Reader Reviews
Carousel (Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Carousel has long been my favourite musical. To my mind there has never been a more perfect blend of the theatrical elements - book, music, lyrics and dance and with Carousel the show's creators each produced their career best work resulting in what I believe to be the best ever musical. If one element has to be singled out for particular praise, it is of course, Richard Rodgers' music. Over a career of almost 60 years he composed more glorious songs than anyone but with this score he created his masterpiece - it is simply divine. As for this particular production, it is in my opinion very, very good. I saw the National's superb 1992 production four times and inevitably it is that one that I shall continue to remember forever. However that is not to take anything away from this production. All the cast are very good, particularly Lydia Griffiths as Carrie. What a pity she is not in hunt for the role of Maria in "The Sound of Music." Equally good are the ensemble all of whom look and sound terrific. My only quibbles are with the choreography which I thought was really poor and with the orchestra which is just too small for this most musical of scores. The original pit orcheatra had an unheard of 38 musicians and this score needs that many to do it full justice. Those quibbles aside, I would not hesitate to recommend this production to everyone who loves musical theatre. - 81.179.53.7) | 14 Aug 06 |
| Not my favourite musical, but I went to the first night with an open mind and the expectation that the CFT company would pull out all the stops as usual. However, I have to agree with Maxwell Cooter. The overture was far too long - obviously the carousel cost a lot to make so they wanted their money's worth. Strangely it didn't appear again, although there were several points when I expected it! The interminable modern ballet sequence sat awkwardly in what is essentially a 50s piece and was staged here as such. Harriet Shore was insipid as Julie - I found myself not really caring about her troubles. She contrasted poorly with Lydia Griffiths, who shone as Carrie. I wasn't impressed either with Norman Bowman as Billy. He seemed embarassed by the requirement to portray a wife beater, and his performance never really came alive. Robert Irons as Snow had the better voice and the better stage presence. Good songs as ever, and the ensemble playing was faultless, but the unpleasant storyline always gets in the way and leaves a nasty taste in the mouth. The other offerings at Chichester are better than this - try Nicholas Nickleby instead (superb!) - 194.75.225.62) | 10 Jul 06 |
| As an American in Chichester, I was priveleged to see the first night, and I thought the entire production was brilliante!I thought the direction was right on target, the pace was fast, the singing was glorious, the acting: superbe!this piece, albeit is old, but always timely..one must take it as it is..a wonderful story..Of course, I'm American, and have been brought up on R&H..and all their works........and have seen this many many times..so, what do I know???This theatre continues to produce wonderful things! - 64.12.116.9) | 17 Jun 06 |
| a superbly sung and danced production. a little under directed though- the acting lacked focus at times. - 81.86.106.82) | 14 Jun 06 |
| See it - the ballet, the chorus, the emotion are all fabulous! - 217.155.179.213) | 13 Jun 06 |
