Carousel

Carousel is one of the most popular shows written by Rodgers and Hammerstein and it is a very special musical for me for personal reasons.

The Overture for this show always involves orchestra and cast and between them Director, Val Cowley, M.D. John Elliott and Choreographer, Susannah Hodgson ensured that we became thoroughly engrossed in the story. This has not always been the case with other productions of this particular show I have seen over the years. The Direction team made the overlong overture very interesting and whetted our appetites for what was to follow. Settings were just what were required and scene changes were slick, as is always the case with the backstage crew of this company. The costume department has ensured that all outfits reflected the correct period.                                                                                                                                       The relationship between Billy and Julie is key to this show and both Matt Quinn, Billy and Jenny Quirk as Julie have grasped what was required from their characters. They both played their feisty roles with ease, and their dialogue and singing were outstanding. Simon Fletcher as Jigger looked like he was relishing playing his role as the villain and Mr and Mrs Snow, Tim Keys and Marie Quinn along with their many children made a delightful family. I particular liked a lovely cameo role by Bob Harrison as the Starkeeper.   EveCraik, Louis and Jason Ozenturk, Carnival Boy were delightful in the ballet sequence, both looked and danced beautifully together. What made this particular production special was the fact that there appeared to be no weak links in the cast and apart from an occasional discrepancy in timing between the orchestra and the ensemble we were treated to a thoroughly enjoyable night. It is obvious that the directing team have worked long and hard to put together another excellent show. My wife and myself always enjoy our trips to The Island and we are always made so welcome. Thank you once again for your kind hospitality.

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