Virginia Opera, The Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical ‘Carousel’ as its final offering of the season. Award-winning director, choreographer and educator Greg Ganakas returns to revive his celebrated 1996 production, which served as his own Virginia Opera debut.
‘Carousel’ opens Friday, May 10, 2013 at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, Va., followed by additional performances through May 19. It is presented in conjunction with the 2013 Virginia Arts Festival.
‘Carousel’ is the second stage musical by the team of composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, whose other works include ‘Oklahoma!,’ ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘The King and I’ and ‘South Pacific,’ among others. Their partnership, one of the most successful in musical theatre history, garnered 34 Tony awards, 15 Academy Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes and two Grammy awards. ‘Carousel’ was adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s 1909 play ‘Liliom,’ transplanting its Budapest setting to the Maine coastline. The musical opened on Broadway in 1945, and in 1999 was named “Best Musical of the 20th Century” by ‘TIME Magazine.’
‘Carousel’’s tale of love and redemption revolves around carousel barker Billy Bigelow, whose romance with Julie Jordan results in the loss of their jobs. Tragedy strikes when Billy lashes out in frustration, but he receives a second chance that ultimately brings hope and peace to both himself and Julie. Its score features musical hits such as “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
“‘Carousel’ is that urge in all of us to stretch ourselves to the stars. Its music embraces the innermost part of our being that needs to feel vivid; feelings that set us apart as humans,” says director Greg Ganakas. “We are part magic, part man; not specks of nothing as Billy Bigelow believes us to be. We live in a world where anything is possible.”
‘Carousel’ will be conducted by Virginia Opera Resident Conductor and Chorus Master Adam Turner, who conducted ‘Camelot’ earlier this season alongside Ganakas. Turner has previously served with Portland Opera, Florida Grand Opera and was just named Assistant Conductor at Seattle Opera for performances of Wagner’s Ring Cycle this summer.
The Cast
Virginia-native Matthew Worth (Orphée, 2012) returns as carousel barker Billy Bigelow, after having recently performed the role of Father Flynn in the world premiere of ‘Doubt’ at Minnesota Opera. Worth recently tackled Rodgers and Hammerstein’s repertoire when he performed the lead role of Curly in Central City Opera’s production of ‘Oklahoma!.’ Seasoned Broadway soprano Patricia Noonan is making her Virginia Opera debut as Billy’s naïve wife Julie Jordan. Noonan recently appeared in the cast of the New York Philharmonic’s production for PBS’ ‘Live from Lincoln Center.’ Lora Lee Gayer, who recently performed as Young Sally in Broadway’s ‘Follies,’ will take the stage as Julie’s confidant Carrie Pipperidge also in her Virginia Opera debut.
Performance Details and Ticket Information
‘Carousel’ will be performed in English. The Virginia Opera Orchestra is provided by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Tickets range from $35 to $100 and are available online at www.vaopera.org, by phone at 866-673-7282 or in person at the Harrison Opera House. Specially-priced tickets ranging from $25-$30 are available for children age 17 and under. Student tickets priced at $15 each are also available for groups of 15 or more.
The production opens on Friday, May 10 and is scheduled to appear at the Harrison Opera House as follows:
Harrison Opera House
160 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, Va. 23510
757.623.1223 (Southside)
757.877.2550 (Peninsula)
www.vaopera.org
Fri., May 10, 2013, 8:00 p.m. Fri., May 17, 2013, 8:00 p.m.
Sat., May 11, 2013, 2:30 p.m. Sat., May 18, 2013, 2:30 p.m.
Sat., May 11, 2013, 8:00 p.m. Sat., May 18, 2013, 8:00 p.m.
Sun., May 12, 2013, 2:30 p.m. Sun., May 19, 2013, 2:30 p.m.
Travel Packages
The Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel has created an exclusive package for patrons traveling to Norfolk for ‘Carousel.’ Package includes a special $89 room rate and complimentary breakfast for two. Those interested may mention “Virginia Opera’s Carousel” when calling 888-627-8042 or visiting online at www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/OperaCarousel for reservations.