Performance Guide Greg Marshall 20/11/08 Carousel Performance Guide

Contents

Section Page

1. About Carousel...... 2

2. Synopsis ...... 4

3. Character Guide ...... 7

4. Cast ...... 10

5. Scene Order ...... 11

6. Rehearsal Schedule ...... 13

7. Makeup ...... 15

8. Costumes ...... 16

9. Set ...... 18

10. Props ...... 23

11. Audition Notice ...... 24

- 1 - Carousel Performance Guide 1. About Carousel

Carousel is a musical by Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (book and lyrics) that was adapted from Ferenc Molnar's 1909 play Liliom (transplanting the Budapest setting of Molnar's play to a New England fishing village). The original production opened on Broadway on April 19, 1945, and ran for 890 performances. The show included the hit musical numbers If I Loved You , June Is Bustin' Out All Over , and You'll Never Walk Alone . Carousel was innovative for its time, being one of the first musicals to contain a tragic plot.

The musical has enjoyed award-winning revivals (particularly the 1994 revival at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre) and has been adapted as a Cinemascope 55 film in 1956 and as a made-for-television special on videotape in 1967. It is particularly well-regarded among musicals by the theatre community, and Richard Rodgers, in his autobiography Musical Stages , said it was his favorite musical. Time magazine named it the best musical of the 20th century.

History

Theresa Helburn and Lawrence Langner of the Theatre Guild, producers of the blockbuster musical Oklahoma! , proposed to Rodgers and Hammerstein that they turn Molnar's Liliom into a musical. At first reluctant -- put off by the original setting (Hungary), the dark story, and a criminal anti-hero leading character -- they agreed to take on the project. Moving the setting to the New England coast was the key. [1]

Both Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II said Carousel was their favorite collaboration. They broke new ground in musical theater storytelling with their extended music-and-dialog scenes, such as the "bench scene", which features "If I Loved You", and the haunting "Soliloquy" in which Billy imagines his future child. These scenes, especially the former, treat singing like spoken dialog set to music (much as in opera recitative, with the "recitative" singing leading up to the actual song). The final anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" has assumed a life of its own as a funeral and graduation standard. It is also customarily sung by supporters of several soccer clubs, beginning with Liverpool F.C.[2] in the 1960s. [3]

Carousel was an opportunity for Oscar Hammerstein II to explore societal attitudes and prejudices in a musical play. The main social themes are social class, hypocrisy and conduct. Julie and Billy are working class; Enoch and (ultimately) Carrie are middle class. The second act illuminates differences between these two families. South Pacific would go on to return to social themes by highlighting and attacking racial prejudice.

Domestic violence is another significant and controversial theme in the play. Billy's physical abuse of Julie is condemned by some of the characters, but accepted by

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Julie herself, who endures his slaps because she loves him and understands his emotional pain. [14]

Note from the Director:

The title Carousel is central to the presentation of this production and can be interpreted in a number of ways even though there is nothing similar in Molnar’s Liliom. The carousel can be seen as a metaphor for life where you get on it, you take a ride and at the end you get off. Sometimes you get a second chance to ride the carousel just a s Billy does.

The Carousel is also a symbol of what intrigues and excites Julie and later on her daughter Louise.

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2. Synopsis

What is "Carousel" about? - Synopsis:

Act I

Two young female millworkers in freshly industrialized 1870s New England visit the town's carousel after work. One of them — demure Julie Jordan — shares a lingering glance and is flirted with by the carousel's barker, Billy Bigelow (instrumental piece: "Carousel Waltz").

Mrs. Mullin, owner of the carousel, arrives and tells Julie never to return to the carousel because Julie let Billy put his arm around her during the ride. Julie's friend, Carrie Pipperidge, and Julie argue with Mrs. Mullin. Billy arrives and initially sides with Mrs. Mullin (who flirts with him outrageously) until he realizes that Mrs. Mullin is just jealous of Julie, at which point he switches sides and is fired from his job. Carrie presses Julie for information about the carousel ride with Billy, but Julie is reticent about the encounter ("You're a Queer One, Julie Jordan"). Eventually satisfied, Carrie confides that she has a beau of her own: local fisherman Enoch Snow ("Mister Snow"). Billy returns and makes it clear that only Julie should stay with him. Carrie leaves after revealing that, if they stay out, they will lose their jobs at the mill. Mr. Bascombe, owner of the mill, and a policeman appear and warn Julie that Billy has taken money from other women. Bascombe offers to take Julie home so she can keep her job, but she refuses and gets fired, too. She and Billy, now alone, can talk freely, but neither can quite confess the growing attraction they feel for each other ("If I Loved You").

