By Amanda Berg Whittle
I had the wonderful opportunity to attend Carousel at the Murray Park Amphitheater as a part of Murray Arts in the Park. Though I am familiar with Carousel, I’d never been to the brand-new amphitheater, which not only has the cleanliness of a new facility, but it’s pretty luxe. You don’t expect marble countertops in a city park’s bathrooms, but this place has them. The bleachers have seat backs, which helps add comfort when you’re watching a two and-a-half hour musical.
Carousel is a classic, created by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein–two of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Carousel follows a carnival barker who falls in love with a girl he sees at the carnival where he works. He loses his job just as he finds out his new bride is pregnant and, desperate to provide for his young family, is coerced into being an accomplice to robbery. When he’s caught and faced with prison, he accidently kills himself and is sent “up there”. Fifteen years later, he is allowed to go down to Earth for one day. He sees his daughter struggling with the mess he left behind, and attempts to give her and her mother the hope and dignity they deserve to carry on without him.
Jim Smith (Director) and Marty Taylor (Music Director) did a great job working collaboratively with Margene Conde (choreographer) to create a successful ensemble in addition to the wonderful leads cast in this production of Carousel. Even with few props and set pieces, Conde and Smith and Set Designer D. Scott Thomas designed the show to use their space well and minimal props wisely.
Cassie Pipperidge (Corrin LeBaron) and Enoch Snow (Mike Romney) have two of the best singing voices I’ve ever heard in a community musical, and work quite well as a stage couple, especially when singing the song “When the Children are Asleep.” Jigger Craigin (Kevin Elzey) has such a strong and hilarious personality. Despite being a smaller part, he was my favorite. For a young girl, Louise Bigelow (Tanner Jones) has incredible dance skills. Additionally, as much as I dislike the character, Billy Bigelow (Damon Yauney) is quite successful at portraying his character’s emotions.
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As an instrumentalist myself, I was especially impressed with the 30-person orchestra and how they were able to create a large sound with minimal people.
I appreciated the large array of colors in the costumes (Mary Ellen Smith), and how appropriate they are for the time period they portray. I also appreciate the overwhelming cuteness of the little children in the show.
I’m glad I was able to attend Carousel in Murray, and would highly recommend it. It is at the park, so remember to wear bug spray, bring a picnic or snack, and enjoy this classic musical.
Murray City Cultural Arts presents Carousel by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein Murray Park Amphitheater 495 5300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84107
August 11-12, 14, 17-19 at 8:00 PM
Tickets: Adult $10 Child/Seniors $8
Contact: 801-264-2614
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It’s too bad that you as a reviewer can overlook the lead roles of Julie and Nettie in the production of “Carousel”. They by far are the two most talented singers with their beautiful voices, are both extremely qualified, polished and have a real background in music and theater. Ignorance is bliss!