2003

By Rob Stevens

*Critic's Pick*

The fifty-plus year classic by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Carousel, is being given a wonderfully luscious revival by Cabrillo Music Theatre in Thousand Oaks. It's well worth the drive to see the strongest production this reviewer has seen mounted by Cabrillo. The producers and director Lewis Wilkenfeld have opted to return to the more traditional staging of the show and not use the industrial revolution framework that Trevor Nunn pinned on the show's London and Broadway revival in the late 1990s, giving it an even darker tone. Carousel has always been the "darkest" of the R&H canon, with its antihero a wife beater, absent father, petty thief and womanizer. Wilkenfeld has cast strongly, both for singing voices and dramatic abilities, and under his sure direction, his large cast delivers the goods.

Kevin Earley owns the stage as Billy Bigelow, a barker at the carousel in small town New England. His rich and powerful voice rings through the large theater and his bad boy persona is gleefully expressed. His easy charms have the ladies all over him, but he's attracted to the shy and solid Julie (an enchanting performance by Kristi Holden). Although they both profess not to care about love and each other, in "If I Loved You," it's obvious these opposites are definitely attracted to each other. A quick marriage, pregnancy, and hard times soon lead to marital discord and his rep as a "wife beater." But the thought of being a parent awakens some new feelings in Billy and Earley's delivery of "Soliloquy" is a real standout in this hit and hit songfest.

The supporting cast is very strong, starting with Gordon Goodman as Jigger, the wicked influence in Billy's life. The comedy relief is marvelously handled by Mindy Reid as Julie's best friend Carrie and Justin Robertson as Carrie's Mr. Snow. Jennifer Matthews makes a comforting presence as Nettie and belts out both standards, "June is Busting Out All Over" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" with aplomb.

The score is gloriously played by the orchestra under the baton of musical director Ilana Eden. Peggy Hickey's choreography for the large chorus is lively and exciting. Her ballet, featuring the wonderful Lisa Gillespie (as Billy's tomboyish daughter Luisa), is a remarkable and moving piece of theater. With Earley's commanding voice, the usually cut "Highest Judge of All" is back in this production. Wilkenfeld also did something this reviewer has never seen in all the various Carousel's he has encountered: the role of The Starkeeper was divided among Jigger, Nettie, Mr. Snow, and other people Billy had encountered in his life on earth. Each imparts a bit of knowledge about the afterlife and Billy's chance at redemption. It's a lovely touch that works extremely well. Bravo to all concerned, except to the sound designer who made some of the glorious voices sound tinny and hollow at times.

Carousel, produced by Raymond and Cheryl Mastrovito for Cabrillo Music Theatre at the Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks. (805) 583-8700. $17- 38. Fri-Sat, 8; Sun, 2. Closes April 6.