Carousel

3.5 out of 5 Stars

Carousel - that Rodgers and Hammerstein classic with mesmerizing dance scenes and glorious songs that have stood the test of time. Carousel - with that wince producing storyline and bellicose, belligerent, bad-boy Billy Bigelow. I grew up listening to my mother’s OBCR (Original Broadway Cast Recording) of Carousel and "June is Bustin’ Out All Over" has always been one of my favorite catchy tunes, so the prospect of seeing this revival was thrilling. And, indeed, there were thrilling moments in this production.

The musical opens with "The Carousel Waltz" – a divine piece of music that sets the stage for the upcoming beauty, dissonance, and heartbreak. And we soon meet Julie Jordan, so delightfully played by the Tony Award-winning actress, Jessie Mueller, and Billy Bigelow, that troublesome, unlikeable character who Joshua Henry renders with as much heart as possible.

Jessie Mueller is Julie Jordan and Joshua Henry is Billy Bigelow

And then there are the voices. Jessie Mueller delivers a sweet, naïve and ultimately brave Julie with her gorgeous soprano. Joshua Henry’s voice is a marvel. He owns the stage every time he sings and his interpretation of "Soliloquy" brings down the house. When they come together to sing "If I Loved You" with all its yearning and hopefulness of new love, your heart breaks wide open.

Lindsay Mendez is Carrie Pipperidge and Alexander Gemignani is Enoch Snow

There are even more glorious voices to exclaim over. Lindsay Mendez plays Julie’s pragmatic, clear-eyed friend, Carrie Pipperidge. Ms. Mendez won a Tony for her portrayal and she plays it just broadly enough to add light-hearted relief to this dark story. Her voice appealingly flits and flirts as she sings about marrying her Mr. Snow.  

Renee Fleming is Nettie Fowler

Renee Fleming, the beloved opera singer, and lyric soprano is Nettie Fowler who is a kindly and knowing matriarch and a mentor to Julie. Ms. Fleming shows no trace of diva, rather is both a lively catalyst and calming presence on stage. When she sings "You'll Never Walk Alone," even reluctant criers like myself are seen dabbing their eyes.

And then there is the dancing. Justin Peck, the 31-year-old choreographer and dancer with the New York City Ballet won a Tony Award for his choreography in this production. The dancing is by turns beautiful, athletic, sparkling, and haunting. A highlight is the number "Blow High, Blow Low" featuring the male dancers.

I won’t dwell on the deficiencies of this dated story, which revolves around a ne’er-do-well, domestic violence, felony, and a troubled daughter. The music and dancing and singing are so glorious I left the theater feeling emotionally thrilled and fulfilled.

Why we went: A Rodgers and Hammerstein classic

MSG