Carousel - CO2, Sept 2016 - NODA review

What a treat to enjoy this classic evergreen show performed by the talented Youth of Colchester Operatic Society (CO2). Moving away from the more upbeat modern shows into this sensitive moving story with great musical numbers was a challenge for the cast but one which was taken on board with such pleasing results.

The cast with ages ranging from 9-23 years, with the main principal characters aged between 19-22, gave the audience a real treat with some very imaginative direction both with the story and the music.

The main characters of Billy Bigelow played by Will Mugford paired with Jenny Collins as Julie Jordan, Enoch Snow played by Wade Ablitt and Carrie Pipperidge played by Ella D’Arcy Jones, were so well cast and matched with some thrilling singing and interpretation of their respective characters.

A strong Billy, a gentle Julie, a fun Mr Snow a perky Carrie, all with outstanding performances and all with great understanding of the characters played.

Supported by Connor Prachett as a very scary Jigger Cragin, Emily Bates as a warm Nettie Fowler and Ellie Tate as the fairground boss Mrs Mullin, I cannot praise all these young people enough for their dedication and work on this show.

Supported also by a good chorus with full on chorus numbers, a very high standard in dance routines, great set and lighting, lovely costumes, this production just kept “giving” from start to finish of the show.

It was good to see the younger members in the show, especially young men dancing and included in most of the big numbers. The ladies looked so good and did of course outnumber the guys, but the harmonies did not suffer as the musical numbers were very well balanced and enjoyable.

The choreography of the ballet was beautiful, and danced so well by Alice Molnar as Louise, with a super partner in Nathan Rigg as a Carnival Boy who danced beautifully, and together with other dancers it was a very special scene.

I was very impressed with this production so well Directed by Nikki who brought some rather nice updates to the show, and together with Emma as Musical Director it was a fresh feel with an outstanding opening covering all of the Prologue and the Carousel Waltz. It was such an interesting opening with so much happening on stage all linking so well with the music. I also felt the finale ultimo was so moving with the entire cast singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, and both the audience and cast alike were totally involved in the emotion of the song.

The Orchestra under Emma worked very hard and Nikki as usual pulled out all the stops with a memorable production.

I applaud the work and dedication from the production team through to the cast and beyond, to include backstage, FOH team, through to all the many people who work so hard unseen.