ABOUT
Carousel is a classic American musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein, first premiering in 1945. Set in a New England coastal town in the late 19th century, the story follows Billy Bigelow, a charismatic but troubled carousel barker, and Julie Jordan, a mill worker who falls in love with him. Their romance is intense and passionate, but marred by financial struggles and Billy’s inability to find steady work, which ultimately leads him down a dark path. The show explores themes of love, redemption, and the consequences of one’s choices, culminating in a dramatic turning point when Billy takes his own life during a failed robbery attempt.
After his death, Billy is given a chance to return to Earth for one day to make amends. He visits his daughter, Louise, whom he never met in life, and tries to offer her hope and guidance, despite his inability to express love in conventional ways. Though his visit is brief and imperfect, his presence helps Louise find confidence and a sense of self-worth. With its sweeping score—including classics like “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”—Carousel remains a poignant, emotionally complex musical that blends realism with a touch of the supernatural, leaving a lasting impression about the power of love and forgiveness.
ROCS SOFTWARE
This show is available in the following formats:
- Show|Ready (rehearsal tool)
- Stage|Tracks (performance tool)
STAGE|TRACKS DEMO
SHOW|READY DEMO
LICENSING
You can license this show through Concord Theatricals: Carousel.
