CAROUSEL is based on the venerable Ferenc Molnar’s 1909 play LILIOM, which has a tragic plot narrative, together with the sometimes unsympathetic and downbeat protagonist. The original stage production of CAROUSEL opened at the Majestic Theatre in New York on 19th April 1945, and ran for 890 performances.
The music and lyrics of CAROUSEL are undoubtedly the ultimate Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II score, and this production of CAROUSEL is a joy both to watch and to listen to. Set in the years 1873 to 1888, this timeless story is both dark and introspective, and tells of the ever trusting and faithful Julie, from her first meeting at night with Billy, who becomes her brutish husband. Location is a New England fishing village, and the multitude of period perfect costumes, and elegant and thoughtful staging eliminated the need for a full sized working carousel.
Director James Worner has wisely chosen to cast as our love-struck lovers, two actors with the very necessary chemistry, Louise Jaques (as factory worker Julie Jordan) and Michael Johnson (as Billy Bigelow, the carnival barker who woos and weds her). Daisy Cousins as Julie’s friend Carrie, is both funny and wonderfully supportive in her role.
Unfortunately the poor battered housewife, Julie Jordan actually believes “It doesn’t hurt when someone beats you, if you love them enough.” After losing his job, it is Billy’s impatience to support his unborn child, causes him to make a plot altering and ill-fated decision, by falling back into crime with his old pal Jigger, that quickly converts this love story into a ghost story. Outside the pearly gates, Billy Bigelow receives permission to be sent back to earth, to make all his amends in just one day, by helping his child, and to allow his wife Julie to finally know his true feelings for her.
The many well-remembered songs, and many are now classics, are all beautifully sung by a superb cast, and include “Carousel Waltz”, “Soliloquy”, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, “Mister Snow”, the lover’s duet “If I Loved You”, “June is Bustin’ Out All Over” and “When the Children Are Asleep”. .
Jo Ansell’s clever and sometimes quite complicated choreography allows those members of the ensemble with special skills in this area to shine, while all involved co-ordinate very well to produce many exciting visual effects.
The dance, songs and music are all brought smoothly together by musical director Paul Holmes to produce a captivating evening at the theatre.
Miranda Musical Society presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel.
CAST:-
Michael Johnson – Billy Bigelow
Louise Jaques – Julie Jordan
Daisy Cousens – Carrie Pipperidge
Rory Chatterton – Mr.Snow
Kerrie Hartin – Cousin Nettie
Karen Moseley – Mrs.Mullin
James Jonathon – Jigger Craigin
Louise Moseley – Louise
Greg Werner – Mr.Bascombe
Paul Miller – Starkeeper/Dr.Seldin
Tim Wotherspoon – Heavenly Friend
ADULT ENSEMBLE:-
Adele Gillies, Alex Walker, Amy Jex, Andrew Del Popolo, Brad Hunter, David Joseph , Gabrielle Robinson, Hayden Sip, Heather Cheney, Jayden Faraday, Kate Belcher, Michelle Harley, Natalie Panov, Pamela Diaz, Paul Rigg, Rachel Miller, Samara Brownhill, Siobhan McGuiness, Skye Roberts, Sue West and Tamana Russell.
SNOW CHILDREN:-
Aimee Rigg, Ben Hunter, Claire Dilley, Emily Johnson, Kiera Dzeparoski, Sophie Dilley, Summerset Rigg and Zara Jackaman.
CAROUSEL is playing the Sutherland Entertainment Centre until the 29th March. The final performances are:-
8:00pm on Saturday, 28 Mar 2015
2:00pm on Sunday, 29 Mar 2015
8:00pm on Sunday, 29 Mar 2015
For more information visit the Society’s official website:-
http://mirandamusicalsociety.com.au/