“Carousel”

In the original, Julie’s best friend Marie ends up with a hotel owner and has seven children, which in the musical version becomes Mr. Snow, who is a fisherman and of course, we are in Maine, so  new England Clam Bake works to perfection. Rodgers and Hammerstein II worked hard to retain the full flavor of the story and the music is designed to propel the story. There are several songs that will be memorable for years to come and that many do not realize came from a musical that is indeed  almost 80 years old.

Music Theater Works, which was started as Light Opera Works, has been bringing classical musicals to their stages for many years. I for one, love the oldies and know that for many, the experience of viewing a Rodgers & Hammerstein classic is a lesson in quality story telling and musical numbers that will survive for decades. In “Carousel”, we hear songs such as “If I Loved You”, “June Is Busting Out All Over”, and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” just to name a few. Most modern musicals have one or two songs that are remembered, this one has far more.

This production, smoothly directed by Sasha Gerritson on a set designed by Shane Cinal, fills the stage at The North Shore Center For Performing Arts in what I might call a perfect way. This production is in the Center Theatre which is the larger of the two. Under the musical direction of Michael McBride and slick choreography by Andrew Waters, this “relic” of a musical ( as I heard people say entering the theater) made their eyes pop and their hearts tug. At intermission, they had a whole new attitude. Of course, the first act ends with one of my favorite songs, Billy’s “Soliloquy” that was nailed by Conor Jordan. His vocal range and acting ability made me forget about the many others I have seen play this role. In the role of Julie Jordan, Maliha Sayed proved to be a match for range and sincerity.

The second story in this play is that of Carrie Pipperidge ( deftly handled by Ella Gatlin) and her romance with Mr. Enoch Snow ( Will Koski shows us how versatile an actor he is, after his role in “Spelling Bee” ). Hs Mr. Snow with Ms Gatlin is adorable. They are a sparkling couple and this sub story is effective in bringing us some of the storylines that are immersed in the story. Good versus bad, spousal abuse, suicide and deception are touched on , but we also have a lesson in love , pure and simple. We also learn that despite someone being hit, there is a chance they will not feel that hit, because that hit is for love not hate.

The opening number, which is considered the overture (“The Carousel Waltz) is beautifully choreographed and there is even the formation of an actual merry-go-round center stage. The ensemble of singers and dancers are amazing ( as always). One of the standouts is Alicia Bernache as Nettie Fowler and her rendition of”June Is Busting Out All Over” as well as “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with Ms Sayed. I was also impressed with the Ballet scene when Billy comes back to earth to meet his daughter, Louise (Susannah Harvey), and her dance partner, playing Billy, Alex Lacobucci.

There are many theater-people out there who have never attended one of Music Theater Works productions. If you are one of those, now is the time to take a trip to Skokie’s North Shore Center For Performing Arts located at 9501 Skokie Blvd. In Skokie. Plenty of free parking available and great seats with good views from all areas.