Carousel

Carousel is a charismatic classic musical from the pens of Rogers and Hammerstein, first performed in 1945. This period fantasy musical with nonstop wonderful songs and music, still retains the ability to charm and wow an audience. CLOC’s production certainly did all of the above at the Friday night performance. Embracing technology, excellent back projection of delightful picturesque views, enhanced every scene using minimal scenery, thus the pace of the whole production was smooth and slick.

The opening scene was a stunning success, covered by the lengthy overture, it imaged the fairground, the visitors, the characters and finally the carousel, brilliantly contrived and put together. The scene was inspired and this vision from the director Jeff Prescott of continuity and pace, carried throughout the whole show. Every location was a delight, concluding with the New England church and very attractive graduation scene.

The music, under the experienced baton of Carol Kenway, supported the whole show, the high point being the inspiring ballet sequence.

The choreographer Lois Bennett wisely chose to match her interesting routines to the ability of the company. The ballet was a surprise with every element of the story being included and danced with flair and empathy. Louise–Kate Gilbert presented the perfect picture of a young girl having fun, descending through the action into despair. The ‘Snow’ children were delightful. I must also highlight the dancing ability of several young men in the chorus, particularly the boy with glasses (sorry don’t know his name) superb, but the whole company was used to an advantage, moving very well throughout the show.

The costumes looked great, period in style and worn very well. This was a very ‘pretty’ show and CLOC demonstrated skill in dressmaking and presentation.

Lighting and sound mostly complemented the production, although attention to Mics up on cue and off when back stage should be addressed.

The experienced director Jeff Prescott should be well pleased with this production. The cast were quite obviously enjoying themselves. The positioning on stage was very good, cast were well prepared and the singing a delight.

This was a small company of mixed age groups including talented children. Congratulations to everyone, you all contributed the enchantment of this show.

The principals were all experienced and talented. Each had wonderful voices, good stage presence and showed audience awareness. The show had been well cast and there were no weak links. Congratulations to John Prescott as Billy for the ‘Soliloquy’ and together with Jess Prescott as Julie for the whole ‘if I loved you sequence’. Also, congratulations to Tom Green and Mollie Kent as Enoch Snow and Carrie for their singing throughout the show and to Jonny Broad for his amazing interpretation and performance as Jigger Craigin. Finally congratulations to Emma Flaherty as Nettie Fowler for the moving and beautifully sung ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.                                     

But, as ever, this club worked as a team to present this ‘old faithful’ to a modern and very high standard. Very well done to everyone. Thank you I enjoyed every minute of the show and shed a tear or two!

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.