of developing works in October that each explore an historical figure in their own way. The readings are held at Broadway’s Circle in the Square and are open to the public. Admission is a suggested donation of $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, with all proceeds benefiting Circle in the Square Theatre School.

The Circle Series ends its scheduled programming with a special Halloween show of Barnum’s Bird: A Musical Extravaganza! The Story of P.T. Barnum and Jenny Lind (Barnum’s Bird) by Grammy Award-winning composer Libby Larsen, with a libretto by Larsen and Bridget Carpenter. Barnum’s Bird centers around Jenny Lind, the most beloved opera singer of her time and her collaboration with the world-class showman, P.T. Barnum, to embark on an unprecedented 150 performance American Tour. Barnum’s Bird is the largest piece presented by The Circle Series yet, featuring a cast of stars from the worlds of Broadway and opera, including Peter Francis James (Hilary and Clinton), Glenn Seven Allen (The Light in the Piazza), Jessica Fishenfeld (Stonewall), Danielle Chaves, and Trevor Martin, along with an eight person ensemble. This completely acoustic performance will be backed by a six-person chamber orchestra led by Mila Henry (BAM, PROTOTYPE Festival, American Opera Projects) and directed by Rory Pelsue (Portland Stage, Yale Repertory Theater). Please note: Due to Oklahoma!’s performance schedule, this performance will take place on Thursday, October 31 instead of The Circle Series traditional Monday night programming.

About The Circle Series
Giving theatre lovers a new option to spend a Monday night on Broadway, The Circle Series brings together the New York theatrical community and provides a creative outlet for Circle in the Square Theatre School students and alumni by showcasing new and developing work on Circle in the Square’s Broadway Stage. The Circle Series is presented by the Pigasus Institute and produced by Rachel Shuey in partnership with the Circle in the Square Theatre School. All donations benefit Circle in the Square Theatre School.