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Carousel is one of those Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals that’s oft overlooked in favor of shows like The Sound of Music, South Pacific and The King and I. It certainly doesn’t deserve this second-tier billing, and the Plays & Players Theater Company know that.

P&P will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel beginning with preview performances May 27th and 28th, with opening night May 29th. The show, going on at Plays & Players Mainstage, runs through June 12th.

Carousel’s story centers around two generations living in a small New England town, beginning with the budding relationship between Julie Jordan, a young mill worker, and Billy Bigelow, the local Carousel barker. Other relationships emerge as the young couple eventually marries, and Billy struggles make ends meet and their relationship begins to crumble.

The story then moves away from clam bakes and gossip to tragedy and redemption after a botched robbery attempt finds Billy trying to make amends for the mistakes he’s made during his life, in an effort to get into heaven 15 years after his death.

Carousel’s known for being one of the first musicals to rely heavily on tragedy in its plot. But like all good musicals, it’s just as well known for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s tunes and lyrics as it is for its story. Even casual musical fans will recognize cuts like If I Loved You, June Is Bustin’ Out All Over and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Carousel
May 29 – June 12, 2010
$25-$30 ($15 student rush tickets)

Plays & Players Mainstage
1714 Delancey Place, Philadelphia PA
(215) 735-0630
www.playsandplayers.org