The English opera company Opera North has brought Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Carousel’ to Dublin in a sumptuous new production, says David Mullane.

Named the best musical of the 20^th century by Time Magazine, Carousel is the story of Billy Bigelow, a carnival barker and Julie Jordan, a young millworker whose marriage is troubled by domestic abuse and unemployment in 1870s Maine.

Based on a turn-of-the-century Hungarian tragedy, Rodgers and Hammerstein had a challenge to transform the grim play into a more American and more audience-friendly musical. They were even up against it when trying to secure the rights to the play as Ferenc Molnár, the playwright had already turned down requests from both Puccini and Kurt Weill.

“June is bustin’ out all over!” goes the chorus of one of the show’s big numbers and Opera North’s production is bustin’ too. The onstage cast is joined by an additional chorus of thirty and accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra; it’s a delight to hear such rich music and orchestrations played so well.

The production design is very handsome with a dynamic set that continues to surprise right through the second act, full of warm bare lightbulbs and soft wood and shingle that looks right out of New England.

The songs, with their intricate harmonies and unexpected rhythms, are unusually beautiful. While it might take a second listen for some of them to worm themselves into your ear, everyone will recognise the show’s finale number, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and some may even join in during the curtain call.

Some of the dance numbers are a little unambitious but the ballet towards the end of the second act is stunning, performed by the younger members of the company. The book is also commendable with many humorous moments although its age shows considerably when it addresses the subject of domestic violence.

Carousel was Richard Rodgers’ favourite of all his musicals and one could imagine that he would be well pleased to see this lavish and tasteful production.

Tickets available from Bord Gais Energy Theatre.