Barnum is an American musical based on the life of showman P. T. Barnum which combines elements of traditional musical theatre with the spectacle of the circus. In the mid-19th century, P.T. introduces his circus acts as he stands in front of a tent, proclaiming "There Is a Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute". He loves spectacle and excitement, using hype and humbug to promote his exhibits. Over the objections of his wife Charity, Barnum attempts to create a show in which the main attractions are outcasts of society. Included in this mix of characters are the oldest woman alive, Joice Heth, the smallest man in the world, Tom Thumb, and a glamorous Swedish opera singer, Jenny Lind. Eventually, to appease Charity, Barnum agrees to give up the show and start a normal life. In the end, after Charity dies, Barnum returns to the circus business in grand fashion by forming a partnership with James A. Bailey. Thus, the two men form The Greatest Show on Earth.