Heath, TX (December 29, 2023) – The Rockwall-Heath High School 2024 theatre season will kick off with a nod back to the Golden Age of Broadway with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL, the full musical.
Summarizing the 1945 original Broadway production of Carousel, RodgersandHammerstein.com says, “Produced by The Theater Guild, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s triumphant return to Broadway was their second musical collaboration, Carousel, which opened April 19, 1945 at the Majestic Theatre. John Raitt and Jan Clayton were cast as the leads. The reviews were enthusiastic across the board, and the new collaborators celebrated another box office smash that, once again, raised the standard for American musical theater. In its review, The New York Times referred to Rodgers & Hammerstein as those “who can do no wrong.” Carousel’s original Broadway production would run at the Majestic Theatre for 890 performances, over two years, followed by an impressive national tour, a West End premiere, a celebrated motion picture adaptation and countless international revivals. In 1955, the film adaptation was directed by Henry King, starring Gordon McRae and Shirley Jones who both happened to also star together in OKLAHOMA! previously.”
After consulting with her production team, Director Keeli James kept the announcement of the show a surprise until the end of the year Thespian Banquet in May 2023. The audition process began mid-October and rehearsals began the following week. “It is so important for my students to be exposed to the classics to understand where musical theatre actually began. Many of them are mostly familiar with contemporary shows written after 1960 and not with the classics that I grew up watching as a child, like The Sound of Music. Anyone who loves the music in that show will be enamored with this powerful and moving musical score, “ says James.
With a student cast, crew, and orchestra of over 100 students from Rockwall-Heath High School, they are all finding great pride in recreating this nostalgic piece of musical history. From the classical vocal style and ballet-based choreography and lifts, to the period costumes, set pieces and props required to bring the setting of an 1873 Maine fishing village to life, each student involved has gone above and beyond to research and work together for the good of the show, including two gifted students making two costumes entirely from scratch!
Early on, even before auditions, they experienced an unfortunate setback as their beloved Tech Director, Matt Pelletier, who had just closed a sold out run of their fall play, suffered an unexpected medical condition that has kept him out for much of the production process. They all miss him terribly and cannot wait for his return but also know the show must go on, and with the help of parent volunteers and advanced tech students, Mr. Pelletier’s set designs are coming to life! Each rock, clam, dock, etc. were all hand constructed by students, Booster Members, and parent volunteers.
RHHS Theatre has long been recognized for advancement in UIL Varsity One Act Play, last year advancing to Area with Margaret Edson’s Wit. Their 2023 musical production of Beauty & the Beast was also nominated with Broadway Dallas for ‘Most Outstanding Student Orchestra’ and their Belle, Bridget Ndogo, went on to perform as a featured soloist at their summer events. Their Troupe 7119 officers and members are proud to exemplify leadership qualities as well at Texas Thespians including qualifying for national individual events.
James adds, “A happy dressing room is a happy show and we have one happy cast of kids ready to share their gifts, create magic, and tell the story. CAROUSEL is a beautiful story of love and redemption. Much like last year’s production Beauty & the Beast, there is an element of darkness but also light, humor, and a sense of hope. Ultimately it is a story about a woman’s unconditional love for her husband that helps save her family and helps their daughter realize that her circumstances do not have to define her future…to which many students in our district can relate.”
With a passerelle stage around the orchestra pit, and an entire eight minute carnival scene complete with cotton candy and real carousel horses, the audience is sure to enjoyably experience for the first time this visually stunning family-friendly production and exquisite melodies such as “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” All performances will be held at the Heath High School Performing Arts Center January 25, 26, 27. Ticket link and cast list can be found at www.heathhawktheatrecompany.com
Submitted by Darcy Gildon, edited for publication
Rockwall-Heath High School theatre season kicks off with the Golden Age of Broadway and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL added by Melanie M on
View all posts by Melanie M →