The Greatest Showman is in Development

The Greatest Showman Summary

  • Show Status: In Development
  • Genre: Musical
  • The Greatest Showman is 2 hours and 10 minutes long, including an intermission of 15 minutes
  • 8 Shows per week
  • Show Closes: Open ended

A man rises from poverty to create a spectacular circus, facing numerous challenges, celebrating uniqueness, and discovering the importance of love, family, and acceptance along the way.

What's The Greatest Showman Like?

The Greatest Showman is a musical drama about a man who rises from poverty to create a groundbreaking circus, transforming a collection of oddities into a worldwide sensation.

Early Years

Starting with a museum that struggles to attract visitors, he takes a bold risk by assembling a group of unique individuals, including a bearded woman and a little person, to form an extraordinary show that captivates audiences.

Grand Tour and Fire

As his success grows, he partners with a wealthy playwright to attract high society and recruits a famous singer for a grand tour. However, the pursuit of fame and fortune causes him to lose sight of what truly matters, straining his relationships with his performers and family. A devastating fire destroys the circus, leaving him on the brink of financial ruin.

Rebuilding

With the support of his family and the performers who believe in his vision, he rebuilds the circus from the ashes, realizing that true success isn’t measured by wealth or fame, but by the love and acceptance of those around him.

In the end, he returns to his roots, finding fulfillment in his relationships while passing on the leadership of the circus to a trusted partner.

Is The Greatest Showman Good for Kids?

The Greatest Showman is generally considered suitable for kids. It's a family-friendly musical with vibrant songs, colorful visuals, and a positive message about celebrating diversity, following your dreams, and the importance of family.

Caution With Some Scenes

However, there are a few scenes with mild peril, emotional moments, and themes related to prejudice and societal acceptance, so it may be best for slightly older children who can understand these concepts. Parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers to help them navigate some of the more complex themes

The Greatest Showman on Broadway Background

Disney has officially announced that a stage musical adaptation of The Greatest Showman is in development. The announcement was made during the Disney Entertainment Showcase at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California. The adaptation will feature the Academy Award®-nominated songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who were also responsible for the music in the original film.

In Development August 2024

The musical is currently in the early stages of development, and while no specific dates or casting details have been confirmed, it is believed that a Broadway premiere could happen as early as 2025, with a possible West End run following in the subsequent years​.

This adaptation has generated significant excitement, given the film's popularity and the involvement of top-tier talent. More details about the production timetable and creative team are expected to be released in the near future.

Producers

Disney Theatrical