A month passes. At a spa owned by Julie's cousin, Nettie Fowler, sailors appear with clams for the evening's clambake. They are noisy, which spurs Carrie and the other female townfolk to jeer at them (this section is sung as a sort of recitative, rather than spoken). Nettie arrives and, spotting the sexual tension, leads them all in celebrating love and spring. An elaborate dance ensues ("June Is Bustin' Out All Over"). The men leave as Julie, now married to Billy, arrives. (He and his whaler friend Jigger have been missing all night.) Nettie tells Carrie to comfort Julie.

To divert the other girls from their eavesdropping, Nettie then unsuccessfully encourages the girls to clean up. Julie confides in Carrie that Billy, now unemployed and living with Julie at Nettie's, is unhappy over the loss of his job and, out of frustration, has slapped Julie. Carrie also has happier news — she and Enoch are to be married. At this, the girls who have so far been feigning work, rush over, congratulate Carrie, and imagine the wedding day (reprise: "Mister Snow"). Enoch

- 4 - Carousel Performance Guide has arrived and startles the girls by joining them in song. The girls leave Julie, Carrie, and Enoch alone.

Carrie tries to converse with Julie and Enoch, but Julie's unhappiness overcomes her: she bursts into tears in Enoch's arms. As she pulls herself together, Billy arrives with Jigger. He is openly rude to Enoch and then Julie, and he soon leaves along with Jigger, followed by a distraught Julie. Left alone, Carrie and Enoch extol the virtues of a life plan. Enoch reveals how he expects both to become rich selling herring and to have a large family with Carrie ("When The Children Are Asleep").

Meanwhile, Billy, Jigger, and other whalers sing of life on the sea ("Blow High, Blow Low"). The singing segues into a dance, with the local girls flirting with the whalers. Jigger tries to recruit Billy to help with a robbery, but Billy declines when Jigger tells him that the victim - Julie's former boss Mr. Bascombe - might have to be killed. Mrs. Mullin arrives and tries to tempt Billy back to the carousel (and to her), and he reveals he is unhappy with Julie. Julie arrives. There is almost an argument, but Mrs. Mullin leaves to go to the bank. Julie tells Billy of her pregnancy and they go inside. Mrs. Mullin and Jigger return and spar until Billy comes back out and tells Mrs. Mullin to leave. Overwhelmed with happiness by the news, and determined to provide financially for his future child, Billy decides to be Jigger's accomplice after all ("Soliloquy").

Act 1 ends with the whole town leaving for the clambake. Billy, who previously shunned the idea of going to the clambake, now realizes it is integral to his and Jigger's alibi: he decides to go too. Julie is delighted.

Act II

The act begins with the town reminiscing about the huge meal that they have just eaten ("This Was a Real Nice Clambake"). As everyone leaves to help clear up before the treasure hunt, Jigger tries to seduce Carrie. Unfortunately, Enoch walks in while Carrie is in a compromising position. He declares that he is finished with her ("Geraniums In The Winder"), as Jigger jeers ("Stonecutters Cut It On Stone"). The girls try to comfort Carrie, saying all men are bad; they urge Julie to leave Billy. Instead, Julie replies that you should stand by your man through thick and thin ("What's The Use Of Wondrin'?"). She sees Billy trying to sneak away with Jigger and, while trying to stop him, feels the knife hidden in his shirt. She begs him to give it to her, but he refuses and leaves to commit the robbery. Julie realizes that Billy is about to do something that may get him into trouble.

Jigger and Billy gamble, using cards. At stake are their shares of the anticipated robbery spoils. Billy loses his share of the expected proceeds: his participation is now pointless. Unbeknownst to Billy and Jigger, Mr. Bascombe, the intended robbery victim, has already deposited the money he was expected to be carrying. He instead carries a gun. The robbery fails: Bascombe pulls his gun and starts shooting. Jigger escapes unharmed, but the police corner Billy. Billy stabs himself with his knife and dies; Julie arrives just in time for him to say his last words to her.

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Carrie tells Julie that Billy's death is not necessarily a bad thing. Enoch gets back together with Carrie and supports this view. Mrs. Mullin arrives, much to the disgust of the townfolk, but Julie lets her view the body. Mrs. Mullin does so, then runs off weeping. Everyone leaves except Julie, and Nettie, who comforts Julie ("You'll Never Walk Alone").

Billy arrives at heaven's gate. There, a pair of blunt-spoken angels explain that, to enter, he must alleviate the distress he caused. Billy refuses to see a simple magistrate in Heaven: he demands to be taken directly to God to be judged ("The Highest Judge Of All"). The Starkeeper sends him back to earth. Stealing a star on the way down, he returns fifteen years after his suicide. His daughter, Louise, is now an angry and rebellious teen, mocked by Mr. Snow's snobbish and wealthy children because her father was a thief (instrumental: "Louise's Ballet").

