ORLANDO, Fla. – Little Radical Theatrics is back with a new show and they’re putting on a ‘radical’ take on Rodgers and Hammerstein‘s “Carousel.”
Voted the best musical of the 20th century by Time Magazine in 1999, the musical explores human frailty, resilience, and the power of forgiveness.
Recommended Videos
The story revolves around carousel worker, Billy Bigelow, whose romance with millworker, Julie Jordan, comes at the price of their jobs. He takes part in a robbery to provide for Julie and their unborn child. It goes tragically wrong and Billy has a chance to make things right.
“Carousel often gets associated with themes of forgiveness and redemption. Billy, is a tragically flawed protagonist who strikes out with violence against his wife when he can not handle his own feelings of worthlessness and depression,” said Travis Eaton, director of the show.
“In his afterlife, he is given the chance to go back and do something kind for his family, when there he strikes out again in violence against his daughter. I think what I most want the audience to take away from the show is the idea that: forgiveness can be given, but redemption is something achieved through actions, intentions, and self-reflection,” Eaton went on to say.
Austin Radican plays Billy.
“I feel like I can relate to the character due to him losing his job and not knowing what he wants to do with his life and being in that state of struggle with his own mental health and well-being,” said Radican.
In Little Radical Theatrics' version of the show, they’re updating the musical to be more representative of today’s world and their company’s values. They believe it sends a more positive message than how it was originally written in the 1940s.
“The show generally leaves the ending of Billy’s fate up to interpretation, with some productions focusing on the concept of redemption and suggesting he goes to heaven,” said executive producer Fatima Viegas. “In this interpretation we make it clear that Billy has never changed and even in his attempt to change his ultimate fate continues the same abusive behavior, now perpetrating upon his daughter whom he meets for the first time.
“We make sure there is no mistake in interpretation. Without a change in behavior, there is no redemption,” Viegas added.
The American classic features some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most iconic pieces, including “If I Loved You,” “Mister Snow,” “June Is Bustin' Out All Over,” and the iconic “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Auditions for the show began in January, but Little Radical Theatrics has been working on it for almost a year. The rehearsal process is about 8 weeks.
Stephanie Viegas plays Nettie Fowler, Julie’s cousin, in the show. She described how she’s able to get into character.
“She’s an independent woman who runs and owns her own business in 1800s Maine! And everyone respects her! That’s so cool, so I try to channel all the strong women I know and admire,” explained Viegas.
From her perspective, the show isn’t just Billy’s story, but also Julie’s story.
“There are three generations of strong independent women on that stage with Nettie, Julie who is her younger cousin, and Louise who is Julie’s daughter. ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone' is not for the abusive man, but for the women who have to survive him,” said Viegas.
“Carousel” will be performed with a live orchestra inside the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. Click here for ticket information.
If you know someone who needs help with a domestic violence situation, you can find programs HERE.