"Carousel"

Last night I went to the Avon Theatre in Stratford, to see and hear 'Rogers and Hammerstein's masterpiece, (one of many of their masterpieces ) “Carousel”.

The show opened in April of 1945, just weeks before the end of the European Theatre of WWII

and it is loosely based on the Hungarian Playright Ference Molnar's “Liliom”.

“Carousel” is a complicated Musical on many levels but the music as well as the lyrics are so moving and heart rending as it champions unconditional love, that one easily accepts the fantasy filled ending.

And now I will say something, which will, I am certain, bring either howls of protest, or condescending smiles: “Carousel” is the fines piece of musical entertainment I have ever seen, and I include all the Operas I have attended.

Unfortunately, photography was “strictly forbidden” and the lighting conditions were not conducive to the taking of non-flash, clandestine images. So you have to be satisfied with what can be seen below.:

Segment of the interior  of the Avon Theatre .

The "Carousel" where Billy, the hero of this play works.

Rather than be captured and imprisoned, Billy commits suicide.

A messenger from Heaven,  riding a Carousel Horse, gives Billy a second chance to do the right thing.

A bitter-sweet ending to a marvellous production.

Tonight it will be "Hamlet" in the Festival Theatre.

Bertstravel

looks forward to this production.