Enoch and his children stop by Julie's house to pick up Carrie on the way to the graduation, and Enoch's son (Enoch Jr.) waits behind to talk to Louise. Louise reveals that she plans to run away from home with a carnival troupe she met, but when Enoch Jr. proposes, she decides to stay. He reveals, however, that his father would not think Louise an appropriate match. Insulted, Louise orders him to leave and bursts into tears.

Billy, able to make himself visible or invisible at will, reveals himself to Louise; he pretends to be a friend of her father. Trying to cheer her up, he offers her a small gift — the star he stole from Heaven. She refuses it and, frustrated, he slaps her. As he makes himself invisible, Louise tells Julie what has happened. She reveals that the slap miraculously felt like a kiss, not a blow. Without allowing her to actually see him, Billy finally confesses his love to Julie (reprise: "If I Loved You"). Having thus made amends, he invisibly attends Louise's high-school graduation. The whole town shuns her and refuses to applaud her. Dr. Seldon, who strangely resembles the Starkeeper, tells the graduating class not to rely on their parents' success (advice directed at Enoch Jr.) or be held back by their parents' mistakes (directed at Louise). Seldon then leads everyone in a final chorus (reprise: "You'll Never Walk Alone"). Billy, still invisible, whispers to Louise, telling her to have confidence in herself. His silent words enter her mind and, inspired, she -- along with Julie -- joins the singing. This good deed redeems Billy, who wins entry into Heaven.

Note: The graduation scene is a complete departure from Molnar's Liliom , in which Liliom is presumably condemned to Hell after slapping his daughter (even though, in Molnar's play, the slap also feels like a kiss).

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3. Character Guide

At this time in America the civil war (1861–1865), had just finished, slaves had been emancipated 1865, the industrial revolution was in full swing. America had been independent for only 100 years. New England was a place settled by those trying to get away from religious persecution. Puritans, Quakers, Baptists, Scottish Presbyterians (who came from Ireland) all settled this area. The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings before local magistrates followed by county court trials to prosecute people accused of witchcraft in Essex, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties of colonial Massachusetts, between February 1692 and May 1693. This is only a short time before our story.

Billy Bigalow : The very successful barker for the Mullin Carousel. Billy’s success is based in part on his attractiveness to the young women who visit the Carousel. A bit of a rogue and ladies man, Billy is a tragic figure who is a good person at heart, but who has never learned to deal with anyone, especially those he loves, with anything other than violence.

Directors Note: Billy needs to show the confusion he has between getting in trouble, his relationship with Mullins, his love for Julie, his dreams and always messing up. His suicide has to be a consequence of all preceding actions. He also needs to be intimidating yet lovable.

Julie Jordan : A very shy but head strong young woman. She falls for Billy and recognizes that it will not come to a happy ending. Still she prefers Billy over someone like Mr. Snow who would treat her as property.

Directors Note: Julie is played young to start with then older at the end. She needs to be seen as headstrong and wilful inspite of her reduced circumstances. She takes responsibility for her actions but is fool hardy in her chase for Billy. We should empathise with Julie as a character

Carrie Pipperidge : Carrie is Julie’s best friend and is a much more conventional young woman for her time. She marries Mr. Snow and is happy to be subservient to him.

Directors Note: As the name suggests is fussy and particular, is status conscious and will do pretty much anything to be respectable. Can be played for comic elements sometimes.

Enoch Snow : Fisherman and future tycoon. Mr. Snow has his whole life planned out including his entire life with betrothed Carrie. Carrie is more of the idea of the wife that his ambition requires than a real person with needs, ideas, and desires of her own. In his own way Mr. Snow abuses Carrie as much as Billy does Julie.

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Directors Note: Of Welsh Baptist stock; upright yet foolish and weak. His name suggests he is a cold fish. Despises those who don’t follow his path. Chauvinistic and selfish. Has several comic moments.

Nettie Fowler : Julie’s somewhat older and wiser cousin (maybe even kind of an Aunt). She runs the local “spa” a kind of eating establishment. She takes in Julie and the unemployed Billy after their wedding. Nettie is a lead singer in “June is Busting out all Over” and “When You Walk Through a Storm.” Age – pretty much any. Jigger Craigin: A good-for-nothing sailor off of a whaling ship. Every year in port he latches on to some unwitting accomplice for his criminal endeavours. This year it is Billy, and he leads Billy to his ruin. Jigger is a lead singer in “Blow High, Blow Low” and “Stonecutters Cut it on Stone.”

