REVIEW: Boston Lyric Opera’s ‘Carousel’ illuminates in the darkest of times
Anne Bogart establishes an immensely creative way to establish this carousel, but this one is enclosed behind a steel cage.
Under Anne Bogart’s symbolic direction, Shura Baryshnikov’s blend of sweeping and playful ballet-inspired choreography and beautifully conducted by David Angus, Boston Lyric Opera presents the 80th Anniversary production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical Carousel continuing through Sunday, April 13 at Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. The action is not limited to the stage and runs 2 hours and 50 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets. It also provides further information on Boston Lyric Opera’s upcoming Britten’s Noah’s Flood premiering for free in May.
Based on the 1909 Hungarian play Liliom, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel has stood the test of time as a classic musical with themes that have resonated with audiences and adapted in a number of ways over its 80 year history. It debuted right here on Boston’s Colonial Theatre stage for its pre-Broadway run on March 27, 1945 and Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones starred in its 1956 critically-acclaimed film adaptation. It has also been revived onstage a number of times over the years, but its most acclaimed stage revival occurred in 1994. This dark and provocative depiction won multiple Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Choreography, Best Scenic Design, Best Musical Direction and a Best Actress win for Audra McDonald as Carrie Pepperidge.
However, I am most fond of it because I was part of a traditional college production as Mrs. Mullin. Dressed in a thick fur coat, leather maroon skirt and fishnet stockings, Boston Lyric Opera’s Sarah Heltzel holds her own as widow and carousel owner Mrs. Mullin. Streetwise, lovelorn and more than a little manipulative, Heltzel puts up a tough front that can barely conceal her true feelings for Edward Nelson as complicated and charismatic carousel barker Billy Bigelow.
Set in coastal Maine, Carousel tackles what has been considered controversial themes when it was released in 1945. Its portrayal of domestic violence, generational trauma and family pressures are some of the darker issues of this musical, but strength, faith, support and community stand just as tall in this production.
Earon Chew Nealey and Haydee Zelideth collaborate to showcase wildly modern and vibrant wigs and shimmering costumes which include carousel workers dressed from a glimmering butterfly to elaborate horses. The script features a few subtle changes, but mostly sticks to the essence of the traditional production 80 years ago. Minor changes can make a big difference such as Jamie Barton’s rendition of When You Walk through a Storm instead of ‘hold your head up high,’ as Nettie’s building vocals advises ‘Keep your head up high.’ However, terms such as ‘scallywag,’ ‘riff raff,’ ‘pollywog’ and ideas such as mill workers having to be back for curfew in a boarding house sounds somewhat awkward within the contemporary glow of the production.
Sara Brown’s mostly barebones set features a multipurpose wooden platform, winding staircase and a rustic wooden set with beach grass, a plant is fittingly and symbolically capable of weathering any storms or conditions. Brian H Scott’s multicolor lighting embellish these exuberant costumes, the rippling coastline, and its intense moments punctuated by an animated lit halo illuminated above the cast serving various purposes throughout the production.
The orchestra swells and the cast delivers soaring harmonies and rich and flawless vocals. In denim cut off shorts, sparkling stockings and boots, soprano Brandie Sutton depicts mysterious Julie Jordan and in pink hair and an exuberant fuchsia tutu, soprano Anya Matanovic bursts with joy as Carrie Pepperidge. Cool and collected Julie with dreamy and transparent Carrie is the envy of all friendships. These are two strongly bonded women and their compelling and excitable camaraderie unfailingly lift each other up, look out for and support each other in every victory and heartache.
In a black beard and orange suspenders, tenor Omar Najmi portrays staunchly traditional, practical yet big dreamer Enoch Snow. If you think Carrie has dreams, Enoch’s are bigger. Enoch is confident of his strengths and Matanovic’s Carrie clearly adores him. They embark on some sweet moments and humorously curious misunderstandings.
In a white cowboy hat, black leather vest, tattered black jeans and multicolor hooded sweatshirt, baritone Edward Nelson strikes a chord in a powerful performance as prideful, defensive and contemplative Billy Bigelow. Nelson not only masters the inflection and intensity of the character especially in a humorous and stirring transformation for Soliloquy, but also captures Billy’s conflicted and anxious demeanor. Nelson shares some of that conflict with mysterious Sutton in a touching rendition of If I Loved You which isn’t love at first sight, but gently unfolds through song as the ensemble looks on. They are a consistent presence as stage hands making blossoms fall, workers and community members who are never far away.
In a flowing black skirt and tied blouse, Abigail Marie Curran as misguided Louise is luminous expressing liveliness, longing, and loneliness in each delicate, athletic and dynamic step. In fatigues and work boots, baritone Markel Reed delivers some comical moments in slick and tricky Jigger who does little to conceal his shady motivations, especially during Blow High, Blow Low.
In a billowing polka dot skirt and vibrant purple hair, mezzo soprano Jaime Barton is inviting as nurturing, wise and discerning Nettie. Barton is as playful in June is Busting out All Over and This was a real Nice Clambake as Rodgers and Hammerstein’s appetizing lyrics burst forth in succulent glory. When You Walk through a Storm is a masterpiece and Barton delivers it tenderly.
It was a remarkable experience to revisit this beloved musical and Bogart’s latest vision does little to affect the show’s inherent story or the timeless message of hope and resilience in the darkest of times.
Boston Lyric Opera presents the 80th Anniversary production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical Carousel continuing through Sunday, April 13 at Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and for tickets. It also provides further information on Boston Lyric Opera’s upcoming Britten’s Noah’s Flood premiering for free in May.
