By Kalyn Golland
Western Herald
Photo by Chyn Wey Lee/Western Herald Chelsea Morgan (left) as Julie Jordan and Ben Masters (right) as Billy Bigelow, two cast members from classic musical, "Carousel."
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical, “Carousel,” directed by Jay Berkow, opens tonight at the Gilmore Theater Complex’s Shaw Theater.
The classic tale of a love that defies all odds will be brought to life by the Western Michigan University Theater Department in collaboration with the School of Music.
The play tells the tale of Julie Jordan, a young millworker, who meets the brazen Billy Bigelow one night as he operates the carousel ride that she takes a spin on. Although there are immediate warnings of his character from those about her, Julie defies the warnings and marries the new love of her life.
Desperate to make fast cash for his growing family, Billy agrees to go in on a robbery with his sneaky mate, Jigger Craigin. The heist brings challenges to both men and results that leave Billy having to makes amends to his loved ones for his choices.
“It’s really a story of redemption,” said Matt Felkey, understudy for multiple roles, including that of Jigger Craigin. “You really see that Billy redeems himself.”
For Chelsea Morgan who portrays Julie Jordan, this production has been a theatrically stretching experience, and an exciting chance to explore new angles on a familiar character.
“My favorite part is getting to portray this beautiful, strong woman in a time when strong women weren’t necessarily valued the most,” Morgan said.
“Her struggle is how to forgive someone that she loves… this woman is strong, not the victim. She believes in the power of the love that she has for Billy.”
Portraying the character has meant growth both in her craft, and for Morgan personally.
“I’ve grown a lot as an actress, I have expanded emotionally,” she said.
With the play portraying themes that withstand the test of time, the tale is still ringing true with audiences today as they experience the gripping narrative of the two young people who struggle to make their life together with all its ups and downs and unexpected twists.
“It is relevant today because anybody can come and see the show and get the message,” Felkey said about the play and its timeliness.
It is this message of redemption and forgiveness that speaks to viewers.
While Carousel is widely known for its darker notes of loss and heartbreak, those ideas are not something Morgan is hoping the audiences for WMU’s production will take away.
“I hope to make them see the love and joy between Julie and Billy and the beauty and hope,” she said.
It is the signature lyrics, innovative musical numbers, and resonating themes that have kept Carousel running strong of over the past 60 years and keeps audiences coming back, eager for the next production of the timeless tale.
The show runs Nov. 12 through Nov. 21.
Admission for the general public is $20 and $5 for students with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at the University Theater box office, or by calling (269) 387-6222 between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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