Reviews
April 2010
Carousel
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Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic 'Carousel' needs no introduction. Its timeless story and songs have been performed and enjoyed for many years, and have also been the content of many amateur companies’ programmes. This bright and colourful production was a very traditional version of a much loved classic, and I am certain that anybody who expected to see the show performed as it should be would not have been disappointed. The production was well costumed and, on the whole, well performed. Some of the scenes lacked pace, which wasn't helped by the lengthy black-outs and scene changes - this made the opening night performance seem a bit over-long. High points included a rousing version of 'Blow High Blow Low' by the mens’ chorus, and also the famous 'June Is Bustin' Out All Over'. There were stand-out performances from the very talented Lydia Shaw, who was a triple threat in the role of "Carrie" and Ian Rix, who gave an energetic and charismatic turn as "Jigger". The musical direction and brilliant orchestra must also feature as a high point, as it were they who gave this production its heart and soul. Adam Myers |
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CAROUSEL is one of
those musicals where the songs are so memorable that, even if you are one of
those rare people who haven't experienced Rodgers and Hammerstein before, you will
be humming the ttmes by the time you've left the theatre.
The range in many of the songs is too great for most of us to sing properly (just listen to a football crowd singing You'll Never Walk Alone! ) so it takes a very special musical theatre group to do it justice. Within RMDS there is a wealth of talent and the singers were chosen wisely for the numbers in this production. Without doubt, teenager Lydia Shaw is one of the finest young performers I have ever seen. The ease with which she takes to a character must be attributed not only to hard work and dedication but absolute natural talent and if her name were to appear on the billing, it would be a good indication the show would be worth seeing. Her portrayal of Carrie Pipperidge was delightful and amusing, Her singing voice clear, strong and full of joy, she is obviously happy and totally at ease on stage. Another performer who owned the stage was lan Rix as baddie Jigger Craigin. Ian made the perfect villain, partly because he was just so funny! Rebecca North played gentle Julie Jordan well, with elegance and femininity and newcomer to the society Jeremy Mills was a good choice for the handsome, rugged Billy Bigelow as he showed the vulnerable, caring side of this misunderstood and often stupid ruffian. It was noticeable how well the orchestra, under the direction of Chris Guy, complemented the singing, not only in terms of tone and volume, but in enhancing the atmosphere and emotion of the numbers. Director Rosemary Guy has appeared in a production of Carousel herself and, no doubt, this helped with her understanding and enthusiasm for how it should be performed and the way each scene moved smoothly on to another. Superb, creative choreography by Jenny Elward, great costumes by Jeannie Seymour and her team and the most magnificent carousel built by the set team.Sally Young |