Carousel: A disappointing carnival ride

Photo. Alan Dean.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel is a dark, sometimes complex, and musically rich show. The lonely story about a bad boy who would prefer to do good, the woman who loves him, and the fishing community surrounding them is not an easy one to stage successfully as this unfocused Orpheus production proves.

Artistic director J. Taylor Morris, and by extension the cast, seems to have no clear vision of what he wants. Is this production meant to be a comedy, a tragedy, a tragic-comedy? Judging from audience laughter at inappropriate moments, the crowd was as confused as the people on stage. Other issues?

Little chemistry between the characters, the inevitable result of a production with no focus. Limp choreography, although Dave Rowan, a precise and engaged dancer, is a pleasure to watch as the criminally inclined Jigger Craigin. Kodi Cannon has a fine singing voice and delivers a solid performance as Enoch Snow, a good guy whose only desire is a sprawling, happy family. Unfortunately, many others struggle with their musical parts.
The company works hard, it’s true. But that’s not enough to make this show much more than a disappointing carnival ride.