Music Fills the Air in Woodminster’s Production of “Carousel”

Music filled the air in Oakland, CA. as Woodminster’s production of “Carousel” was a smash hit! Featuring an outstanding cast, along with brilliant stage sets, a wonderful orchestra (kudos to conductor Debra Lambert), and great creative team, led by Director Joel Schlader, this was Woodminster’s latest in a season of brilliant performances seen under the stars. This classic play was created by the talented Richard Rodgers who composed the music, and Oscar Hammerstein who wrote the lyrics. It was first performed on Broadway in 1945.  Some of the famous songs include: “June is busting out all over”, “You’ll never walk alone”, and “If I loved you”.

     Taking place In a late 19th-century coastal village in Maine, a carefree and popular carnival barker, Billy Bigelow (Cody Craven) marries gentle millworker Julie Jordan (Elise Walters). Their lives take a tragic turn when Billy loses his job just as Julie reveals her pregnancy, leading him to commit a robbery out of desperation. Caught and facing a dark fate, Billy takes his own life but is granted one day to return to Earth 15 years later. During this brief reunion, he meets his lonely teenage daughter, Louise (Sarah Pon), who has suffered under the weight of his tarnished legacy. Through this poignant encounter, Billy rekindles hope and dignity with both his daughter and Julie, showcasing the enduring power of love, despite the shadows of his past.

     The vocal cast, including Ashley Garlick (Carrie Piperidge), Michael Parrott (Enoch Snow), Susan Himes-Powers (Nettle Fowler) is outstanding, while the dancing by so many cast members was equally wonderful.

     Other cast members who deserve top accolades include Joe Ledbetter (Jigger Craigin), Juliet Heller (Mrs. Mullins), Tim Holt (Mr. Bascombe), and Olive Kinomoto (Hannah).

     Next on Woodminster’s summer program is “The Full Monty”, performing August 7-9 and August 13-16; followed by  Neil Simon’s “Rumors”, performing August 28-30. For tickets or more, first played oinformation please phone (510) 531-9597 or visit info@woodminster.com.

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Photo caption: Elise Walters (Julie Jordan) and Cody Craven (Billy Bigelow) are featured performers in Woodminster’s production of “Carousel”.