Review: Carousel

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Carousel.
Earlier this year, as I have done since 2016, I watched the dazzling Tony Awards ceremony during which all of the nominated shows gave stunning performances showcasing their talented casts. At the ceremony, Carousel performed the musical number 'Blow High, Blow Low', which was undoubtedly one of the best performances of the evening. After watching such a spell-binding performance, I was compelled to watch the entirety of the show whilst visiting New York City.

Set in a coastal New England town, Carousel tells the tale of Julie Jordan and Billy Bigelow who fall in love during one summer evening. The barker of Mrs. Mullin's fairground carousel, Billy is notorious for his womanising, yet he chooses to settle down with Julie despite many people claiming that the marriage would be a disaster. Temptations of money soon come to haunt Billy, causing him to commit actions which would soon cost him any hope of happiness. I personally find the story of Carousel to be utterly charming. Carousel's storyline has an old-fashioned simplicity to it; a unique and special trait that can only be found in older musicals. Courtships and friendships in musicals such as Carousel develop over an extended period of time, taking the audience on a long journey and allowing us to fully understand each and every character. In modern musicals, it can often be found that courtships and friendships develop over one musical number alone, so it is interesting to compare the differences between new musicals and revivals of old classics.

The score of Carousel, written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, is equally as delightful as its storyline. It is filled with old classics, which I am sure that many will recognise, such as 'You'll Never Walk Alone' which is often performed by association football clubs around the world. My personal favourites from this beautiful score include 'You're a Queer One, Julie Jordan', '(When I Marry) Mister Snow' and 'Soliloquy'. The lyrics that accompany the music are a particular favourite of mine. The lyrics are moving, witty and altogether beautifully written by lyrical genius Oscar Hammerstein II.

Leading the cast as Billy Bigelow, Joshua Henry is full of both fire and passion in this much acclaimed portrayal. Billy Bigelow is undoubtedly a rather flawed human being, however as a result of Henry's moving performance, I found it exceedingly difficult not to sympathise with the character and the struggles of life that he had to face. Henry's outstanding acting abilities are well matched with his exceptional singing voice, which is evidenced during the finale of Act One 'Soliloquy'. Playing opposite Henry is Jessie Mueller as Julie Jordan, who I had previously seen give a magnificent performance in the musical 'Waitress'. Mueller gives a rather heartwarming portrayal, creating a clear characterisation of the sweet, innocent and kind-hearted teenager that Julie is. For her performance as Julie Jordan's best friend Carrie Pipperidge, Lindsay Mendez recently won a Tony Award... and deservedly so! In her portrayal of Carrie, Mendez is faultless. She is convincing, has great comedic timing, a brilliant stage presence and a remarkable voice. Internationally acclaimed opera singer Renée Fleming is also a part of this cast, performing the role of Nettie Fowler. Fleming was magnificent and charmed the audience with an utterly beautiful voice.

As well as Lindsay Mendez winning the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, this production also won the Tony Award for Best Choreography. The choreography truly was spellbinding; the dance sequences are like nothing I had ever seen before. Justin Peck's choreography is worth the ticket price alone. Additionally, all of it is superbly carried by a magnificent ensemble.

The featured star of Carousel is, drum roll please... JOSHUA HENRY!

Joshua Henry is my featured star due to the captivating nature of his performance. He had complete control of the stage whenever he entered and I couldn't take my eyes off of him. Henry is currently giving one of the best performances on all of Broadway. With impeccable acting abilities and a faultless voice, Henry is the perfect leading man.

Now for my final verdict on Carousel. I give Carousel...

My decision to give Carousel four stars came easily. It is a stunning production, with a beautiful score, some brilliant performances and enchanting choreography!

Think it should have got a higher rating? Agree with my rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer