Carousel (musical) facts for kids

Carousel is a very popular musical. A musical is a type of play or movie that uses songs and dances to tell a story. This musical is based on an older play called Liliom, written in 1909 by Ferenc Molnár. Benjamin Glazer adapted the play for the musical.

The words for the songs and the story (called the "book") were written by Oscar Hammerstein II. The beautiful music was created by Richard Rodgers. Together, Rodgers and Hammerstein made many famous musicals. Carousel was so good that it won the first-ever New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Musical in 1945-1946.

The Story of Carousel

Carousel tells the story of Billy Bigelow, a charming but troubled carnival barker. He falls in love with Julie Jordan, a young mill worker. Their love story is not always easy. The musical explores themes of love, loss, and second chances. It is known for its deep emotions and memorable songs.

First Shows on Stage

Opening on Broadway

Carousel first opened on Broadway in New York City. Broadway is a famous theater district where many big musicals are performed. The show started at the Majestic Theatre on April 19, 1945. It was a huge success! The musical ran for a long time, closing on May 24, 1947. In total, it had 890 performances.

The first actors to play the main roles were John Raitt as Billy and Jan Clayton as Julie. A director named Robert Mamoulian guided the actors. The amazing dances were created by Agnes de Mille. The scenery and lighting were designed by Jo Mielziner.

Across the Ocean in London

After its success in New York, Carousel also opened in London, England. It played in the West End, which is London's famous theater area. The show began at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, on June 7, 1950. Stephen Douglass and Iva Withers played the lead roles in this production.

Carousel on the Big Screen

In 1956, Carousel was made into a movie. The movie was produced by Twentieth Century-Fox. It starred Gordon MacRae as Billy and Shirley Jones as Julie. This movie helped even more people around the world experience the story and music of Carousel.

Images for kids

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  "A star—please, my dear—I must do something good." Liliom (Joseph Schildkraut) offers Louise (Evelyn Chard) the star he stole; 1921 Theatre Guild production

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  The opening carnival scene in Liliom inspired the pantomime that begins Carousel; 1921

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  Oscar Hammerstein II

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  Enoch (Eric Mattson) arrives unexpectedly (reprise of "(When I Marry) Mister Snow"). Iva Withers is Julie (standing), and Margot Moser is Carrie (bent over) (1947).

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  "What's the Use of Wond'rin' "; Withers is Julie (1947)

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  Boothbay Harbor, Maine, where the location shots for Carousel's movie version were filmed

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  Richard Rodgers

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  Shankly Gates at Anfield, Liverpool F.C.'s stadium

See also

In Spanish: Carousel (musical) para niños