BWW Reviews: CAROUSEL at Olney Theatre Center - Jump On For An Emotional Ride

Before I begin, did you know there is a sports team that uses a song from CAROUSEL as its theme song? The answer at the end of this review.

Sometimes it helps to see a show a few weeks after it opens. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to attend CAROUSEL'S Opening Night and instead finally was able to attend the April 29 performance which to my surprise starred a "new" actor in the leading role of Billy Bigelow, Cooper Grodin.

How did this happen? Well, I asked Olney Theatre Center Musical Director and Associate Artistic Director and he related that Tally Sessions had to cut short his stay at Olney due to his taking a role in the new Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway musical SCHOOL OF ROCK workshop (based on the 2003 film) which opens in previews Nov. 2, 2015 at the Winter Garden. Well, lucky OTC Artistic Director Jason Loewith who was able to corral the talented Cooper Grodin to take over for Sessions. Grodin has an extensive background having most recently played the title role for a year in the new 25th Anniversary National Tour of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.

The Student Matinee (at 10:30 a.m.) on April 29, was Grodin's first crack as "Billie Bigelow". When I saw Grodin that evening, one could not tell. This is Grodin's debut at Olney and I do hope we get the chance to see him again. He is a powerful performer, with a huge yet delicate voice and great acting chops. He is convincing as the sexy, strong, carnival barker, who becomes infatuated with the young, innocent, naive, Julie Jordan (played by the lovely and talented Carey Rebecca Brown). They are a joy to watch together.

It is such a pleasure to see this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic back on stage. Thanks to the Arena's wonderful OKLAHOMA a few seasons ago, Lincoln Center's superb revival of THE KING AND I (with Kelli O'Hara), and now Olney's contribution, a whole new generation of theater fans are getting a chance to see these spectacular and popular musicals. Do not let this one get by. You will regret it.

CAROUSEL, like many Rodgers and Hammerstein works, pulls no punches dealing with such subjects as domestic violence, class warfare, and redemption. Our hero Bigelow, loses his job at the carnival over his infatuation over Julie Jordan, who also loses her job as a mill worker. Bigelow then is talked into some criminal activity by his friend Jigger Craigin (the villainous-looking Chris Genebach). The attempted robbery fails and Bigelow commits suicide versus getting arrested.

In Act II, Bigelow descends from the "afterlife" to check on his wife and daughter (as a fifteen year old) who he never got the chance to meet.

Loewith does a masterful job directed an exceptionally talented cast which features Dora Schmidt (as Julie Jordan's friend Carrie Pipperidge), Eugenio Vargas (Carrie's love interest Mister Snow), Eileen Ward (Billy's boss Mrs. Mullin), Maya Brettel (Julie's daughter Louise), and Delores King Williams (Aunt Nettie) who nails the classic "You'll Never Walk Alone".

The second act's ballet dance by Carnival boy (J. Morgan White) and Louise is just a delight thanks to their ballet acumen and the lovely choreography by Tommy Rapley ( originally done by Agnes de Mille).

The twelve piece orchestra (the largest in Olney history) is just wonderful and features some lovely harp by Kristen Jepperson who had to overcome some technical problems with her instrument and did it successfully.

Milagros Ponce de Leon is responsible for the clever set which features a carousel underneath a stage for the orchestra and uses clever video projections (by Zachary G. Borovay). Tony Angelini did the sound and you can hear every Hammerstein lyric. The costumes by Seth M. Gilbert contribute to the feeling of time and place (coast of Maine at the turn of the 20th century). Jennifer Schriever did a wonderful job with the lighting.

In 1999, "TIME" magazine named CAROUSEL the best musical of its century. Go on and take a ride.

Now...which song is used by a sports team? The Liverpool England Football Club fans sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" moments before each game. It became a favorite after it was sung by the group Gerry and the Pacemakers. Google it.

I highly recommend the OTC Dramaturgy Blog located at www.olneycarousel.wordpress.com.

For tickets, call 301-924-3400 or visit www.olneytheatre.org. CAROUSEL has been extended AGAIN to May 24, 2015.

Next up at OTC is Arthur Miller's THE PRICE running May 13 to June 21.

Put on your calendar, July 25, 2015 when OTC Fest takes place. This is a free all day celebration which will feature a talk-back with the cast of THE PRODUCERS, learn audition techniques, all day food trucks, begging tap class, classes for singers, clown workshops, music performances, kid's activities, prop and costume sales, and much more.

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com

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