Carousel

Carousel is one of the musicals that, most certainly, requires no explanation! Surely, nearly every one of the musical numbers must be known to the audiences out there. It therefore falls to me to comment on (or should I more correctly say, “compliment”) Leven AMA’s excellent cast, and production in general.

I have known some Prologue’s to drag excessively – to the point of thinking “Well that’s the Prologue over, is it the interval yet!”, however, in Fiona Gallacher Stewart’s direction, there was always enough happening on stage to keep one’s interest alive. This, combined with a fine orchestra under the Musical Directorship of Lynn Smith, made for a lively opening to this most popular of shows.

Tony Livingston as Billie Bigelow and his sidekick Jigger Craigin (Thom Hughes) were both strongly cast and offered excellent characterisations throughout.  The lady principals were no less pleasurable to watch and listen to. Julie (Ashley McLean) and her friend Carrie (Stephanie Baillie) both demonstrated fine vocal talents from the very first sung number “Mister Snow”, while Julie joined by Nettie (Norma Walker) gave a suitably tear-jerking rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in Act ll.  Mr Snow was given the Charles Sinclair treatment as only Charlie can!  Charles’ many years of experience in a huge variety of roles, obviously carries weight when taking on yet another character part.   Minor principal parts too, made for an altogether believable casting experience.  Lorraine King, Gordon Taylor, Katy Holligan and Laurence Crowe all gave first class performances in their own cameo roles.  Louise (Luci Laing) and Enoch Snow Jr (Oliver Anderson) headed up the extended Snow family, and, to a child, carried off their parts with confidence – well done!

Compliments must also go to the well-drilled chorus – considerable in number – who managed to make use of the confines of The Centre’s stage with apparent ease.

I particularly like the set, designed by Duncan Milne. This made full use of the stage and included a variety of heights of acting areas, always sought after by directors – all this and well dressed too!

All in all, a fine production LAMA. Many thanks for inviting me along to review your 2018 show!

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