Directors Note: Name might indicate that her spa is more than a place to get a meal. I would suggest that Nettie is robust and runs a brothel for the sailors. Everything around the Spa is suggestive, June is Bustin out, Stone Cutters, Blow High and should be played as such.

Mrs. Mullin : She owns the Carousel in the local amusement park. She also thinks she owns Billy and is quite upset at his attraction to Julie. She fires Billy when he marries Julie but later tries to get Billy to leave Julie and come back. Mrs. Mullin is a still attractive middle-aged widow. This is a non singing role.

Directors Note: Possible second generation Irish emigrant, worked hard for her living. Is red blooded and has a sexual relationship with Billy. Is overt in her feelings for Billy.

Louise : Billy and Julie’s 15 year old daughter. Louise is tormented by the rest of the kids in the town because of how Billy dies (commits suicide when caught trying to rob Bascombe with Jigger), and is thus very unhappy and combative. This is a major dance role for a young (15-low 20’s woman). Louise stars in a 6 minute ballet sequence.

Directors Note: Should show elements of both Billy and Julie; curious, headstrong, does not see the consequences of her actions. Her name means ‘warrior’ so she should be a fighter and not too sweet. Good dancer.

Mr. Bascombe : The very strict owner of the local mill where Julie and Carrie live and work. When not playing Bascombe this person can double as men’s chorus.

Directors Note: Surname of early rich settlers in America. Owners of land, property and manufacturing interests in England in 19 th century. Has power, money, has military background.

Starkeeper/Doctor Seldon : A heavenly figure. It is ambiguous as to whether the Starkeeper is God, or one of his angels. Dr. Seldon is the earthy version of the

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Starkeeper. This person can be in the men’s chorus when not playing the Starkeeper or Dr. Seldon.

Heavenly Friend : An Angel (brother Joshua) sent to bring Billy to the Starkeeper after his death. This person can be in the men’s chorus when not playing the Starkeeper or Dr. Seldon.

Enoch Snow Jr .: Young man Louise’s age is also graduation from high school. He likes Louise but thinks of her as being below his station. In short, he is a lot like his father.

Carnival Boy : A boy who looks like Billy and is a member of a passing carnival. He dances with Louise during the ballet sequence. This is a dance role only. This person is a member of the men’s chorus.

Snow Children : The script says that Enoch and Carrie Snow have 9 children (including Enoch Jr.). They all take part in the Ballet sequence as well as the graduation. We will use as many kids as we can get for these scenes. In addition, the children will be in several chorus numbers.

Graduating class : Other young adults (15-20) who are the classmate of Louise and Enoch Jr. at the graduation. During other scenes these people will be members of the men’s or women’s chorus.

Other Characters include policemen, a ship captain, a school principal, carnival dancers, juggler, (maybe a stilt walker), the men, women, and children of a small New England coastal town.

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4. Cast

CHARACTER ACTOR

Julie Jordan (Soprano, 16 - 28) Suel Mill girl. Young, shy. A modest but passionate innocent who has no capacity for girlish wiles or feminine artifice Billy Bigelow (Tenor/Baritone, 25 - 35) Mark Carousel barker. Handsome, virile, arrogant. The right blend of swagger and vulnerability. Carrie Pipperidge (Alto/Mezzo, 18 - 28) Karen Simple-minded best friend of Julie. Sensible and loyal. Enoch Snow (Tenor, 22 - 32) Paul Carrie's husband, a kindhearted and hardworking fisherman. Stuffy but sincere. Nettie Fowler (Soprano/Mezzo, 30 - 65) Gill Julie's cousin. Provides a home for Julie & Billy. Weathered, earthy. Jigger Craigin (Baritone, 25 - 35, requires strength) Joe A sleazy criminal sailor who leads Billy astray Louise (Non -Singing, 14 - 16, intense dance role - ballet) TB A Billy and Julie's daughter. Endures the aftermath of her father's actions. Mrs. Mullins (Non -Singing, 35 - 50) Lynda Carousel owner. Jealous rejected lover of Billy. David Bascombe (Non -Singing, 40 - 75) George Owner of the mill. Heavenly Friend (Non -Singing, 25 - 85) Che ryl Brother Joshua. He transports Billy to heaven. Starkeeper (Non -Singing, 25 - 85) John Sends Billy back to Earth to resolve the issues of his tremulous life. Dr. Seldon (sometimes doubles as Starkeeper) John Enoch Snow, Jr (Non -Singing, 16 - 21, some dance) TBA Policeman (Non singing) Support s Bascome Terry Captain (Non singing) Andy Principal George Arminy - a Friend Select from Chorus

