Villanova Theatre Opens CAROUSEL, 3/27-4/22

Villanova Theatre's 2011-2012 season culminates with Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic tale of love and loss, Carousel.  Director Valerie Joyce's reimagined production will feature "intimate staging, evocative choreography, and a vibrant chamber orchestration."

Carousel features such unforgettable songs as "June is Bustin' Out All Over," "If I Loved You," and the show-stopping "You'll Never Walk Alone."

The musical, based on Ferenc Molnar's play Liliom, revolves around the ne'er-do-well carousel barker Billy Bigelow, whose romance with wide-eyed millworker Julie Jordan comes at a price. The couple falls on hard times, and, out of desperation, Billy attempts a robbery to provide for Julie and their unborn child.  The heist does not go according to plan, and Billy is left to die - but not before being given one last chance to make things right. 

Carousel takes audiences on a journey that spans both heaven and Earth in its exploration of hardship, heartache, frailty and redemption.  It's easy to understand why, of all the shows they created, Carouselwas Rodgers and Hammerstein's personal favorite.

According to director Valerie Joyce, "The story is complex - and it isn't always pretty. There's crime, desperation, and abuse.  And yet, somehow, we care about these people, and we can relate.  It's about every last one of us who fears that maybe we haven't told our loved ones how much they mean to us."

Joyce draws a great deal of inspiration from the hauntingly beautiful ballad, "You'll Never Walk Alone."  In many ways, this song has become the anthem of the production.  To pay homage to this iconic musical number, Villanova Theatre is launching the "You'll Never Walk Alone Project." This initiative encourages members of the Villanova community to write letters to loved ones who they have lost. The letters will then be transformed into an exhibit in the theatre lobby.  (For more information, please see CALL FOR LETTERS.)

The creative team behind Carousel includes second-year graduate student Kate Coots (Scenic Design), Janus Stefanowicz (Costume Design), Jerold Forsyth (Lighting Design), Shannon Murphy (Choreographer), and Charles Illingsworth III (Fight Choreography). 

Joyce directs a large cast of versatile actors who bring this musical classic to full and touching fruition. Playing the two star-crossed lovers are Michael Jansen (Billy Bigelow) and second-year acting scholar, Jessica O'Brien (Julie Jordan).  First-year acting scholar Jen Jaynes plays Julie's best friend, Carrie, with Chris Monaco as her beau (Mr. Snow). Billy and Julie's headstrong daughter, Louise, is played by Villanova undergraduate, Emily Poworoznek. Billy's heavenly confidante, the Starkeeper, will be played by Paul Weagraff. Rounding out the principle roles are Lizzy Dalton-Negron as the sultry Mrs. Mullin and first-year acting scholar Ahren Potratz as the crafty Jigger. The production boasts a large ensemble of Villanova students and local actors.

Carousel takes the stage at Villanova Theatre from March 27-April 1 and April 10-22, 2012 with press opening on Wednesday, March 28^th.  Villanova Theatre is located on the Villanova University campus in Vasey Hall (at Lancaster & Ithan Ave.). Performances will be held Tuesdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets run $21-$25, with discounts available for seniors, students and groups. Tickets may be purchased at the Villanova Theatre Box Office (M-S, 12-5 p.m.) in person, by phone:(610) 519-7474, or online at www.villanovatheatre.org.