Carousel

MUSIC by Richard Rodgers, BOOK and LYRICS by Oscar Hammerstein II, BASED on the play Liliom by Ferenc Molnar (as adapted by Benjamin Glazer)

Website: www.rnh.com

Carousel was Agnes de Mille’s second collaboration with Rodgers and Hammerstein. The scenario of her dances in this musical theatre work centers on the community of men and women of a Maine coastline town where sailors come into port. Some of her most remarkable work is her continued dramatic invention that characterizes the solos and dances of the young adolescent “Louise,” the troubled teenage daughter of the two main characters. De Mille considered this a particular challenge, “close to playwriting.” The dances in this musical include: “Blow High, Blow Low” (a dance with the sailors) followed by “Hornpipe” (with the women of the town), “June is Bustin’ Out All Over,” (featuring the women) and the famous “Ballet” including “Louise’s solo.” As with her other major musical theater works, the dances of Carousel, may be presented within the context of the show, or as a Suite of dances for a mixed program.

Carousel. “Blow High, Blow Low.” New York Theatre Ballet. Photo credit: Richard Termine/Courtesy of NYTB