BWW Reviews: CAROUSEL at MusicalFare

SPARSE CAROUSEL TAKES TO THE STAGE

Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic dark musical "CAROUSEL" has be re-imagined in a compact chamber size production by MusicalFare. Based on Ferenc Molnar's play "LILIOM," the story tells of the angry Carousel barker (Billy Bigelow) who beguiles a young factory worker (Julie Jordan) and ultimately grapples with domestic violence and suicide, against the backdrop on late 19th Century New England. Hot on the coat tails of their massively successful 1943 "OKLAHOMA," two years later Rodgers and Hammerstein led us down a slightly darker path with "CAROUSEL" and employed their formula to this tale, including a dream ballet by Agnes de Mille.

MusicalFare has pared down this production, eliminating dances and the ballet sequence, focusing on the interpersonal relationships in their intimate setting. The cast of 13 doubles roles and also plays in ensemble. While the small cast size can allow for more character development, the stage seemed underpopulated in the production numbers and most notably in Rodger's brilliant prologue, "The Carousel Waltz." Direction by Artistic and Executive director Randall Kramer is efficient with some imaginative staging techniques used during the prologue to suggest the moving carousel. Rodgers and Hammerstein were considered maverick innovators in incorporating dance as a major player in plot development of their early works. The lack of any significant dance in this production does not necessarily serve the piece well and left a clear void. Meanwhile the brisk tempos by musical direction Theresa Quinn swiftly moved the three piece combo of piano, violin and cello along.

Edith Grossman was utterly convincing as the coy, yet insightful Julie. Her clear soprano voice delivered "If I Loved You" and "What's the use of Wond'rin" to great effect. Costuming and make up for Grossman clearly seemed based on photos of the original Julie of 1945, played by Jan Clayton. The imposing character of Billy is written to be an intimidating and unrefined rogue, who later transitions to a man who desires to become a good father. Paschal Frisina III as Billy employed the requisite amount of angst from the onset but didn't appear imposing. His baritone voice seemed small and he didn't dominate the stage vocally in his Act I showpiece, "Soliloquy."

Arin Lee Dandes was charming as Julie's confidante Carrie Pipperidge, whose gullibility and humor provide some of the evening's lighter moments. She sang well and her energetic presence lit up the stage in her scenes. Dudney Joseph, Jr. was her love interest, the somewhat blustery fisherman, Enoch Snow. His lime green costume embellished with fish motif was most likely designed to be whimsical, but the garish color choice for him seems at odds with the setting. Steve Copps was appropriately swarmy as Jigger Craigin, the rough ship worker who convinces Billy to join him in a late night robbery that goes awry. Copps was utterly at ease in his grizzly characterization of this "bad-guy," while earning plenty of laughs in his scene trying to seduce Carrie.

Charmagne Chi as Nettie Fowler, the town matriarch, robustly led the small ensemble in "June is Bustin' Out All Over" as well the the classic "You'll Never Walk Alone." Chi appeared younger and spryer than other Nettie's I have seen, and this age gap didn't serve to create as much of the necessary pathos when Julie needs wisdom and comforting over the death of Billy.

Lighting by Chris Cavanagh employed some interesting back lighting that made for a very effective final tableau as Billy appeared to be entering heaven among the stars. The simple stage setting by Chris Schenk used a centrally placed overhead circle representing the top of the Carousel that lit up and white drapes that separated playing areas and were used for projections.

MusicalFare Theatre is located on the campus of Daemen College at 4380 Main Street in Amherst, NY, between Harlem and Getzville Roads. The performance schedule is April 15th - May 17th , Wednesday and Thursday at 7:00pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 4:00pm and 8:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. Meet-the-cast talkbacks take place after all Wednesday performances EXCEPT opening night, April 15th.

Ticket prices:
General Admission - $40
Students - $15
Group rates available.
Ticket reservations may be made by calling 716-839-8540 or online at www.musicalfare.com
All seating is assigned. Visa, Mastercard, Discover and checks are accepted.

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