Bustin’ Out All Over

Carousel

Chicagoland audiences are in for a magical and moving musical treat with Music Theater Works’ second production of its 2024 season. Showcasing one of the best of the Rodgers and Hammerstein canon, this exquisite presentation follows their incredible production of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. The company’s latest offering is a seldom-produced romantic musical by America’s iconic composer and lyricist team. Based upon “Liliom,” Ferenc Molnar’s tragic 1909 drama, this gorgeous musical, like their first hit, OKLAHOMA, became another groundbreaker in American theatre back in 1945, with its antihero, dark themes and poignant ending. And Music Theater Works’ new production, so full of talent, is simply “bustin’ out all over.” 

Billy Bigelow is a ruggedly handsome, quick-tempered carnival roustabout. He enjoys flirting with the young women who flock to carnival’s carousel. But the young man has anger management issues, as the audience soon witnesses. Billy unexpectedly falls in love with lovely, strong-willed Julie Jordan, a young woman who willingly sacrifices her job at the textile mill to be with her blackguard boyfriend. When Billy learns he’s to become a father, the desperate young man enters into a desperate criminal scheme with another scoundrel, Jigger Craigin. Together they plot to kill the wealthy mill manager and steal thousands of dollars from him. The plan goes awry and, when Billy loses his life, he goes to Purgatory. In an attempt to right the many wrongs he committed when he was alive, Billy’s allowed to return to earth for one day. Although invisible, Billy sees Julie once more, along with his daughter Louise, now a lonely teenager, like himself. In the final moments of the story, both Julie and Louise find the strength they need to carry on with their lives and Billy returns to Heaven, happy in the knowledge that those he loves most will be all right.

This classic musical is one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s lesser-known works from the Golden Age of Broadway. In this era of political correctness, the musical is seldom ever produced these days because it deals with spousal abuse. But Music Theater Works’ production doesn’t shy away from this difficult topic. It’s part of the plot. Instead the company embraces it while focusing on the intense love story, the incredibly lush score and the polished performances. This is a stellar presentation and it stands out for many reasons. 

Most audiences will be familiar with some of the show’s music, but for many theatergoers this will be an introduction to CAROUSEL. Gifted Director Sasha Gerritson may be remembered for her excellent work last season when she brought a beautifully realized production of BRIGADOON to the MTW stage. Here she’s staged another classic American musical in a similar, old-fashioned theatrical style, while totally focusing on a romance that defies time and place. Ms. Gerritson’s vision offers a grandly majestic, almost operatic sweep. The production overflows with colorful characters and inventive, balletic movement and dances, courtesy of talented Choreographer Andrew Waters. 

This lavish, spectacular production takes place near the ocean in late 19th century Maine. The production, with its large cast and sweeping setting, totally fills the stage. It sports a multilevel/multipurpose Scenic Design created by Shane Cinal, which is enhanced by a brilliant, sun-splashed Lighting Design by Andrew Meyers. Rachel M. Sypniewski’s practical, pastel, working class costumes look period perfect. Dr. Michael McBride conducts a talented 16-piece pit orchestra, recreating Richard Rodgers’ rich, hauntingly memorable melodies in a way unknown to modern audiences. Particularly lush and unforgettable are the show’s symphonic prelude, “The Carousel Waltz,” as well as the gorgeous Ballet in Act II. Dr. McBride has also masterfully brought all of his trained singers to full voice in this astounding piece of theatre.

In addition to Director Sasha Gerritson, this cast features many of the talented triple threat performers from Music Theater Works’ BRIGADOON. Conor Jordan, who played Tommy Albright in that production, returns to captivate audiences with his solid portrayal of Billy Bigelow, the musicals antihero. Mr. Jordan is a fine, accomplished young actor/singer who brings humanity and compassion to his sultry, swaggaring portrayal of a character that many consider a villain. He’s truly captivating, as is beautiful Maliha Sayed, who makes her MTW debut as Julie Jordan. What a voice, what an actress! Audiences may remember Maliha from Theo Ubique’s lovely THE SONDHEIM TRIBUTE or in ARABIA, ARABIA! at The Plagiarists. In this production Ms. Sayed is remarkable as a moving and feisty young woman who’s not afraid to go after the man she loves, but can’t speak those words until he’s no longer with her. These two shining stars give heartfelt performances. They take their duet “If I Loved You” to another level, creating a sumptuous treat for the eyes and ears that audiences won’t soon forget. Julie’s hauntingly melancholy, “What’s the Use of Wond’rin” is sung with such soul and feeling; and Billy’s finale to Act I, simply entitled “Soliloquy,” is a masterclass in how to act a song. Both Mr. Jordan and Ms. Sayed are top-notch performers, and I can’t wait to see them again in future productions.

The supporting cast is just as excellent as its two leads. Lovely Ella Gatlin makes her auspicious MTW debut as Carrie, Julie’s best friend. Ms. Gatlin caresses all her songs, such as “Mister Snow” and “When the Children Are Asleep,” sung with gifted actor/singer Will Koski (…SPELLING BEE) who plays the staunch, upstanding fisherman, Enoch Snow. And Alicia Berneche returns to Music Theater Works as the perfect Nettie Fowler. This sassy, but motherly, boarding house proprietor charms both the company and the audience with her “June is Bustin’ Out All Over,” “A Real Nice Clambake” and a song that never fails to evoke a tear, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Susannah Harvey, who was a comely Bonnie Jean in BRIGADOON, is superb as young Louise, Julie and Billy’s teenage daughter. She sings beautifully and dances with grace in the musical’s “Ballet.” She shares that choreographed scene with Alex Iacobucci, as the Carnival Boy. Will Leonard and Erika Rose are both equally despicable, playing rowdy scoundrel Jigger Craigin and the conniving and narcissistic carousel owner, Mrs. Mullin.

This unique opportunity to see and hear this seldom-produced musical, performed close to the way Rodgers and Hammerstein envisioned their hit musical, shouldn’t be missed. There’s romance, humor, pathos, great acting, singing and dancing, as well as Music Theater Works’ signature orchestral excellence. This company seems to be getting better and better with each production, in a musical classic that’s just bustin’ out all over with talent.      

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 8-18 by Music Theater Works at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the theater box office, or by going to www.MusicTheaterWorks.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.