The
Western Wyoming Community College Theatre & Dance Department will
present “Carousel” April 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26, 2008. All performances
will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the WWCC Theatre on the Rock
Springs campus. Tickets will be $9 for Adults and $5 for Students and
Senior Citizens. “Carousel” is directed by WWCC’s Guest Artist for
Theatre, Rob Lauer from New York City, and is sure to provide an evening
of fun and entertainment for all.
Set in a coastal town in Maine during the late 19th
century, “Carousel” tells the story of a happy-go-lucky carnival barker,
Billy Bigelow, who flirts and woos a naďve millworker, Julie Jordan who
later marries him.
Billy loses his job at the carnival right as he
finds out that his wife is pregnant. He wants to provide a decent life
for his child, despite his lack of income, and so he agrees to become an
accomplice to a robbery. When he is caught in the act and faced with
time in prison, he ends his own life and is sent “up there.”
Billy is given the chance to return to earth for
one day, and he meets his daughter, Louise, who is now 15 years old. In
his short time on earth Billy tries to give his wife and child a sense
of hope and dignity, creating “a dramatic testimony to the power of love
(R&H Theatricals).” Including such musical favorites as “If I Loved
You,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” it is easy to see why Rodgers and
Hammerstein call this their favorite musical.
One unique aspect of many musicals of this era is
the inclusion of a ballet sequence. Choreographing the ballet is
Associate Professor of Dance, Deirdre MacDonald, who commented on her
experience.
“Choreographing a ballet sequence for a musical is
very different from choreographing a modern dance piece, because the
story line is already set. I just have to follow what is given to me,
and help the dancers portray the characters that they have been given
through dance.”
MacDonald also stated, “Most ballet numbers during
this time period would have been done on Pointe; however, I did not feel
that was the way to go in this show because of the characters that are
dancing. We have created a more modern interpretation of a ballet
sequence by making it flow within the action of the show, rather than to
just be a dance number stuck in there that doesn’t further the plot.”
Amber McNew, who plays Julie Jordan, also commented
on her experience portraying this character. “There is no way I could’ve
played Julie without the help of Rob. He is an incredible director who
always makes me think, and pushes me to work harder. I have grown so
much through playing Julie, because this character and I are so
different, but at the same time very alike. It’s been a rewarding
challenge.” All cast members agree that their work through “Carousel”
has caused them to stretch their boundaries, and to learn and grow.
Tickets are available by calling 307-382-1600,
online at
http://www.wwcc.wy.edu/xtheatre/tickets.htm, or at the WWCC
Information Desk. Because of the nature of the show, it is best
understood and enjoyed by adults and children ages 10 and up, however
all patrons ages 5 and up are welcome to attend the performance.
Individuals with children under the age of five who want them to attend
a performance may contact DeeAnna Archuleta at 382-1721 to make
alternate arrangements.
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