Excellent Restaging Of Classic Musical 'Carousel'

Intimate restagings of classic American musicals are the trademark of director Charles Newell, whose work with Chicago's Court Theatre is happily making the acquaintance of Connecticut audiences: "My Fair Lady" ...

[Roselle Macdonald]

I did not know the plot of "Carousel," and I appreciate you telling us. I will not lokely return to Long Wharf until/unless they porvide seats with at least a LITTLE leg room! On page D8 (top) didn't you mean late 19th century, rather tha mid 18th century?

[Clinton Macgowan]

I saw this production last night. I agree with much of this review, but "Carousel" is a musical. Musicals are meant to be sung. Nicholas Belton acted the role of Billy Bigelow superbly, but he barely sang the role, relying mostly on a sort of parlando approach. Rex Harrison was able to do this as Henry Higgins in "My Fair Lady" because Lerner and Lowe tailored his songs to his approach. Billy Bigelow's songs were first sung by John Raitt, a fine baritone who sang them beautifully. Comparing Mr. Raitt's performance with Mr. Belton's, I was woefully disappointed in this production. Sorry.