Grab the chance to see Carousel performed with a 25-piece orchestra at Glen Street this July for the 80th anniversary of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic
Passionate Balgowlah singer Simon Militano wears a few hats in life. He is not only the acting CEO of Opera Australia, but president of new performing arts company, Sydney Musical and Opera Society.
This July he will play the role of carnival barker Billy Bigelow in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s tragic love story Carousel at Glen Street Theatre in Belrose.
The musical was the renowned duo’s second production and Simon says he is ‘honoured to bring Billy to life on stage as we celebrate 80 years of one of musical theatre’s most beloved scores.’ “Performing alongside a full 25-piece orchestra to Richard Rodgers’ own personal favourite score is a true privilege, and I can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with audiences.”
Part of Simon’s passion is to bring some of the older musicals back to the Northern Beaches. “We seem to have a lost full scale musical productions of the golden era to the area and I know this is highly valued by the community.”
Opera Australia is supplying costumes for the classic piece, which is set by the seaside in Maine, USA in the 19th century at a time when touring carnivals were one of the main sources of entertainment for locals. Billy, a spruiker for a carnival, falls in love with Julie, a mill worker. What follows is a tumultuous love affair with all the drama of a time when women had little power or say over their lives, and lowly- paid workers could get desperate just to survive.
The production is fresh from a ‘celebrated’ season on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth cruise ship in February this year. The orchestra includes an international harp player, NIDA graduates in their first stage opportunity, and the beautiful music which includes hits which have remained favourites throughout the decades, such as You’ll Never Walk Alone and If I Loved You.
Director Julia Robertson said Carousel had one of the most lauded scores in musical theatre and was rich, sweeping, and emotionally charged. “In our gently theatricalised concert version at Glen Street Theatre, we’ve aimed to honour that legacy while creating an experience that’s accessible and moving, whether you’re a longtime fan, or discovering this landmark score for the first time,” Julia said.
“It’s also such a joy to join forces with Sydney Musical and Opera Society to spotlight some of the brightest up-and- coming talent in Sydney’s musical theatre scene. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with a team who love this score as deeply as I do, and we’re truly spoilt to have the full power and beauty of a live orchestra bringing it to life.”
CAROUSEL IN CONCERT
Glen St Theatre
2 & 3 July I Tickets $45+
glenstreet.com.au