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The Greatest Showman: The Musical That Broke Barriers

     What makes musicals so enjoyable? Well, it's a way to entertain through storytelling. Music and movies fit like two pieces of a puzzle. The two entertainments people most love are combined together to create an eye and attention-catching experience. These crucial moments can be seen throughout the plot of the film and how the director integrates the songs throughout the movie to fit with each scene. In December 2017, Michael Gracey directed an award-winning musical, The Greatest Showman. Gracey originally made this film to represent Barnum. P.T. Barnum was a businessman, politician, and as well as showman. Initially, this musical's original goal was to inform the audience of Barnum's business skills and journey. Instead, this movie changed how people see typical stereotypes and how to break past barriers that stand in the way of doing something you love. In this case, the performer's acts were what they enjoyed doing with no shame. In this scene, one of Barnum's circus performers, Lettie Lutz, a.k.a. "The Bearded Lady," is performing a song of resilience, this is Me. Gracey makes the scene a representation of a battle. The community who did not like the performers just turned down the cast, and they gained the confidence to stand up to them. They sang "This is Me" with their chests held high and their voices strong. They each grab each other's hands to show everyone they are one group, one family. The performers sing with confidence to the audience, which outcasts them. The setting changes to the main circus stage, but their fierceness does not. Their courage and determination are a way to show that they will continue to fight and "keep marching on to the beat [their] drum." Everyone on the crew has a powerful face to show that they will not put up with how the community around them has treated them. Not only does this musical bring entertainment, but it also teaches the audience a lesson. "This idea that you could be who you want to be" under no circumstances. The Greatest Showman is not only just a musical but art as well as a story. This film was successful in telling that story and the journey of Barnum's successes.