Carousel was considered a classic from its first introduction to stage in 1945 on New York’s Broadway. From here it crossed over to Europe where it took to London’s West End stage. It was first performed at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane in 1950 where the description of it as a classic continued. The musical was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein II but was based on a play by Ferenc Molnar that was set in Budapest. The return of this classic musical to the stage has been generating the same buzz as ever as tickets for London’s Savoy Theatre production of Carousel have been selling out since it began in November 2008.
The show is a tragic romance story involving two lovers who’s relationship is frowned upon and results in them losing their jobs. The struggling couple are unable to support themselves and the pressure of their recent pregnancy adds to their need to provide a stable income for the family.
The musical is set in New England in the 1870s during the industrial revolution. The despair of their situation leads Billy, the male protagonist, to crime. A particularly awful robbery leads Billy to eventually take his life. The despair and misery he leaves behind is then looked upon as he strives for entry to heaven.