Carousel at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre (2021)

Extracts from Episode 7 of The Theatre Channel discussing Carousel with behind the scenes footage of Natasha May-Thomas (Louise Bigelow) and choreographer, Drew McOnie and interviews with director, Timothy Sheader and musical supervisor and orchestrator, Tom Deering.
To purchase the full episode go here: www.stream.theatre/season/108
Carousel ran from 31 July - 25 September 2021.
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#Carousel #OAT2021
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[@tonysaund8289]

I have loved Carousel, this masterpiece of the genre, since I first saw the film in the late 50s, and the several theatre productions I have seen since have only increased that love. I was really looking forward to this production, particularly as it features my favourite actress, Joanna Riding. I have unfortunately just watched and listened to this 15 minutes with mounting horror as a group of people boast of how they are going to destroy Carousel in every way possible. I will certainly not be attending this travesty, and I only hope a proper production hits the West End before long. Joanna, after this disappointment I just look forward to seeing you in your next show, whatever it is!

[@barrymonks842]

Well, I saw it last night and it was absolutely wonderful. Quite simply, Tim Sheader and the entire company have turned probably one of the best US musicals into probably one of the best UK ones. Theatre is a living and evolving art. Would you have us all still sat in the Globe and The Rose watching men play women?

[@tonysaund8289]

@@barrymonks842 Well, we are all different and I'm glad you enjoyed the show. If theatre being a living and evolving art justifies the wrecking of much loved works then I'm afraid it goes on without my support.

[@startmakingsense2071]

@@tonysaund8289 how can you know it's been wrecked when you've decided not to see the production ?

[@tonysaund8289]

@@startmakingsense2071 Because I have watched this 15 minute video in which the producers proudly describe in detail exactly how they are wrecking it! Carousel has, all my life, been something close to my heart and and I will not tolerate arrogant people deciding to 're-imagine' the piece to their own satisfaction.

[@tonysaund8289]

If anybody think my previous comments on this production are unique, I refer you to Ben Lawrence's article on page 21 in the Daily Telegraph, (Thur. 12 Aug.), in which he articulates my problems with it better than I could, and raises more horrors that I even knew about!

[@amararama1]

I understand that this video has put you off but I saw it yesterday and although different to what I expected I loved it. I’ve seen Carousel three times. First time was in the 90s when I was thirteen. The version I saw yesterday brought up such deep feelings in me. I cried about five times. My 12-year-old enjoyed it too. I also liked the changes made to the music. Some of it almost sounded 60s psychedelic. 🙂

[@tonysaund8289]

@@amararama1 I am happy for you that you enjoyed the show, but your post leaves me lost for words! Liked the changes made to the music???? Sounded like 60s psychedelic???? God have some mercy on us! The more I hear about this travesty the happier I am that I decided to give it a miss.

[@amararama1]

@@tonysaund8289 Lol, stop being such a snob 🤣 The music very subtly, occasionally gave me psychedelic and Pink Floyd vibes (might have only been me who picked up on that.) It was interesting, and creative, not the garish mess you seem to be imagining. Certain songs felt more emotionally genuine and relatable due to the way they were sung (not so operatic as in the more traditional version.) I was more choked up in some parts than I usually would've been (Carousel always makes me cry though, to be fair.) It was ceative whilst retaining the things I love about Carousel. The outside setting helped with the atmosphere. When Julie sang "...round in circles I'd go," I saw a real butterfly suddenly fly in circles in front of the stage. Such a beautiful, magical moment. So glad I went. Maybe you think it will come across as pretentious and pushy in regard to the issues brought up (e.g. domestic violence) but I didn't get such vibes. Was gorgeous. Talented performers.

[@tonysaund8289]

@@amararama1 I honestly do not what to say about all that: as I said previously I am just lost for words! I fortunately have my memories all the wonderful productions of this work that I've seen before, and of course the film which happily I can watch any time I like. On the theatre front I can look forward, in three weeks time, to what I know is a magnificent production of 'Anything Goes' at the Barbican. At least Cole Porter is being respected!

[@amararama1]

@@tonysaund8289 The original Carousel Waltz itself sounds psychedelic anyway. Dizzying, like being on a... carousel. Has that dreamy, disorientating feel. I didn't find the production to be distasteful and at no point felt it was disrespectful to the original. It felt inspired and was engaging. Little things I keep remembering e.g. I loved the way Louise's emotions were shown through a performer tumbling repeatedly down the stage slope. Looked painful and was more effective than her just sitting there sobbing. There was so much to like about it. It's fine to prefer something closer to the original but I'd never describe this version as a travesty. Was done thoughtfully. If someone saw it and hated it I'd think they had no soul, haha. I hope you enjoy your shows! 🙂