After tryouts in New Haven and Boston, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s second collaboration opened at Broadway’s Majestic Theatre on April 19, 1945, where it ran for 890 performances. Winner of the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award as Best Musical of 1945, Carousel went on to a two-year national tour, as well as countless productions throughout the world. In 1950, Carousel … Read More
Ballet
At the heavenly gates, Billy learns that time on earth passes far more quickly “up here.” In a sequence told entirely through dance, Billy watches the struggles of his now-teenage daughter, whose life is no easier than her father’s was.
The Highest Judge of All
Forced to reckon with his past in the backyard of heaven, Billy defiantly refuses to be kicked around the way he was on earth.
You’ll Never Walk Alone
After Billy’s suicide, Nettie comforts the distraught Julie with words of hope. An American standard covered by countless recording artists, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” made its way on the Billboard 100 four times, each sung by a different vocalist. The first, released 20 years after the song’s premiere, was Patti LaBelle and The Blue Belles’ recording in February 1964. Subsequent … Read More
What’s the Use of Wond’rin’?
After Billy leaves with Jigger, Julie realizes her husband is up to no good. Left alone once again, she ponders the nature of their relationship.
Geraniums in the Winder
After seeing his beloved Carrie demonstrate her self-defense skills with Jigger Craigin, Enoch Snow sorrowfully mourns what might have been; it appears that Carrie has created irreparable damage to their relationship.
A Real Nice Clambake
Resting in languorous content, the full-bellied New Englanders sigh a breath of delight after a filling and delicious seaside clambake picnic.
Soliloquy
Having just learned that Julie is pregnant, Billy doesn’t know quite how to react. But soon he muses on what it will be like when his son is born – and then suddenly it hits him: his child may be a girl. This brilliant eight-minute solo, in which Billy Bigelow reveals his inner passions and fears, propels the father-to-be to … Read More
Blow High, Blow Low
Restless and excited to be back at sea, a rowdy pack of sea-ready sailors prepare and load their docked ship on the eve of a whaling excursion.
When The Children Are Asleep
Carrie and Enoch eagerly envision their future of starting a family – a large one – as Mr. and Mrs. Snow.
Mister Snow (Reprise)
Carrie tells a crowd of gossiping girls that she and Mr. Snow are getting married. As Carrie shares exciting details of the coming nuptials, Enoch Snow himself arrives, revealing his true self and reveling in the joyful anticipation.
June Is Bustin’ Out All Over
Nettie Fowler prepares for the clambake while restless fisherman and hungry New Englanders anticipate a hearty summer feast just across the bay. As the weather warms, everyone’s feeling a bit frisky.