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Scene Main Singing Characters

ACT ONE Prologue. An Amusement Park on the New England Coas t The Carousel Waltz

Scene One: A Tree-lined Path Along the Shore You're a Queer One, Julie Jordan Carrie Julie Mister Snow Carrie If I Loved You Billy Julie

Scene Two: Nettie Fowler's Spa on the Ocean Front Carrie, Nettie, Chorus, Girls, 1st girl, 2nd girl, 1st Man, 2nd Man, June Is Bustin' Out All Over Basses, 1st Tenors, 2nd Tenors, All Men Mister Snow (reprise) Carrie Girls When the Children Are Asleep Mr Snow Carrie Blow High, Blow Low Billy Jigger All Men Soliloquy Billy

Finale - June is Bustin' Out - Reprise Nettie Chorus

ACT TWO Entr'acte

Scene One: On an Island Across the Bay Carrie, Tom, Quartet, Nettie, Julie, All Men, Chorus, A Real Nice Clambake Mr Snow, Baritone Solo, All Girls Geraniums in the Winder Mr Snow Stonecutters Cut It On Stone Jigger Chorus 1st Girl All Girls Arminy What's the Use of Wond'rin'? Julie All Girls

Scene Two: Mainland Waterfront You'll Never Walk Alone Julie Nettie

Scene Three: Up There in Heaven The Highest Judge of All Billy

Scene Four: Down Here on a Beach

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Ballet

Scene Five. Outside Julie's Cottage If I Loved You (reprise) Billy

Scene Six: Outside the Schoolhouse Finale: You'll Never Walk Alone (reprise) Chorus

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6. Rehearsal Schedule

Date Monday Thursday 1/12 & 4/12 December Chorus songs N/A 8/12 & 11/12 Chorus songs N/A 15/12 & 18/12 Auditions N/A 22/12 & 25/12 Holiday Holiday 29/12 & 1/1 January Holiday Holiday 5/1 & 8/1 Chorus songs Principals Note GM training Principals text: Pages 4 - 26 Birmingham Monday 7:30 – 8:00 Pages 4 – 18 Carrie, Julie, Billy, Mullin 8:30 – 8:30 Pages 18 – 20 Policeman, Bascome, Julie, Billy 8:30 – 9:00 Pages 20 - 26 Carrie, Julie, Billy 9:00 – 9:30 12/1 & 15/1 Chorus songs Principals Principals text: Pages 27 - 58 7:30 – 8:00 Pages 27 – 40 Julie, Nettie Carrie Technical 8:30 – 8:30 Pages 40 – 45 Julie, Carrie, Enoch, Billy Team 8:30 – 9:00 Pages 45 - 58 Julie, Billy, Mullin, Jigger Meeting to 9:00 – 9:30 Louise Audition include; Stage Manager, Lighting, Audio, Wardrobe and Props 19/1 & 22/1 Chorus songs Principals Note:GM training Principals text: Pages 62 - 91 London 7:30 – 8:00 Pages 62 – 64 Nettie, Billy, Jigger, Julie 8:30 – 8:30 Pages 69 – 78 Carrie, Nettie, Jigger 8:30 – 9:00 Pages 80 – 85 Billy, Jigger, Julie 9:00 – 9:30 Pages 85 – 91 Bascome, Billy, Captain, Policeman, Julie, Carrie, Enoch 26/1 & 29/1 Chorus songs Principals Principals text: Pages 91 - 111 7:30 – 8:00 Pages 91 – 100 Billy, 1 st Heavenly Friend, 2 nd Heavenly Friend, Starkeeper 8:30 – 8:30 Pages 100 – 109 Carrie, Enoch, Julie, Billy 1 st Heavenly friend, Louise 8:30 – 9:00 Pages 110 – 111 Principal, 1 st Heavenly Friend, Dr Seldon, Billy 9:00 – 9:30

2/2 & 5/2 February 7:30 – 8:30 Set Group dance / movement ‘June ’ including Principals Note GM training reprise and Finale London Monday 8:30 – 9:30 Run with principals vocals ‘June’ 9/2 & 12/2 7:30 – 8:30 Set Group dance / movement ‘Clam Bake’ Principals - 13 - Carousel Performance Guide

