Cunard will be rolling out the red carpet when Queen Mary 2 hosts the world premiere of 20th Century Fox’s The Greatest Showman in December.
The original musical, starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya, tells the story of visionary P.T. Barnum and how he created the Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The film, with original music by Oscar and Tony-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, will debut in cinemas nationwide on New Year’s Day.
P.T. Barnum sailed on various Cunard ships to cross the Atlantic between New York and England. His most notable voyage was in 1850 when he invited legendary opera singer Jenny Lind (the Swedish Nightingale) to go to America with him to be part of his show.
They sailed into New York on Cunard’s Cambria with almost 40,000 fans greeting them at the docks.
“Queen Mary 2 is the perfect stage for our world premiere of The Greatest Showman,” said Zachary Eller of 20th Century Fox. “Not only is there a real tie to P.T. Barnum’s affinity for sailing Cunard, but Queen Mary 2 also provides that perfect touch of dazzle and wonder that brilliantly complements the essence of the film.”
Scenes from the movie were shot in the original US headquarters of Cunard, a magnificent Italian Renaissance-style landmark building located at 25 Broadway in lower Manhattan. In addition, some scenes were shot in Brooklyn, Queen Mary 2’s US homeport.
The Greatest Showman’s Emmy Award-winning costume designer, Ellen Mirojnick, will also sail in December on the transatlantic crossing from New York to Southampton following the premiere, offering talks on her career and showcasing her designs from the movie while mingling with guests.