Carousel

Pershore Operatic & Dramatic Society - Carousel

First produced on Broadway in 1945 and lauded as Rodgers and Hammerstein’s finest musical - which was adapted from a 1909 Hungarian play, one would imagine that 70 years later the show may well be somewhat dated. Not a bit of it, this sparkling production Directed by Maxine Cook came up fresh as a daisy and was totally delightful. Billy (Paul Tapley) and Julie (Suzie Inskip) the main leads were excellent and the fairground opening scene set the high standard for the whole production. Billy was sacked by the Carousel owner Mrs. Mullin (Marianne Jones), for flirting with Julie, as obviously Mrs Mullin was stuck on him herself. The scene in the park where Billy and Julie more or less fall in love is always slowish and strangely the beautiful melody “If I Loved You” is the closest you get to a duet from them. Carousel is a serious play with dark overtones but Carrie (Louise Horne) and Enoch Snow (David Hemming) sing the lovely duet “When the Children Are Asleep” and together with Jigger (Matt Owens) –a nasty piece of work- provided  most of the humour in the show. Judy Megarry (Nettie Fowler) brought gravity and experience to the role and superbly sang the show stopper “You’ll Never Walk Alone” leaving the  audience with hardly a dry eye. Every aspect of the production was superb and all the minor roles were well played. Sophie Jessup (Louise Bigalow) was lovely and the talented young dancers were delightful. Sets, costumes, lighting and sound were of high quality and the orchestra enhanced the whole performance. The touching final scene outside the Schoolhouse and a finale of “If I Loved You” and Ultimo “You’ll Never Walk Alone” brought the curtain down on a wonderful production.

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