Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel was once voted best musical of the 20th Century by Time Magazine. Come see Musical Theater Works’ production of Carousel, and you will see why this beloved musical, which includes some of my favorite songs such as “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” is still one of the most powerful and heart wrenching Broadway classics.
Carousel is based on Ferenc Molnar’s play, Liliom, and tells the troubled and complicated love story of carnival barker, Billy Bigelow and millworker, Julie Jordan. When Billy finds out that Julie is pregnant, both being unemployed with no finances, he resorts to alternative measures to ensure that his future daughter is properly provided for.
This production of Carousel was simply exquisite. Everything about it was memorable and a wonderful experience for me. Being a singer myself, and a musical theater buff, I saw that everyone went all out, from the cast to the dancing, to the costumes, to the set design. One musical scene flowed seamlessly into the next, which can sometimes be a challenge.
I cannot rave enough about the cast, where each actor was perfect for his or her role, such as the leads, Maliha Sayed (Julie Jordan), Conor Jordan (Billy Bigelow), Erika Rose (Mrs. Mullin), Alicia Berneche (Nettie Fowler) and Will Koski (Enoch Snow). The supporting ensemble was phenomenal. Carousel would not have been Carousel without their amazing talent.
The other contributing elements that made Carousel such a solid, strong production involved the well choreographed dance numbers, the wonderful accompanying orchestra, the whimsical, yet not overly elaborate set design and the costumes, which were tailored to fit the actors well, and true to the time period.
One other important thing to mention is that the story and message of Carousel rings true today, even though it debuted in the 1940s. Carousel shares themes of domestic/child abuse, flawed people who make poor choices, as well as everyone still hopefully looking for that silver lining in life.
This also makes me think of the present “Me Too Movement”, where individuals came out of silence years after they were sexually or violently abused by others, or by people they loved and trusted. In Carousel, domestic abuse is showcased right in your face, which unfortunately continues to happen in our present times, and also raises awareness and gives a voice to all those who are afraid of unable to advocate for themselves.
Carousel must end August 18. Make sure you go and experience this delightful production before it leaves!
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Northlight Theater website, or call the Music box office at the North Shore Center at 847.673.6300.
Photos: Brett Beiner
Running time: Two hours and 50 minutes including the intermissionShow Run Dates: August 8 – 18, 2024
CONTENT ADVISORIES: Domestic Abuse and Child Abuse
NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE (9501 SKOKIE BLVD, SKOKIE, IL 60077)
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