United Kingdom Carousel Goes For A Spin At London’s Barbican Theatre Later This Summer
The must-see musical of 2012, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel – currently on at Salford Quays (until 26th May) – will be brought vividly to life in an outstanding new stage production in London during July, August and September. This timeless American classic will be recreated in a vibrant staging combining evocative design, gripping storytelling and powerful musical performance and is a co-production with the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris.
One of the greatest Broadway musicals of the twentieth century, created by the writer and composer of The Sound of Music, Oklahoma! and The King and I, Carousel features some of the most moving and compelling music Rodgers & Hammerstein ever wrote, including ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, ‘If I Loved You‘ and the joyful ‘June is bustin’ out all over’.
Set in a small New England seaside community, Carousel is a story of true love and the tragedy of feelings left unspoken, as mill worker Julie Jordan falls in love with enigmatic fairground worker Billy Bigelow. But after Billy commits a desperate act that ends in tragedy, he is granted one last chance. Will he be able to make things right second time around?
With American baritone Eric Greene as Billy, and young British soprano Gillene Herbert as Julie, an outstanding creative team brings a fresh vision to Carousel for the 21st century, led by director Jo Davies, who has a strong heritage in directing musicals. Set and costume design is by Olivier-award winner Anthony Ward, who has designed numerous Broadway and West End shows (The King’s Speech, ENRON, Oklahoma!, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang).
The full Broadway score will be ravishingly recreated by the musical forces of more than 40 musicians from the critically acclaimed Orchestra of Opera North in Leeds and Salford, led by conductors James Holmes and Jonathan Gill. With a chorus of over 30 singers from Opera North, England’s national opera company in the North of England, and choreography from Kim Brandstrup (ballet) and Kay Shepherd, this electrifying new production of Carousel promises to be one of 2012’s unmissable theatre highlights.
Casting Information for The Barbican, London (August – September 2012)
Cast A Cast B
Billy Bigelow tbc Michael Todd Simpson
Julie Jordan Gillene Herbert Katherine Manley
Carrie Pipperidge Claire Boulter Sarah Tynan
Enoch Snow Joseph Shovelton tbc
Nettie Fowler Elena Ferrari Yvonne Howard
Jigger Craigin Michael Rouse Michael Rouse
Star Keeper/ Dr Seldon John Woodvine John Woodvine
Production team:
Conductor James Holmes
Associate Conductor Jonathan Gill
Director Jo Davies
Set & Costume Designer Anthony Ward
Choreographer (Ballet) Kim Brandstrup
Choreographer Kay Shepherd
Lighting Designer Bruno Poet
Video Designer Andrzej Goulding
Sound Designer Roland Higham
Performance Dates:
15 Aug – Carousel opens at the Barbican, London, for 35 performances until 15 September
www.operanorth.co.uk www.carouseltheshow.com www.barbican.org.uk