Interview: Kate Rockwell Takes On DC and a Classic with Arena Stage's CAROUSEL

With Broadway credits such as Legally Blonde, Rock of Ages and Bring it On, it would be fair to say that Kate Rockwell's theatrical journey has been defined by more contemporary shows. However, that would be misleading.

"My first musical in high school was Fiddler on the Roof and the curtain went up on 'Tradition' and I burst into tears," says Rockwell laughing. "It was embarrassing at the time, but it made me realize that what I love the most about the theatre is being a part of storytelling. And with Carousel, you not only have a great story, but you have the musical all other musicals are compared to."

Starting this week, Rockwell will be making her Arena Stage debut as Carrie Pipperidge in the show that was named the 'Best Musical of the 20th Century' by Time Magazine, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel. It's an opportunity that arose through her friend Nicholas Rodriguez, who plays Billy Bigelow.

"Everyone in New York knows about Arena Stage because of their history and the quality of the work they do. In terms of regional theatres, it is one of the most sought after places to work," said Rockwell. "I heard about Carousel from my good friend Nicholas Rodriguez and I reached out to Arena to see if they would see me. I originally went in for Julie, but after about 12 notes of my first song, Molly Smith asked me if I would look at the role of Carrie."

Set in small-town Maine, the show centers on the complicated relationship between carousel barker Billy Bigelow and millworker Julie Jordan. Rockwell plays Carrie Pipperidge, Julie's friend and confidant. With a score that feature's the timeless "You'll Never Walk Alone" and the balletic prologue "The Carousel Waltz," the musical was an immediate hit when it opened on Broadway in 1945 and has been constantly performed ever since. Rockwell attributes Carousel's success to two factors, the score and the show's themes.

"In a musical, the number one way to connect with an audience is through music, and of course Rodgers & Hammerstein were masters of doing just that. Carousel has a breathtaking score that is incredibly lush," says Rockwell. "The show also features these big themes and asks some questions we're still exploring today, which is why it has remained so popular amongst audiences."

However, those familiar with Arena Stage and Director Molly Smith have come to expect productions of classic musicals that contain a few twists. Carousel will be no different. With a cast of 27, it is Arena's largest production this season. Additionally, it will feature two aspects unique to this production: it's staging and new orchestrations.

"Anyone who knows Molly knows that she is a genius at taking these classics and defining them in new ways," says Rockwell. "Carousel is not traditionally done in the round and so you have to delve into these moments that are classics of musical theatre, and make them feel relevant for all four sides."

To do so, Rockwell credits Smith with treating Carousel not like a revival, but a brand new musical. "Molly takes each piece and looks at it as if it's brand new.It's a much more investigative process, the result of which is that what you see onstage is informed by truth and relationships, rather than just what has been done before."

Smith is no stranger to Rodgers & Hammerstein. Arena's 2011 production of Oklahoma, which was also staged in the round, was a critical and commercial smash hit.However, for Carousel, it's not just the staging that's new; it's the orchestrations as well. For this production, Music Director Paul Sportelli received permission from the Rodgers & Hammerstein Estate to create new orchestrations for 12 instruments.

"It's rare to hear a musical with 18 instruments these days, aside from a place like Lincoln Center. Usually, what happens is that a production will use a synthesizer as a substitute for multiple instruments, and people don't get the full effect of the music," Rockwell explains. "What Paul Sportelli (our Musical Director) has done is reorchestrate the show for 12 instruments-with permission from the Rodgers and Hammerstein Estate- for the first time EVER, which ensures that all instruments get the proper treatment. As a result, the show is going to sound richer and for some audience members, it will be like they're hearing it new for the first time."

While Carousel maybe Rockwell's first time performing at a regional theatre in DC, she's no stranger to the city having previously performed at the Kennedy Center with the 2011 national tour of Hair.

"It is a really cool thing you have going on here in DC with the quality of theatre, and the passion and loyalty in this community, says Rockwell. "It is a real pleasure to come down from New York and participate in a community that is passionate about art.

The theatre has been a lifelong journey for Rockwell. She credits a touring production of Cats for introducing her to the magic of theatre as a child. For Rockwell though, it's all about the storytelling.

"Rodgers & Hammerstein were groundbreaking in how they were telling stories and that's what makes Carousel such a classic. I call it the classic of all classics."

Carousel at Arena Stage runs from October 28 thru December 24 - 1101 6th St SW, Washington, DC 20024. For tickets please click here.

Photo: Kate Rockwell. Credit: Arena Stage.

Video: Carousel in rehearsal at Arena Stage. Credit: Arena Stage.