It took a couple of weeks, but the circus was soon set up, all the acts hired, a couple animals as well. The troupe had even started creating songs and choreographing dances for their performances.
P.T. himself fitted everyone for costumes and made them himself. Many of the women offered to help him with this, but he was determined to do it himself.
Phoebe grinned happily at herself in the mirror, finally she was able to do what she loved. What she was trained for. Unfortunately, her beautiful pink leotard that was decorated in faux flowers and ribbons had a laced back, much like a corset. She wasn't able to put it on herself and wasn't able to find Anne or anyone else who could help her. She exited the dressing room that she shared with Anne and W.D. when she heard P.T. singing the song they had rehearsed. This was to be their first performance together, everyone was nervous and wanted it to go perfectly.
(P.T., Phoebe, Lord of Leeds, All)
You stumble through your days
Got your head hung low
Your skies a shade of grey
Like a zombie in a maze
You're asleep inside
But you can shake awake
'Cause you're just a dead man walking
Thinking that's your only option
But you can flip the switch and brighten up your darkest day
Sun is up and the color's blinding
Take the world and redefine it
Leave behind your narrow mind
You'll never be the same
Come alive, come alive
Go and light your light
Let it burn so bright
Reaching up
To the sky
And it's open wide
You're electrified
Barnum was looking handsome in his ringmaster costume. His red tails and black top hat were very flattering. He looked proud to wear them.
When the world becomes a fantasy
He stole someone's pillow from underneath their head to stuff it up The Lord of Leeds' shirt.
And you're more than you could ever be
'Cause you're dreaming with your eyes wide open
The Irish Giant was struggling to tie his stilts on, Barnum tied a belt around one of his legs. He stumbled a little and everyone tried to steady him.
And you know you can't go back again
To the world that you were living in
'Cause you're dreaming with your eyes wide open
Phoebe was still trying to do up her costume so he rushed over and pulled at the ribbon. Forcing all the air out of her in one move. He laughed at her expression as he tied the ribbon prettily into a bow.
So, come alive!
The Irish Giant was still stumbling, forcing everyone around him to try and keep him up, no one noticed that they'd stumbled into the entrance hall. The audience were shocked at the types of people they were seeing and the troup shied away, looking down.
Barnum noticed Phoebe and Lettie still hiding behind the curtains. Phoebe wanted to run the minute she saw the people looking so stunned. "Hey, they're waiting!"
He tried to usher them out. "For what?"
His eyes softened when he saw the fear in their eyes, "For you. They don't know it yet but they are going to love you. Trust me."
He pulled them out and there was a collective gasp, Phoebe couldn't discern whether it was at the black woman standing proudly in front of them or the bearded lady.
I see it in your eyes
You believe that lie
That you need to hide your face
Afraid to step outside
The troupe made eye contact with children who were entranced by what they saw. The children's eyes held no judgement, no fear, no hatred. It made everyone stand with confidence.
So you lock the door
But don't you stay that way
No more living in those shadows
You and me, we know how that goes Phoebe sang loudly and wonderfully.
'Cause once you see it, oh you'll never, never be the same
We will be the light that's turning
Bottle up but keep on shining
You can prove there's more to you
Charles fired blanks from his position of the running horse.
You cannot be afraid
They guided the audience to the ring, and broke into their choreographed dance.
Come alive, come alive
Go and light your light
Let it burn so bright
Reaching up
To the sky
And it's open wide
You're electrified
When the world becomes a fantasy
And you're more than you could ever be
'Cause you're dreaming with your eyes wide open
And we know we can't go back again
To the world that we were living in
'Cause we're dreaming with our eyes wide open
So, come alive!
Come one!
Come all!
Come in!
Come on!
To anyone who's bursting with a dream
Come one!
Come all!
You hear
The call
To anyone who's searching for a way to break free
Break free!
Break free!
When the world becomes a fantasy
And you're more than you could ever be
'Cause you're dreaming with your eyes wide open
And we know we can't go back again
To the world that we were living in
'Cause we're dreaming with our eyes wide open
When the world becomes a fantasy
And you're more than you could ever be
'Cause you're dreaming with your eyes wide open
And we know we can't go back again
To the world that we were living in
'Cause we're dreaming with our eyes wide open
'Cause we're dreaming with our eyes wide open
So come alive!