8:30 – 9:30 Run with principals vocals ‘Clam Bake’ reprise Mr Plus run of June Snow, When The Children are Asleep 16/2 & 19/2 7:30 – 8:30 Set Gr oup dance / movement ‘Blow High’ Principals 8:30 – 9:30 Run with principals vocals ‘ Blow High’, reprise Mr Snow, When The Children are Asleep Call For Plus run of June Louise’s Plus run of Clam Bake Ballet, Louise and 9:30 or 7:00 TBA Louise Audition Partner 23/2 & 26/2 7:30 – 8:30 Set Group movement ‘Prologue’ and Scene 2 Principals 8:30 – 9:30 Run ‘Prologue’ inc pre show and interval and Scene 2 Plus run of June Plus run of Clam Bake Plus run of Blow High 2/3 & 5/3 March 7:30 – 8:30 Set Stonecutter s and Finale, Set tableau for Principals Louises Ballet Principals 8:30 – 9:30 Run Stone Cutters and Finale in show order Text Act I Plus run of Prologue & Scene 2 Plus run of June Plus run of Clam Bake Plus run of Blow High

9/3 & 12/3 7:30 – 8:30 Set Mr Snow, Children, soliloquy, Principals 8:30 – 9:30 Run Act I scene 3 Principals Text Act II

16/3 & 19/3 7:30 – 8:00 describe chorus action in Act I scene 2 and 3 Principals 8:00 – 9:30 Run Act I Principals Text Act I 23/3 & 26/3 7:30 – 8:00 descri be chorus action in Act II and set positions Principals for Finale Principals 8:00 – 9:30 Run Act II Text Act II 30/3 & 2/4 April 7:30 – 8:00 describe chorus action in Act I scene 2 and 3 Principals 8:00 – 9:30 Run Act I 6/4 & 9/3 7:30 – 8:00 describe chorus action in Act II and set positions Principals Note GM training for Finale London Monday 8:00 – 9:30 Run Act II 13/4 & 16/3 Principals 20/4 & 23/3 Full Run Principals 27/4 & 30/3 Full Run Commence Act 1 Principals 4/5 & 7/5 May Full Run Comme nce Act 2 Principals 10/5 Sunday Get in, Costumes and dress / Technical Run Principals

11/5 – 16/5 Show Week 7:15 start, In costume and acting from 7:00

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7. Make up

Women

Very little makeup, some light foundation, eye-liner, browns and cream colours for eye shadow (definitely no bright colours, see notes below), some shading for cheeks, jaw line and nose. Natural colours for lips, no bright colours

Hair should be up and out of eyes/face, no fringes, bangs or Bo-ho look. In the first act hair should be in a bun/knot at the back/top of the head. Performers playing young girls may have their loose at the back. The head may be covered with a scarf or a hat.

Women in the 19 th century liked to be thought of as fragile ladies. They compared themselves to delicate flowers and emphasised their delicacy and femininity. They aimed always to look pale and interesting. Paleness could be induced by drinking vinegar and avoiding fresh air. Sometimes ladies discreetly used a little rouge on the cheeks, but make-up was frowned upon in general especially during the 1870s when social etiquette became more rigid.

Actresses however were allowed to use make up and famous beauties such as Sarah Bernhardt and Lillie Langtry famous beauties of the 1880s could be powdered. Most cosmetic products available were still either chemically dubious, or found in the kitchen amid food colourings, berries and beetroot.

A pale skin was a mark of gentility. It meant that a lady could afford to not work outdoors getting suntanned which was then considered vulgar and coarse. Continuous work in sun and harsh weather coarsened the skin then, as it does now. Parasols were de rigueur and used to protect the complexion. Rooms were shuttered with dark heavy velvet curtains to keep out the sun's rays. Some effort was made keep the décolleté neckline in good condition as it was often exposed in evening dress. Fine blue lines would be painted on the skin to increase the appearance of delicate translucent skin showing veins.

Men

Water based pancake for face, brown liner for eyebrows, some minimal browns for eye shadow, shading for cheeks, temples, jaw line.

Jigger should grow stubble. Men may grow moustache or side burns

Hair should be gelled/greased and combed back parted at the side or off centre.

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8. Costume

Costumes examples are shown below and ours will not be exactly the same. Women will generally wear long dresses with some bustle, white blouses.

Men will alternatively wear Fishermen costumes, whaler jackets (black waterproofs), suits.

