Be sure to ride Cabrillo Theatre’s ‘Carousel’
By Ryan O’Quinn
Special to the Acorn

HEATHER O'QUINN/T.O.A. CELEBRATING-Cabrillo Music Theatre producer Cheryl Mastrovito, Kristi Holden (Julie Jordan), Kevin Earley (Billy Bigelow), director Lewis Wilkenfeld, artist Judith Litten and Jair Levitt at a "Carousel" party hosted at Cafe Provincal following the Saturday evening performance.

Cabrillo Music Theatre, the resident musical theatre company of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, celebrates the centennial birthday of composer Richard Rodgers with a spectacular rendition of "Carousel" running through April 6.

"Carousel" is the story of young love between Billy Bigelow, a troubled, passionate carnival barker and Julie Jordan, an innocent, goodhearted mill worker who falls for him. The musical contains several Rodgers and Hammerstien standards and provides entertainment for the entire family that will make you sing "June is Bustin’ Out" all week.

From the opening number beautifully conducted by Ilana Eden, music director, to the "Schoolhouse Finale," this production is a crowd pleaser. Most musical audiences are accustomed to an overture before the curtain rises; however "Carousel" opens with the entire cast in colorful costumes at the carnival and a pantomimed teaser that provides background to the characters. There is no way to watch just one performer as each cast member is mesmerizing in their dances and actions.

"I love ‘Carousel’ and this has been a dream cast," said Lewis Wilkenfeld, show director. His love of the musical was evident as he talked about the life of the characters in the show that first won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award in 1945. Despite the show’s setting in the late 19th century, the emotions are current and the trials of youth have not changed. "My goal is for the audience to look on stage and see people they know," said Wilkenfeld. "Struggles with relationships, lost love, making a mistake, these are all contemporary feelings."

Kevin Earley, who has been acting professionally since age 10, turns in a seamless performance as the troubled youth Billy Bigelow. The range of emotions he endures from the angry carousel barker to accepting the responsibility of fatherhood is a joy to watch and one that no fan of this musical should miss.

Kristi Holden aptly revives the role of Julie Jordan she has played three times before and this run marks her third time working with Wilkenfeld. Holden’s portrayal of Julie is delightful and her rendition of "You’ll Never Walk Alone" is moving and poignant and adds the right amount of grief to the character.

Another cast standout was Mindy Reid who brings not only an incredible singing voice, but also humor and depth to the role of Carrie Pipperidge in her debut with Cabrillo Music Theatre.

One of the elements that made this performance particularly special was the tips the director received in person from a theatre legend. Broadway star John Raitt, who originated the role of Billy, met with Wilkenfeld and offered insight into the characters and notes from the men who created them.

"He called them (Rodgers and Hammerstien) Oscar and Dick," said Wilkenfeld referring to Raitt’s relationship with the pair that created shows like "Oklahoma!," "South Pacific," "The King and I" and "The Sound of Music."

"He took me through the show and said here’s how this works. He gave me notes you won’t find in any script."

Raitt has attended other Cabrillo Music Theatre performances and his notes were always welcomed. "I have two pages of notes from him," said Wilkenfeld. "He is so generous and his presence is felt in our work." Producer Cheryl Mastrovito said Raitt plans to attend a performance this weekend.

Costume designer Randon Pool deserves kudos for flawlessly creating period costumes that complement the stunning set design throughout the show. One of the showstoppers was the colorful and rousing "June is Bustin’ Out All Over" performed by Jennifer Matthews (Nettie Fowler), Mindy Reid and the female ensemble.

The male ensemble, not to be outdone, received a thunderous ovation following a stomp-like version of "Blow High, Blow Low" led by Earley and Gordon Goodman who turned in a superb portrayal of Jigger Craigin.

Wilkenfeld and the cast skillfully execute the Rodgers and Hammerstein invention of utilizing a smooth transition between spoken word and song. "Carousel" was the first musical to utilize songs as being organic and coming from the emotion of the character. "Carousel" was a trendsetter in other ways as well with a lengthy ballet written into the second act.

Lisa Gillespie as Louise Bigelow was one of the highlights of the evening. Her graceful ballet with Harlan Bengel as Carnival Boy was brilliantly choreographed by Peggy Hickey and seemed to be the talk of the party following opening night.

For any fan of musicals, especially "Carousel", this show is a must-see. The show runs through April 6 at the Kavli Theatre at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets ($14-$38) are available at the box office or through Ticketmaster (805) 583-8700 or www.ticketmaster.com.

For box office or general information call (805) 449-2787.