It’s no secret that live theater has a special place our hearts, so this Sunday we’re doing a special Sunday review of a very special show—the Lyric Opera’s “Carousel.”
“Carousel” is the third show in the Lyric Opera’s multi-year salute to Rodgers and Hammerstein. The previous shows were “Oklahoma” and “The Sound of Music.” (Half of this dynamic duo was represented in the Lyric’s 2012 production of “Show Boat.”) Both productions were epic, beautifully done productions, but there’s no denying that “Carousel” has taken the Lyric’s musical theater game to a whole new level.
To say that this is a beautiful production doesn’t quite do it justice. The original choreography by Agnes de Mille is breathtaking, and flawlessly executed. The set designed by artist Paolo Ventura is stunning, but simple. It’s grand scale is befitting of the theater and the production. You’d never guess this was Ventura’s theatrical debut. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the amazing lighting design by Neil Austin. Even if you’re not one to gush over the technical aspects of a show, it’s hard not to notice the particularly stunning lighting during the opening pantomime, “Soliloquy,” and the death scene.
Then there’s the casting: Stephen Pasquale, Laura Osnes, Charlotte D’Amboise, and those are just the headliners. Jenn Gambatese, Matthew Hydzick, Jarrod Emmick, Tony Roberts, and opera star Denyce Graves round out an incredible cast. This would be a dream cast on Broadway. The fact that this is the cast for a stand-alone, regional production in Chicago is almost unbelievable.
Of course, what makes this show a beloved classic is the music. “Carousel” contains some of the most well-known songs in musical theater—“If I Loved You,” “June is Bustin’ Out All Over,” “Mr. Snow,” “Soliloquy,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” These are staples and this enormous cast makes them soar, but there were a few standouts, of course. The incredible chemistry between Billy Bigelow (Stephen Pasquale) and Julie Jordan (Laura Osnes) right out of the gate with “If I Loved You” showcases the incredible vocal power of both of these stars. It’s breathtaking, but the full power of Stephen Pasquale’s voice shows up just before intermission with some “pin you to the back of your seat” power belting in a heart-wrenching performance of “Soliloquy.” We dare you not to cry.
Anyone who is familiar with “Carousel” knows this classic has its shortcomings. We won’t lie, and say that this production has magically fixed all of those problems. The show is 70 years old (today actually, Happy Birthday “Carousel”!), and its age shows at times. There are some dated notions and themes that could use a bit of modernization. However, it is a testament to the strength of this cast and the design of this production, that by the time the curtain goes down those faults are all forgiven. If you have the opportunity to see this show, take it.
…bi-daily smile…
