Carousel

Synopsis

The tale of the inhabitants of a New England fishing town. Romantic couple, comedy pair, wise old woman and a villain make up the main characters. Songs include You'll Never Walk Alone, June is Busting Out all Over and If I Loved You. Based on the play Liliom by Ferenc Molnar as adapted by Benjamin F Glaser.

Our Review:

13 June 2006

Perhaps it’s appropriate that as the football World Cup kicks off, Chichester Festival Theatre chooses to revive Carousel, the musical containing “You'll Never Walk Alone”, the ultimate football anthem.

This is a piece of musical theatre that divides opinion: there are those who think of it as an appalling piece of musical fluff, with an old-fashioned attitude to women and domestic violence. On the other hand, there are those who think that is one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterpieces; a powerful and compelling piece of musical theatre.

Personally, I sit halfway between the two: I find it one of the least appealing examples of their works, with a plot that is ludicrous, even by the standards of a genre used to straining credulity. But I recognise there some numbers of the highest class – notably Bill’s soliloquy at the end of Act 1.

Angus Jackson's production doesn’t start promisingly: the opening overture and ballet sequence seem to drag ...

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Latest User Review

81.179.53.7) - 14 August 2006:

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....

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