Carousel

This classic Rogers & Hammerstein II musical is always a challenge to perform, both technically and dramatically, on the smaller stage, but with good direction and choreography from Jim Snell and well-chosen cast, this talented musical theatre company have, once again, pulled it off!

During the prologue, to the accompaniment of the "Carousel Waltz", dynamically played by the small orchestra under the expert baton of Stephen Kenna, the opening scene was a delight of colour and movement, complimented by the pleasing backdrop of the amusement park set, complete with turning carousel.  The dancing bear, acrobats and balloon sellers all added to the carnival atmosphere, which contrasted dramatically with the first stirrings of the attraction between Billy Bigelow and Julie Jordan, scornfully watched over by the carousel owner, Mrs. Mullin.

In his first leading role with the company, Tom Evans gave a fine performance as Billy Bigelow, full of character, his "Soliloquy" particularly moving; Alex Outlaw, with her soulful voice, was delightful and fully convincing in her role as Julie Jordan, their duet "If I Loved You" illustrating beautifully their hesitant but growing love for each other.  Tash Crossley, as the fun-loving and slightly skittish Carrie Pipperidge and James Humphreys, well-cast as the ambitious and slightly pompous Enoch Snow, were well-matched too and brought a light touch of humour to their characterisations, their duet "When The Children Are Asleep" particularly enjoyable.  Cath Dickerson's talent and confidence as a performer was evident in her role as Nettie Fowler, with lovely contracts between her big chorus number "June Is Bustin Out All Over" and her emotive solo "You'll Never Walk Alone", which brought a tear to my eye during Billy's tragic death scene. The quality of the vocals from both principals and chorus were exceptional thoughout the performance, evidence of Stephen Kenna's mastery as  Musical Director and his quiet command over his musicians.

Mike Sykes was great as the evil Jigger Craigin, as was Anne Senior in her role as feistly Mrs. Mullin. Bernie Bush entertained us in his cameo roles as Starkeeper and Dr. Seldon and young Millie Smith, as Billy and Julie's troubled teenaged daughter Louise, gave an accomplished performance, particularly in the delightfully choreographed ballet scene with Sam Jackson. Completing the strong cast were Bob Wells as mill-owner Mr. Boscombe, Gareth Cheesman as the policeman, Jay Brown as the Sea Captain, Robert Connor as Enoch Snow Jnr and Anthea Kenna and Carrie Everett as the two Heavenly Friends.  For this performance, the Snow family's children were played by Lily and Sam Moss, Abby Springham, Reuben Stevens and Liberty Wingham.  The chorus and dancers, too, made a significant contribution to the vitality, musicality and drama of the show, the finale was particularly poignant and emotionally moving.

I would just question whether the tap dance routines and the burlesque sequence in the ballet were appropriate to the time and place in which the story is set, as they seemed slightly out of place to me.  But, overall, the entire cast, colourful costumes, visually pleasing set, good lighting and sound management and efficient backstage crew, all contributed to another high-standard and much enjoyed performance from Bishop's Stortford Musical Theatre Company. Well done!

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