‘Carousel’ at Repertory

Press, 3 July 1985, Page 19

‘Carousel’ at Repertory

"Carousel” is St Joseph’s' 1 Light Operatic Society’s 1 choice for its 1985 produc- . tion. Written by Rodgers and 1 Kammerstein, whose sue- 1 cesses include “The Sound 1 of Music” and “South Paci- j fic,” the show will open at t the Repertory Theatre with . a gala performance on Fri- i day and run until July 13, i with a matinee on Sunday, t July 7. t Directing is Penny Gid- I dens, with choreography by ' George Williams, musical direction by Veronica i V

Hobby, and an orchestra of 20 conducted by Malcolm Jones. “Carousel” is set in the New England of the late 1800’s and tells the story of Billy Bigelow, the brash young barker of a carousel at a local fair, and Julie Jordan, the beautiful girl with whom he falls in love and marries. Well known and much loved songs from the show include “June is bustin’ Out All over” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone." For the society, the lead role of Billy Bigelow is played by Michael McCor-

mick, last seen in Repertory Theatre’s production of “Twelve Angry Men.” Opposite him, as Julie Jordan, is Phillipa Mcßryde, who portrayed Laurie in the Christchurch Operatic Society’s 1983 production of "Oklahoma/’ The comedy part of Enoch Snow will be taken by Kent Bloxham, who, only a few weeks ago, completed a season as Nanki Poo in the Gilbert and Sullivan society’s presentation of "The Mikado.” A new comer to St Joseph’s, Cathy Lul-

ham, has the part of Carrie Pipperidge. Well-known Christchurch actor and singer, Kevin Knowles, is Billy’s unsavoury friend, Jigger Craigin, and playing the part of the motherly Nettie Fowler is another familiar face ,to Christchurch theatre-goere, Helen Powell. Smaller parts will be taken by Mike Hammersley, Bob Britten, Graeme Ward, Peter Giddens, Doreen Le Strange and Lynley Baird. A large and enthusiastic chorus completes the cast.