From West End production of Carousel

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Original Designs

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CHARACTER ACTOR Costumes

Julie Jordan Sue • Jacket, skirt, light blouse Young Old • Collared blouse , skirt Billy Bigelow Mark • Hat, Waistcoat, Dark Jacket, plain dark Alive Dead trousers, suitable shirt or top, neckerchief? • Dead – white themed equivalent jacket and hat (Note – blood stain) Carrie Pipperidge Karen • Buttoned up dress, jacket blouse (prim) Young Old • Well off older dress probably light colooured Enoch Snow Paul • Suit – up tight person Young Old • Suit for an older up tight person Nett ie Fowler Gill • Blousy, colourful with skirt and pinny Chorus option? • Older outfit still somewhat colourful Jigger Craigin Joe • Own cloths generally dark

Louise TBA • Simple dress ¾ length

• White dress simple for graduation Mrs. Mullins Lynda • Bright, low cut blouse and black skirt, Chorus option? colourful • Generic chorus female outfit required David Bascombe George • Business like suit with hat (top or bowler) Young Old • Extra jacket for principal Chorus option? • Generic chorus male

Heavenly Friend Cheryl • White themed with long skirt and white Chorus option? blouse/jacket . • Generic chorus female Starkeeper John • White themed outfit, suit , own shoes sprayed Chorus option? white • Generic chorus male Dr. Seldon John • Sober suit with bow tie Enoch Sn ow, Jr TBA • Breeches, foppish bow tie Policeman Terry • Policeman circa 1875 Chorus option? • Generic chorus male Captain Andy • Captains cap and reefer jacket Chorus option? • Generic chorus male Principal George • Change of jacket as above for Bascome Male Chorus • High waisted trousers, jumper/grey shirt, flat Standard Whalers cap/60’s cap in black, waistcoats Graduation • Whalers – black jerkin • Graduation – suits for older men, breeches for

boys (may be some girls dressed as boys here

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Female Chorus • Accessorised jacket, hat, gloves, umbrellas, Standard Graduation shawls, skirts, bustle • Netties Spa - pinnies • Graduation – older women in nice

dress/blouse, girls in ¾ • European Beauties • Red basques and red tights, head dress if poss

x3 Bearded lady • Beard juggler • Baggy trousers/braces Clown • Pierrot outfit x 2 Snow children • Childrens cloths 2 girls from cast, 1 boy from cast plus 3 or 4 others ranging in age from 7 to 13 – ‘Sunday best’ to include hats and one very large one Front of house stalls • Some accessories such as shawls/hats for stall holders Carousel boy • Black waist coat, tight shirt, jazz pants, jazz shoes, bandana or neckerchief Carousel cast • European Beauties modified x 4 plus 4 male 3 male cast Stage Crew • As per Oliver but grey/brownish shirts rather than white Chorus for ‘Up there’ • Pinnies, white mob caps, white blouses x 4

Cast to provide where possible their own: Shoes Hair pieces Fishnet tights

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Please see below a representation of the sets we will be using for our production of Carousel.

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Stage Manager Notes

General Comment:

Please note that the majority of the set will be used but may vary from the pictures shown above. There will be no backdrops used but a cyclorama with projections and lighting effects.

There are no curtains used.

All set transitions are taken in slow motion, smoothly and quietly.

We will assume a 7:15 start of show as this is fairly long production running at 2 /12 hours plus interval.

Time/Scene Comment Notes 6:45 FOH stalls and concession stand open for FOH stalls include concession business. Stall owners in place and in stand, clam chowder, toffee character apples, raffle, Tin Can Alley. We could do with someone Audio SFX start to take charge of FOH entertainment. 7:00 Cast and characters in costume start Check carousel will move to mingling with FOH audience centre and will turn. We may use this as a central Stage crew start setting stage for effect for the Prologue music opening scene with 15 minutes to go.

Noise on stage of building work is fine. As much ad lib interaction as possible 7:15 – Prologue Music starts, lights change, initial freeze Characters may include: frame then main prologue action bearded lady, juggler, illusionist, clown, policeman Scene 2 – Before the end of prologue start moving Lighting changes on start of Promenade the carousel scene

Move cast off with set slowly from SL to Billy and Julie will move SR, most cast move left to right Right to left

Last thing picnic bench comes in from SL Throughout the scene the lighting becomes darker and Scene finishes with kiss. focuses on B & J, couples at back look out to sea. Silouette effect with cyclorama Scene 3 – The set is brought on during Page 27 text Actors on ASAP and start Nettie’s Spa as part of the transition lights will darken text. Some movement of at back bench and props throughout this scene can be done by actors. Will have to check in rehearsal.

