Is it a necessity for Carousel to physically show the Carousel?

[rattleNwoolypenguin]

It's such an odd thing about the show that the title of it in the literal sense, reflects something that happened off stage before the first scene we see in the libretto.

I'm just curious, do people feel like the show is missing something without it being represented in some way, or is it not necessary? Also have there been any productions people have seen where they've done something really inventive with the Carousel and you felt it enhanced the production? 

[JBroadway]

In the recent London production directed by Lonny Price, he did end up representing the carousel, but he completely re-imagined the opening waltz. Rather than setting it at the carnival (or whatever that setting is), he began the sequence with the graduation, and the actors performed the plot of the show in reverse as a ballet. They even went back further than the beginning of the plot, showing Billy as a child getting hit by his father for trying to hide his father's alcohol. It was a complete and utter stroke of genius, IMO. Eventually, when they get to the big swell of music at the end, they did end up representing the physical carousel with the letters of the word "Carousel" acting as the carousel horses (not as cheesy as it sounds - see photo). So I guess it's not exactly the answer you were looking for, since they did represent it physically in the end. But I think Price's re-imagining of that scene shows that there are different ways of handling the opening waltz that don't have to focus on the events at the carnival.

It's really a shame though. Lonny Price had some really brilliant ideas with this production, but it was largely ruined by the disgracefully bad leading performances. Alfie Boe in particular (as Billy) delivered one of the worst musical theatre performances I've ever seen on any profession stage - and this is coming from someone who really liked him in Les Mis. When I first saw the headline that Carousel would be opening on Broadway this season, I hoped it would be a transfer of Price's production with a different cast. Because I think he could have done something really special with the piece if he had competent leads. 

 

[hork]

Musical Theater West's recent production had a carousel, using carousel horses on a revolving stage. It was the first time I'd seen any production and I just assumed they all did something similar. But I guess that's not the case.

[wickedfan]

Nothing happens "off stage." Read the script, the carousel is on stage for the "Carousel Waltz," as is the entire carnival. Just about every production includes the carousel in the opening, from the original 1945 production to the National/LCT, to the Arena Stage production. Even the disastrous movie included it. The only major presentation I can think of not to include it was the NY Philharmonic production, but that was a staged concert with a limited budget, stage space, and rehearsal time.

[Dollypop]

Goodspeed did it with silhouettes of carousel horses. It was effective.

[Jarethan]

Unless there are severe budgetary reasons or someone decides to try a John Doyle approach, why would they eliminate the kitty highlight of the show.  All of that color accompanying that wonderful musical anthem can raise goosebumps; sorta like doing Dolly without stairs at the Harmonia Gardens or Miss Saigon without the helicopter ...you can do it, but why would you?

[CurtainPullDowner]

The Arena Stage production had no horses that I remember, or props for that matter, very strange. In the ballet, they had some shirtless men dancing around being whipped by the Carnival Boy.  The whole production was kinda weird.

I think if you can't afford a horse or two of some kind, don't do it.

[GeorgeandDot]

I've seen a "Carousel" created by some interesting lighting and spinning dancers, but I do prefer to see a real Carousel, especially in a Broadway production.

[ddenoff2]

The Hytner/LCT revival defined it for me.

[phan24]

It seems like the Broadway production will have a full fledged Carousel

 
https://imgur.com/ie0H5b5

[BroadwayConcierge]

phan, the picture you linked didn't attach properly (and I'm eager to see what's making you say that!).

Edit: I see the link now. Wow!

[Call_me_jorge]

^i think that was just a photo shoot in front of an actual carousel not a set piece from the production.

[Chicken_Flavor]

Call_me_jorge said: "^i think that was just a photo shoot in front of an actual carousel not a set piece from the production. "

look at the location

[Call_me_jorge]

Chicken_Flavor said: "Call_me_jorge said: "^i think that was just a photo shoot in front of an actual carousel not a set piece from the production. "

look at the location"

Yeah, that’s just referencing where the show will be. You know you can choose your location tag on instagram.

[CindersGolightly]

wickedfan said: "The only major presentation I can think of not to include it was the NY Philharmonic production, but that was a staged concert with a limited budget,stage space, and rehearsal time."

They sorta did, actually!

[trentsketch]

I'm sure there have been productions where the carousel isn't shown, but I've always viewed some physical representation as essential to that opening sequence. The audience is meant to be taken back by a carousel appearing on stage the same way Julie falls head over heels for Billie. It's not a coincidence both are supposed to climax at the same time.

Can it be worked around? I'm sure with the right vision. Anything is possible. Should it? That's a question for each production to decide. How much do you have to show? Do you need a full carousel? Would a few carousel horses do? What about some high quality projections? What about something more representational like the horses hanging from the ceiling at the Philharmonic?

The wow moment of the carousel arriving is great theater, but it only matters as much to a production as the production team allows it to matter. However, if that carousel is missing and the alternative doesn't land, you're going to have disappointed audience members who know there should be a carousel but isn't. 

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Yes, you do need to do at least something to create the carousel. I had a giant Les Miz-style turntable built and had four horses - one of which was rideable by Julie. It was not realistic but the whole prologue is very theatrical anyway. The horses were taken off stage after the prologue and I used the turntable for set changes and such throughout the rest of the show.