STAGE REVIEW Playhouse offers another enjoyable 'Carousel' ride

The play revolves around the life and death of a gullible carnival barker.
By MARGARET NERY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The adage "What goes around comes around" could well have been coined to describe Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel," which opened Friday night at Youngstown Playhouse much to the delight of the fascinated audience.
And while it has been said by pundits that "familiarity breeds contempt," the musical proved that the opposite is true. Those who have come to appreciate the lovely lyrical tunes applauded in approval as an exceptionally talented cast turned the rather implausible plot of love and tragedy into a delightful evening of entertainment.
And, of course, because it is a musical, it will best be remembered for the unforgettable melodies sung with gusto by the enthusiastic chorus.
The story
The plot really revolves around Billy Bigelow, an erstwhile carnival carousel ride barker who believes he charms all the young women whom he persuades to ride the carousel.
But it is the shy, innocent Julie Jordan who wins his heart, and he suddenly finds himself a married man. Fired from his job because his boss feels a married man won't be good for business, Billy is unable to get work to support his wife and the child (hopefully a son) they are expecting. His inability to make things better makes things worse as he loses control of his temper and lashes out at the wife who loves him despite all his faults.
Ultimately he falls in with bad company and is convinced the only way to get the money he needs is by committing a robbery. However, he is even a failure at that, and rather than go to prison, kills himself after a botched robbery attempt.
Billy ultimately finds himself in the after world, where an understanding starkeeper allows him to return to earth to make amends for his mistakes.
In reality one would wonder why such a loser should be given another chance. But "Carousel" is theater where the relationship between reality and make-believe are often blurred, and Billy gets an opportunity to go around once more -- and almost flubs that chance.
Cast
With his cocky attitude and big, resounding baritone voice, David El'Hatton as Billy Bigelow brings the rather gullible character to life and even manages to make the audience feel sorry for the man whose life is constantly in shambles. He is at his best as he confidentially delivers Bill's moving soliloquy about the child he will never know.
Lesley Ann Gent with her beautiful voice and sensitive performance is lovely as the infatuated Julie Jorden who marries Billy and loves him deeply despite all his faults.
But theirs is not the only love match in the fast-moving "Carousel." Brandy Johanntges is outstanding as Carrie Pipperidge who is enamored with Enoch Snow Sr., ( played to the hilt by the amusing Dean Wennerstrom) and together they manage to produce seven (delightful) children.
Also in major roles are Monica Beasley-Martin as the carnival owner, Mrs. Mullin; Gerri Sullivan as Nettie Fowler, who cooks and organizes and lends her shoulder to cry on; Seldon Gent as the Starkeeper; Scott Guthrie as the unsavory Jigger; Garry Clark as David Bascombe, the shopkeeper; and Kelly Sullivan as Billy's daughter, Louise.
"Carousel" is filled with such nostalgic melodies as "If I Loved You" and You'll Never Walk Alone," the optimistic, "June is Bustin' Out all over" and of course the rousing "Real Nice Clambake." J.E. Ballantyne deserves a lot of credit for assembling such an outstanding cast of superb performers and vocalists and persuading them to climb on board for a whirlwind ride on this crowd-pleasing "Carousel.