Carousel – Leeds Grand
OPERA North have revived their sumptuous recent production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterpiece, for a total of 11 performances in Leeds, and it’s not to be missed.
Every note is played and sung, repeats observed, lasting three hours, with one interval.
The famous opening Carousel Waltz is soon upon us, revolving with a huge circle of lights, and it haunts us to the end.
The principal pairs available beautifully done: Keith Higham as Billy the hero is there even before he sings a note, pleasing the girls, two of whom duet he is attractions: Julie (Gillene Butterfield) at a totally loose end and the other Carrie (Aoife O’Sullivan) thinking about When She Marries Mr Snow, irresistibly composed by Richard Rodgers.
But the courtship of Billy and Julie with the song If I Loved You is quite its equal.
The scene changes to an oceanfront house of Nettie Fowler (Yvonne Howard) where a boisterous June Is Bustin’ Out All over features some splendidly agile gymnastic dances.
Only two months later, Billy learns he is to be a father; he sings that he will have fun with a boy but a girl needs more,, and Higham’s voice is a strong match.
Likewise, Joseph Sullivan’s Mr Snow is certainly devoted to his family, singing When The Children Are Asleep with exceptional warmth and feeling.
But trouble is ahead: What’s The Use Of Wond’rin’ sobs Julie, fearing the worst for Billy, and she and the rest are soon ‘walking through a storm’ which both balletically and vocally is shattering.
First class.
* Until Saturday. Visit leedsgrandtheatre.com or call 0844 8482700.
John Pettitt
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