Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, based on a story by Ferenc
Molnar, takes place between 1873 and 1888 in a small New England fishing
village. The tale revolves around a love affair between Billy Bigelow, a
travelling carnival man, and Julie Jordan, a local factory worker. Desperate
for money after learning that he is soon to become a father, Billy is killed
during an attempted robbery. Several years later, when he is allowed to
return to earth for a short time, he seeks out the daughter of his union
with Julie.
Carousel reunited the creative team that had brought Oklahoma!
to the stage two years earlier, including director Robert Mamoulian and
choreographer Agnes de Mille. The show opened at the Majestic Theatre on
April 19, 1945 and ran for 890 performances. The 1956 film version featured
Gordon McRae and Shirley Jones. |
