Hello readers,
I’m introducing a new feature–Snoop’s Soapbox. I’m not sure how regular this series will be, but whenever there is a theatre-related issue that I feel strong enough about that I just have to write a blog post, this is the heading I will use. So, here goes:
This is a subject I’ve been thinking about for a while (years, actually), and I finally felt compelled to write about it, partially because I just saw the excellent Muny production of South Pacific and it made me wonder even more why the Muny has continually passed up the opportunity to produce one of the all-time classics of musical theatre and a show that many critics consider to be Rodgers and Hammerstein’s best, Carousel. Here are two interesting facts to consider from the back of the Muny program (where they list all the shows they’ve produced and in what years):
1. The last time the Muny put on a production of Carousel was in 1988. That’s 25 years ago!
2. In those 25 years, the Muny has produced the Rodgers and Hammerstein shows Oklahoma! three times, South Pacific and The Sound of Music four times each, and The King and I five times.
What is the deal, Muny? Rodgers and Hammerstein shows are obviously very popular, but what escapes me is why the Muny would avoid producing one of the team’s best-loved shows in favor of putting on the same four over and over. I’m sure there have been some great productions of those four shows in those 25 years (I’ve seen some of them), but with such a catalog of shows to choose from, why not pick the one show that hasn’t been performed over and over again? Why not give the audience something “new” for a change?
Also, as I’ve mentioned, Carousel is a celebrated classic of musical theatre. Time magazine rated it the best musical of the 20th century, and Entertainment Weekly included it on its list of the 10 best musicals of all time. It has been produced many times on Broadway and around the world, and has a brilliant score that contains some beloved classic songs, such as “If I Loved You”, “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. It’s a show that portrays a full spectrum of human emotion, from love, hope and faith to fear, jealousy and anger, from joy and humor to sadness and regret. It portrays the optimism and occasional foolishness of youth as well as the wisdom and occasional cynicism of age. It’s a challenge for any director and has some great parts for a variety of actors. It does feature some intense moments and deals with some controversial issues, but it is ultimately a celebration of life, hope, mercy, redemption and the power of love. It shows the full range of humanity, both good and bad. It’s a truly beautiful musical and I’m sad that the Muny has neglected this show for so long.
Come on, Muny. It’s been 25 years! Why not give Carousel another spin?
Yeah, I agree with you. The reason often given for avoiding “Carousel” is that it’s too dark, or, oddly enough, too light and sweet compared to “Oklahoma,” “King and I,” etc. Check out “If I loved you” on you tube with James Snyder and Teal Wicks at the Goodspeed Playhouse, and you’ll see it’s really awesome.