Steadstyle Chicago
March 2008 Theatre Review by Meghan Gillogly
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Carousel
Critical Evaluation: *** out of ****
(Left) Nicholas Belton and Johanna McKenzie Miller; (Right) Ernestine Jackson star in Court Theatre's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel".
Court
Theatre presents "Carousel" starring Nicholas Belton,
Johanna McKenzie Miller, and Jessie Mueller. This production of
Rogers and Hammerstien's classic musical "Carousel" was my
first viewing of the show ever. It is a stripped down version
of what is traditionally staged as an elaborate and ornate visually
and sounding show. The orchestra was placed on either side of
the main stage and the musicians wore costumes coordinating with the
actors on stage. The instruments used were a piano, a string
quartet, bass and woodwinds which was short of a full orchestra that
is usually used in the telling of this story.
The actor's transitions from dialogue to singing was often seamless and natural. As in most musicals, it is imperative to listen not only to how these actors sound but also to the words they are singing as it is important to the storyline. The singing in this production was expressive but did not "floor me" in the way a production of this stature should. The singers could have been stronger and sounded like they were holding back. One singer that did not hold back and sounded beautiful in the classic song "You'll Never Walk Alone" was Nettie (Ernestine Jackson). She sang the song not only in a heartfelt and touching manner but performed it in a natural way as that song can sound forced and phony in the hands of an unexperienced actor/singer.
Overall, the acting stood out as the strongest attribute and yes, of course, good acting in a musical is very important but the singing needs to be equal if not stronger. Original dances choreographed by Randy Duncan served as strong and well-executed scenes in this show. The ballet sequence consisted of two equally talented dancers, Louise (Laura Scheinbaum) and the Carnival Boy (Tommy Rapley), whose dancing was graceful and strong. I did enjoy this production of "Carousel" but did not feel the vocals were on par with the acting. I appreciated the artistic approach that was taken to make it different from most productions of this popular musical.
"Carousel" will run through April 13, 2008 at The Court Theatre, located at 5535 S. Ellis Avenue (on the Campus of The University of Chicago. "Carousel" is about two hours and thirty minutes long with one ten minute intermission. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sundays 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $32-$54 and are available at the box office, by phone at 773-753-4472 or online at www.CourtTheatre.org.
About Meghan Gillogly
Meghan Gillogly was born and raised in Florida and has been involved with the arts since the age of two years old. She started as a dancer in everything from tap, jazz, ballet and some ballroom and taught in Orlando for a year. She had the opportunity to study and perform with the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, with Frank Hatchett, a master choreographer from NYC, and danced on Disney's Cinderella castle stage. She became involved with the theater at nine years old with a local community theater and was hooked ever since. Throughout high school she performed in many classic plays including "Guys and Dolls," "Me and my Girl," "Once Upon a Mattress," and "Good News".
After high school, she attended and studied musical theater at Florida State University, Florida Southern College, American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and is currently enrolled at Columbia College here in Chicago to complete her Bachelor's degree. She also had the pleasure of studying with Michael Pieper at Second City, a talented and colorful director. She moved to Chicago two years ago and loves it! Meghan has had experience with creative and analytical writing most recently when reviewing "Massacre" at the Goodman Theatre this past spring for class.
Upon graduating from Columbia, Meghan plans to pursue a professional career as an actress on stage and film and is excited at the great opportunities Chicago offers to all of the arts professionally. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with Steadstyle and see some of the world's best actors perform here in Chicago. She also looks forward to not only experiencing the performances but becoming educated as she is a budding actress herself!
Court Takes a Spin with R & H Classic
Review by Alan Bresloff
Rodgers
and Hammerstein's beloved classical musical Drama (probably the
first of its type) "Carousel" is currently being staged at
The Court Theatre at The University of Chicago and what a solid
production it is. Artistic Director Charles Newell creates pure
magic on the small stage and gives the audience a much more intimate
look into the lives of the characters. He has put together a
superior cast of actors who can sing, and with choreography by Randy
Duncan and musical direction by Doug Peck, Newell shows us that we do
not need the glitz and glamor, but instead a solid script, great
music and a talented cast to provide us with a memorable theatrical experience.
Based on Molnar's "Liliom", "Carousel" is a love story that reached beyond the grave. Set in a small New England town, a carnival barker and a mill worker make a life together, but Billy is unhappy with his choices and often finds himself taking out his frustration on Julie, even with physical abuse. There are some happy times as well and what we as an audience get to observe is how important telling the person you love that you love them really is. When Billy finds out Julie is with child he panics. "What can he do for a child?" "He's got to make money or die". These are lines from a marvelous Soliloquy to close Act One and as performed by young Nicholas Belton as Billy, you will hear and feel the emotion that the creators wanted the listener to feel. He handles this role masterfully. Johanna McKnezie Miller is a wonderful Julie and they play well off each other.
The other love story in this show involves Julie's best friend Carrie (Jessie Mueller is great fun to watch) and her beau, Mr. Snow (Rob Lindley with just the right touch). The small ensemble fills the stage in all the characters they take on. Matthew Brumlow is a solid Jigger, the bad guy who causes the downfall for Billy, and Hollis Resnik (a Chicago treat on any stage, in any role) plays both Billy's boss at the Carousel and his heavenly friend. Ernestine Jackson also takes on several supporting roles as does Laura Scheinbaum who shines as Louise, the daughter Billy comes back to save. The Ballet in Act Two is her chance to bring out her character with very little to say which she handles skillfully. This piece is handled very gracefully on the small stage, thanks to her partner Tommy Rapley, and Randy Duncan's choreography, using each section of the stage to perfection.
From the overture (an intro ballet) to the finale "Never Walk Alone" and all the great music in between, "What's The Use Of Wondering", "Real Nice Clambake", "If I Loved You", "June Is Busting Out All Over" and more, this is a score that ties the story and the characters together, almost like an opera and is often credited with the concept of todays' modern musical where there is very little dialogue at all. I can tell you, there were very few dry eyed people during the curtain calls, so bring some tissues for this one.