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Interval 15/20 Stage crew have 15 minutes to change FOH goes into interval mode minutes) set to clam bake with open curtains with clam chowder on sale, more couples interacting +1.5 hours with audience Act II Stage already set during interval Ambient SFX during interval

Scene 1 - Clam Bake Scene 2 - Water Transition for set during pages 81 – 83 front Scene 3 - Up Clear set pages 91 – 93 Everything else brought on There by actors, eg ladders, cloths line, washing tubs Scene 4 - Beach Louise’s Ballet is a clear stage Some ambient SFX Scene 5 - Julies Transition for set during page 99 Cottage Scene 6 - Transition for set during page 109 Schoolhouse Bows Stage remains in school house set and is used for cast. Finish +2.75 hours approx 10:00pm

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10. Props

Time/Scene Props Notes 6:45 FOH stalls and concession stand FOH stalls include concession stand, clam chowder, toffee Raffle items apples, raffle, Tin Can Alley. We could do with someone Tin can alley to take charge of FOH entertainment. chestnut stall

Programmes

7:15 – Prologue Juggling scarves, flags, dolls as prizes, Characters may include: flags, printed money bearded lady, juggler, clown, policeman Scene 2 - Reuse of previous scene props Promenade Scene 3 – Pots, Ladles, plates/bowls spoons, big Nettie’s Spa hat (for dance), mugs, sail cloth, cargo net/fishing net, harpoons, ropes, baskets, knife Act II Trestle table, cauldron, pots, big cushions, rugs, treasure for treasure Scene 1 - Clam hunt Bake Scene 2 - Water Pack of cards, coins, knife front Scene 3 - Up Cloths line, pegs, stars, poss tub, poss Actors to be in housemaids There stick, mangle, step ladder costumes mostly white aprons and hats Scene 4 - Beach Shells and a conch shell Some ambient SFX Scene 5 - Julies Tea cups, saucers, tea plates, tea Cottage spoons, tea cakes Scene 6 - Graduation scrolls, old fashioned camera Schoolhouse Bows Stage remains in school house set and is used for cast. Finish +2.75 hours approx 10:00pm

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8. Audition Notice

Audition Preparation Suggestions for Carousel

When preparing for an audition for this show, be aware that Hammerstein uses New England American regional dialogue . Fust for first, keering for caring, and perlice for police, Peter becomes Peder, Can’t becomes Kayand. Reading the script ahead of time will allow you to be familiar with this so that you won't stumble over the words when asked to read a scene.

You will be asked to read from the libretto (or preferably learn) your audition text. If required you will be supported by a panel member reading other parts. You should attempt to create a full character with gestures and actions appropriate to the audition text.

Character/Description/Acting age Audition text Audition musical range pages pieces Ju lie Jordan (Soprano, 16 - 28) 15 – 17, 33 – 36, 53 -55 'If I Loved You' (bars 68 to Mill girl. Young, shy. A modest but passionate and 88 - 90 128) and 'What's The Use Of innocent who has no capacity for girlish wiles or Wondrin'' (bars 7 to 44) feminine artifice Billy Bigelow (Tenor/Baritone, 25 - 35) 16 – 18, 81 - 85 and 'Soliloquy' (bar 122 to the Carousel barker. Handsome, virile, arrogant. The 104 – 107 end) right blend of swagger and vulnerability. Carrie Pipperidge (Alto/Mezzo, 18 - 28) 71 - 74 'Mister Snow' (bar 66 to the Simple-minded best friend of Julie. Sensible and end) and 'When the Children loyal. are Asleep' (bar 135 to the end) Enoch Snow (Te nor, 22 - 32) 39 – 42 'Geraniums in the Winder' Carrie's husband, a kindhearted and hardworking (bars 1 to 38) and 'When the fisherman. Stuffy but sincere. Children are Asleep' (bars 1 to 52) Nettie Fowler (Soprano/Mezzo, 30 - 65) 27 – 30 'June is Bustin' Out All Over' Julie's cousin. Provides a home for Julie & Billy. (bars 92 to 164 Weathered, earthy. Jigger Craigin (Baritone, 25 - 35, requires 81 – 85 'Stonecutters Cut it On Stone' strength) (bars 42 to 78) A sleazy criminal sailor who leads Billy astray Louise (Non -Singing, 14 - 16, intense dance role - 103 -107 ballet) Billy and Julie's daughter. Endures the aftermath of her father's actions. Mrs. Mul lins (Non -Singing, 35 - 50) 50 – 53 Carousel owner. Jealous rejected lover of Billy. David Bascombe (Non -Singing, 40 - 75) 18 – 20 Owner of the mill. 1st Heavenly Friend (Non -Singing, 25 - 85) 91 – 93 Brother Joshua. He transports Billy to heaven. Starkeeper (Non -Singing, 25 - 85) 94 – 97 Sends Billy back to Earth to resolve the issues of his tremulous life. Dr. Seldon (sometimes doubles as Starkeeper) 110 – 111

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Enoch Snow, Jr (Non -Singing, 16 - 21, some 103 -104 dance) Policeman (Non s inging) 18 – 20 Supports Bascome Captain (Non singing) 86 – 87 Principal 110 plus ad libs

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