The Point Pleasant Borough Competition Marching Band brought to life its own rendition of the popular 2017 musical The Greatest Showman for all to see and enjoy this 2023-2024 season. This version follows Drum Major David Mammano as P.T. Barnum and his journey to discovering that everything he wanted was right in front of him the entire time. He learns to commemorate the uniqueness of others and recognize the power of individuality and differences. As the band marches and plays, “The Greatest Show”, “Come Alive”, “Never Enough”, “This is Me”, and finally “From Now On” Mr. Scott Visco, Ms. Emily Strassheim, and Mr. Ryan Krywinski hope that viewers will breathe in the message that all differences should be celebrated and also respected.
While talking with Mr. Visco, the Point Pleasant Borough Band Director, he mentioned a specific quote from the popular musical that had, “Really stuck with [him] and became the crux of why [he] wanted to do this show.”
Mr. Visco shared, “‘Putting folks of all kinds on stage with you, all colors, shapes, sizes, and presenting them as equals… Why, another critic might have called that a celebration of humanity.’ Our band is the embodiment of that sentiment,” Mr. Visco pushed. Putting together this show meant doing what “no other” would have dared to do. Barnum is an incredible show with an impactful meaning.
September 30th, 2023 this remarkable show was put to the test after the most recent indoor comp they had placed third. The Point Pleasant Competition Marching Band competed at Brick Memorial High School where judges scored the piece at an 83.75, the highest score overall in group 3-A in the entire state of New Jersey. This was an incredible feat for the entire PPBHS Marching Band and many seniors hope to keep up this hard work and even push to do better.
Senior Captain of the Color Guard team, Leah Dadas, shares a similar feeling to Mr. Visco on what this show means to her: “I feel like this show brings out the performers in all of us. When I am out there on the field, I feel like I am sharing with the crowd a piece of who I am.”
The show’s individual meaning to not only the performer but also the watcher of this fast-paced and incredibly fun creation is one that certainly pushes the limits. Hopefully, it makes a difference in each person’s heart just as it does to the director’s, coach’s, and entire marching band’s heart.
Despite what some may think, Barnum really is the greatest show for the simple fact that it teaches a powerful lesson and empowers all who are a part of it, especially by making others happy while watching!
After all, “the noblest art is that of making others happy” – P.T. Barnum.
