“Carousel” is about love, loss, abuse, fatherhood and redemption. He looks around at the theme that life is a “carousel” and we just keep going round and round. Julie Jordan falls into a barking carousel, and no matter how good she tries to be, she is her own worst enemy. When he takes his own life, Louise misses her growing daughter. The angel gives him the opportunity to come and redeem himself. Here are five of his most popular songs.
(1) “If I Loved You”: This is one of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beautiful songs. Julie and Billy in love fast, but this song is splendid. It’s especially touching when Billy sings to Julie after he’s already passed and she can’t see him, but feels his presence.
(2) “June is Busting Out All Over”: This show has its dark moments, but this song is really upbeat and allows the whole cast to have a good time. Many of the characters show off their personality and are really cute and funny. It’s sure to be a fast track to get you striding out of the theater and onto the road.
(3) “Soliloquy”: This is one of the most difficult solos for males to sing. We follow Billy on his journey through the struggles of what it takes to be a father. He spends a lot of time in his song talking about his future, until it dawns on him that he can always have a daughter! It’s a funny and genuine time. The end of the song showcases some truly amazing tenor notes.
(4) “What use to wonder”: This song will break your heart. Julie tells her friends that even though Billy was mean and abusive, she can’t leave him. This is one of the first shows to touch on spousal abuse. It’s hard to sing along, and that’s what makes this number so disturbing.
(5) “You’ll Walk Alone”: this is the iconic song of this particular show. With the swelling of the lyre, it is covered with a huge building to this day. This is definitely not a show that can end in some jazz squares, but this number helps you know if we can make it through Julie. No matter what happens in life, you will never be alone.
