“Carousel” is based on Ferenc Molnar’s 1909 drama “Liliom,” about a carnival barker and his wife, Julie, who loves him even though he abuses her. It ends with a line no one could write today: “It is possible that someone may beat you and beat you and not hurt you at all.” Rodgers and Hammerstein cringed at that line.
When was the Carousel originally opened on Broadway and its most recent revival?
A production by Nicholas Hytner enjoyed success in 1992 in London, in 1994 in New York and on tour. Another Broadway revival opened in 2018. In 1999, Time magazine named Carousel the best musical of the 20th century….Carousel (musical)
| Carousel | |
|---|---|
| Basis | Liliom by Ferenc Molnár |
What is the story of Carousel?
Based on the lauded Rodgers and Hammerstein stage musical, this film follows the romance of Billy Bigelow (Gordon MacRae), a charming carousel barker, and Julie Jordan (Shirley Jones), a pretty worker from a nearby mill. When the attractive young couple gets married, they also both find themselves unemployed, which puts a strain on their relationship. When Billy finds out that Julie is pregnant, he resorts to extreme measures to get money, a decision that leads to tragedy.
Carousel/Film synopsis
Does Billy hit Julie in Carousel?
It’s a month later: Julie and Billy are married and are living with her cousin. Billy’s been out of work and spending what little money they have in bad company; he listens balefully from afar to the carousel music. And he’s hit Julie.
How old is Julie in Carousel?
JULIE JORDAN — Age Range 20-mid 30s. A real New England village girl, but ‘deeper’, quieter and more complex than her friends. Her infatuation for Billy turns to a love which is proof against his fatal character weaknesses and lives on many years after the tragedy.
How many times has Carousel been revived?
The production is the fifth revival of the musical, which first opened on Broadway in 1945. The last revival, in 1994, played for about a year and won five Tonys. The new “Carousel” arrived at a moment of debate over the portrayal of women in classic musicals.
When was Carousel last on Broadway?
The Jack O’Brien-helmed production stars Tony winner Jessie Mueller and Tony nominee Joshua Henry. The 2018 Broadway revival of Carousel offer its final ride September 16.
