Rodgers & Hammerstein show opens Friday night at Foothill
 David Allen/special to the Town Crier Mary Melnick and Carmichael James Blankenship star in Foothill’s production of “Carousel.” |
Foothill Music Theatre’s production of “Carousel” is scheduled to open Friday. It runs through Aug. 19 in Smithwick Theatre at Foothill College, 12345 S. El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.
Award-winning director Jay Manley helms a cast of 50 in this production of Nicholas Hytner’s 1994 Tony Award-winning revival of the musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. “Carousel” features choreography by Tyler Risk and musical direction by Catherine Snider.
Set in a small New England seaside town, this tale of forgiveness and redemption follows the love story of Billy Bigelow, a smooth-talking carnival barker, and Julie Jordan, the spunky local factory worker he falls for. Desperate for money after learning that he and Julie will be parents, Billy attempts a foolish robbery.
In a break with musical theater tradition, this hero dies before the show ends, and the action moves to heaven, where he must redeem himself in order to gain entry. When he is allowed to return to earth for one day, Billy visits his wife and the daughter he never knew in order to make amends for the past.
The cast of “Carousel” stars Carmichael James Blankenship (as Billy Bigelow), Mary Melnick (Julie Jordan), Katie Blodgett (Carrie Pipperidge), Michael Rhone (Enoch Snow), Hank Lawson (Jigger) and Ruth E. Stein (Nettie Fowler).
The show opens at 8 p.m. Friday. Future shows are scheduled 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets are $10-$24. Parking is free in lots 1, 5 and 6, and $2 in other lots.
For tickets and more information, call 949-7360 or visit www.foothillmusicals.com.
