Jones and Cassidy to Star in TX Carousel Concert

According to TexARTS' website, the performing arts organization will present a concert version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical Carousel, starring Shirley Jones, the star of the show's movie musical adaptation, and her son Patrick Cassidy.

"TexARTS brings another American Classic to the historic Paramount stage for just two very special performances June 22 and 23, continuing its commitment to bringing Broadway-quality classics 'in Austin, by Austin, for Austin,' states the website.  "This grand concert production will feature the legendary Shirley Jones as Nettie Fowler and her son, Broadway, Film and TV star Patrick Cassidy as Billy Bigelow. Austin's own Jill Blackwood will star opposite Mr. Cassidy. Preeminent new American director Brad Dalton will direct. Robin Lewis will choreograph. Lyn Koenning will Musical Direct and conduct."  Karen Kuykendall will play the Starkeeper, and the concert will also feature a host of other local favorites, live orchestra and TexARTS students.

Carousel will be performed at the Paramount Theatre.

Jones is an Oscar-winner for her work in the film Elmer Gantry.  In addition to play Julie Jordan in the 1956 film version of Carousel, she starred in the film versions of The Music Man and Oklahoma!.  She has been seen on Broadway in South Pacific and Maggie Flynn, as well as in 42nd Street (alongside Patrick Cassidy).  Cassidy has been seen on Broadway in Aida, Annie Get Your Gun, Leader of the Pack and The Pirates of Penzance, as well as the original Off-Broadway production of Assassins.

Carousel, which opened at the Majestic Theatre in 1945, is based on Ferenc Molnar's Liliom and features music by Richard Rodgers and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.  Concerning the tragic yet transcendent love story between carnival barker Billy Bigelow and the strong-willed Julie, Carousel features such standards as "If I Loved You," "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "June is Bustin' Out All Over."

Visit www.tex-arts.org for more information.