Barstow, Richard 1907-1981

Richard Barstow (1908-1981) was a director and choreographer, known for his work for the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, for industrial shows, and for stage and television productions.

Richard Barstow was born the youngest of seven children in Ashtabula, Ohio, on April 1, 1908; his family relocated to Seattle shortly after his birth. He travelled as part of a dance act with his sister Edith (1908-1960), then, upon her marriage, settled in Chicago where he found work at the Palmer House with Eddie Duchin's revue, learning choreography and directing. After Army service during World War II, Richard Barstow, who had never seen a circus, was offered a job by Ringling Brothers, for whom he worked as choreographer for many years. He served as choreographer for Cecil B. DeMille's 1952 film THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH. Richard Barstow died on May 2, 1981.

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