through September 29, 2012
by R.E. Smith
Rodgers
and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” is a “classic” musical, bringing with it all the
benefits and drawbacks such a title conveys. The benefit is that no one does
“classic” better than Goodspeed and there are songs, performers, choreography
and technical elements in this production that shine. The drawback lies in some
elements of the book, characters, and dialogue that are rooted in the time of its
creation.
As
Musical Director Michael O’Flaherty’s marvelous orchestra whisks us along to
the lilting “Prologue”, we meet Billy Bigelow, rugged and handsome roustabout
and Julie Jordan, reserved but restless New England mill worker. Good girl
meets bad (but sensitive) boy, boy and girl fall in love; romance and tragedy
ensue.
The
show is a compendium of many different theatrical elements; a blending that at
the time of its creation was innovative. There are elements of light opera,
ballet, and pantomime. There are familiar “show tunes” like “June is Bustin'
Out All Over,” and ”You’ll Never Walk Alone.” There is also “A Real Nice
Clambake,” which is probably the only time a picnic menu has been successfully
set to music.
Director
Rob Ruggiero, who helmed last year’s wonderful production of “Showboat,” makes
the New England setting a character unto itself. A background of abstract
clouds combines with Alejo Vietti’s costumes, to create tableaus straight out
of a Winslow Homer painting. He skillfully mixes real and fantastic elements.
James
Synder as Bigelow, has a truly impressive voice, especially in the Act 1 closer
“Soliloquy.” He balances the torment, tenderness, and damage that could prove
unsympathetic if not done right. Teal Wicks brings a unique, straight forward, Yankee,
sensibility to Julie but her lovely voice is underserved by the score. (Erin
Davie will replace Wick in the role as of August 8.)
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| Jeff Kready & Jenn Gambatese/Photo by Diane Sobolewski |
Audience
favorites are the characters of “Carrie Pipperidge” played by Jenn Gambatese
and her somewhat reticent but ambitious beau “Enoch Snow” played by Jeff
Kready. The spunky Carrie gets the best lines, the cutest songs, and the better
man and makes the best use of her Down east accent.
The
show does have a dark undercurrent, some of it stemming from Billy’s discontent.
More of a problem is Billy’s unscrupulous friend Jigger, who not only leads the
barker down a ruinous path, but also tries to assault a woman. The book
attempts to lighten his brutal moments with humor, but an uncomfortable
sensation remains.
“Carousel”
does succeed overall; at times, tender, moving, romantic and sentimental. As
always, the Goodspeed production is well acted, sung and beautiful to watch.
Fans will be well satisfied and newcomers are bound to find themselves fondly
recalling magical moments both large and small.
