Carousel

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Carousel’ with it’s wonderful, lavish score is, in my opinion, one of R&H’s best collaborations.The storyline is quite dark and contraversial and perhaps doesn’t appeal to all but this emotionally charged production was very well staged indeed. Almost operatic in places, this musical requires strong singing which was very evident in this company.

The opening ‘Carousel Waltz’ played by a fine orchestra brought the fairground to life with jugglers, a dancing bear, acrobats and clowns entertaining the bustling crowd.

It’s here that we are introduced to the Carousel barker Billy Bigelow and Daniel Barrett gave an outstanding performance in this role. He totally understood the complexity of the character contrasting the bullying, rough and violent Billy with the tender, heartbroken Billy when he realises what he has done and what might have been. His long ‘Soliloquy’ can only be described as marvellous and quite exceptional for a young man. The rapport between Billy and Julie Jordan (Claire Lumsden) was perfectly balanced with Julie suitably naive and innocent and conveying a wonderful depth of emotion in the most heart wrenching death scene. Both of these characters had effortless vocals ‘What The Use of Wondering’ and ‘If I Loved You’ beautifully sung and brimming with emotion.

This tragic love story is interspersed with moments of light relief. Leah Kincer-Christie brought life and personality to the part of Carrie Pipperidge while Malachi Reid, another young man with a powerful singing voice, brought a real warmth to the amiable Mr.Snow. I did enjoy ‘Geraniums in the Winder’.The Snow family of youngsters were quite delightful and very well disciplined indeed.

Samantha Currie was a genuinely kind and caring Nettie Fowler as she gently sang ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone.’ I did enjoy Claire Wolseley’s characterisation of Mrs Mullins. More genteel than sometimes played and yet feisty and determined. The real villain of the piece is Jigger. Laurence Aitken was a truly threatening baddie ultimately responsible for Billy’s tragic downfall.

There’s lots for the company to do in ‘Carousel’ and this ensemble was in excellent voice in the big production numbers particularly ‘June is Bustin’ Out All Over’, the Clambake and ’Blow High Blow Low’ where the male chorus also showed off their dancing skills.

The ballet when ‘Billy Makes His Return to Earth’ to see his daughter Louise was danced with real charm by Catherine Bain and Stewart Williamson. The final ‘If I Loved You’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’  was sung with immense feeling and brought real tears to the eyes. The many supporting cameo roles were all played with confidence.

‘Carousel’ is a difficult, challenging show both from a performance and stage setting point of view. This was an excellent production with an extremely talented cast supported by an excellent orchestra, colourful costumes and effective lighting. Despite being wiped out emotionally, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the production and congratulate everyone involved in making ‘Carousel’ such a success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.