Carousel--In Search of Julie and Billy

By Joseph Cervelli

If there is one musical that just about guarantees getting  the tissues out, it is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s glorious “Carousel.” I was enraptured when I saw the unforgettable 1994 Lincoln Centre production. So, I was thrilled to hear that it was coming back with two usually excellent performers Jesse Mueller (“Beautiful” “Waitress”) and Joshua Henry (“The Scottsboro Boys” “Violet.) Yet, by the end of this misguided revival directed by Jack O’Brien at the Imperial Theater, I was left quite dried eyes. 

First, the best things about the show which  stand out in a striking form. The opening scene though from from remarkable was pleasant enough with the irrepressible “Carousel Waltz” playing showing Billy Bigelow (Henry) as the carnival barker. The nice switch it that you get the impression they are all in heaven which appears to be a harmonious place resulting in probably the only time you see Billy smile. Add to that is the superb orchestrations by veteran Jonathan Tunick. 

The scenery by another superb veteran in the theater, Santo Loquasto,  has devised an authentic looking set of late 19th and 20th Century Maine with the sailboats on shimmering water and his frequent use of diaphanous curtains that adds this “heavenly” quality to them as they gently glide across the stage. Ann Roth’s appealing  costumes also have the look of the times.

Justin Peck who is with the New York City Ballet has done a spectacular job of choreographing the show in the original form but never copying the immortal Agnes de Mille who was responsible for its first production.  The movements of the dancers is breathtakingly sublime and accomplished as if they are floating in midair. 

As the brassy Carrie Pipperidge and best friend of the demure Julie Jordon (Mueller)  Lindsay Mendez almost runs away with the show displaying both humor and a great singing voice. She eventually marries the up-tight but liable and hardworking Enoch Snow (a delightful Alexander Gemignani.) 

Opera singer Renee Singer delivers a chillingly beautiful rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” giving Julie strength after the death of her husband Billy.

Sadly, the big problem deals with the complete lack of chemistry between the two leads. If you don’t believe in the kind of “love at first sight” between the quiet and reserved Julie and the ill tempered roustabout Billy you are in trouble. And we are indeed in trouble here.

Both Mueller and especially Henry have displayed their acting chops in other shows excellently. So, what has gone wrong in this production? Mueller is so unassertive that she almost becomes part of the scenery. True, her voice is lovely but her Julie is devoid of any personality. And if you have a forgettable Julie Jordan you are in trouble. You need to feel for this young woman but she left me totally cold. 

As for Henry who knocked me out in the much underappreciated “The Scottsboro Boys” he comes on much too strong here. There is no nuance or balance in his performance. Yes, his voice is tremendously effective but he never captures the charisma or charm of the ne'er-do-well Billy. If Billy was always as full of anger as displayed by Henry,  I doubt he would have been as successful as a carnival barker with the women supposedly falling in love with him. His duet with Julie, the unimaginably beautiful “If I Loved You” left me completely frozen.  I wanted ever so much to see the attraction between these two characters but there is none. His “Soliloquy” while sung with great authority misses the mark again because his Billy never seemed to believe in himself. Someone who could really enjoy having a boy and doing all the things a father does with his son is not realized. And when he believes that  he may have a daughter there is no real softening of his delivery. It is sadly all one note.

If you  try to concentrate on the production numbers and the other cast members along with that ethereal score you will definitely be entertained. Look for no more. 

Tickets are available at the Imperial Theater 239 West 45th Street or by calling 212.239.6200.

PHOTOS: JULIETA CERVANTES