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Carousel The Musical

Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics and Book by Oscar Hammerstein II

Carousel Recommended Resources

Plot Summary & Audition Tips for Carousel

List of Characters in Carousel

Carousel Cast Recording (CD)

Carousel Complete Vocal Score

Carousel Sheet Music (Vocal Selections)

Carousel 1956 Film Version on DVD

Based on the play Liliom by Ferenc Molnar.

Carousel is a somewhat morbid tale and yet often considered to be one of Rodgers & Hammerstein's most beautiful scores. It tells the story of Billy, a carousel barker, who is fired when he spends too much time flirting with the girls. He marries Julie, but grows progressively more ill tempered and depressed as he cannot find another job and is unable to provide for his growing family. He eventually turns to crime, but even at burglary he proves to be unsuccessful. Rather than spend the remainder of his life in jail, he stabs himself to death. When he reaches Heaven, he is denied entry because of his terrible track record. After 15 years Earth time, he returns to Earth for one day in an effort to make his daughter see the good that was in her father.

Audition Preparation Suggestions for Carousel

When preparing for an audition for this show, be aware that Hammerstein uses regional dialogue. Fust for first, keering for caring, and perlice for police. Reading the script ahead of time will allow you to be familiar with this so that you won't stumble over the words when asked to read a scene.

This show requires legit voices. Sailors must dance (or at least some of them).

Julie Jordan (Soprano, 16 - 28)
Mill girl. Young, shy. A modest but passionate innocent who has no capacity for girlish wiles or feminine artifice.
Billy Bigelow (Tenor/Baritone, 25 - 35)
Carousel barker. Handsome, virile, arrogant. The right blend of swagger and vulnerability.
Carrie Pipperidge (Alto/Mezzo, 18 - 28)
Simple-minded best friend of Julie. Sensible and loyal.
Enoch Snow (Tenor, 22 - 32)
Carrie's husband, a kindhearted and hardworking fisherman. Stuffy but sincere.
Nettie Fowler (Soprano/Mezzo, 30 - 65)
Julie's cousin. Provides a home for Julie & Billy. Weathered, earthy.
Jigger Craigin (Baritone, 25 - 35, requires strength)
A sleazy criminal sailor who leads Billy astray
Louise (Non-Singing, 14 - 16, intense dance role - ballet)
Billy and Julie's daughter. Endures the aftermath of her father's actions.
Mrs. Mullins (Non-Singing, 35 - 50)
Carousel owner. Jealous rejected lover of Billy.
David Bascombe (Non-Singing, 40 - 75)
Owner of the mill.
1st Heavenly Friend (Non-Singing, 25 - 85)
Brother Joshua. He transports Billy to heaven.
Starkeeper (Non-Singing, 25 - 85)
Sends Billy back to Earth to resolve the issues of his tremulous life.
Enoch Snow, Jr (Non-Singing, 16 - 21, some dance)
Carrie & Enoch's son.
Chorus of sailors, townspeople.

Carousel Related Websites

Audition Preparation Materials

List of Songs in Carousel (Click the song title to download digital sheet music)

  • Prologue - Waltz Suite: "Carousel" (Chorus)
  • Mister Snow (Carrie)
  • If I Loved You (Billy)
  • June Is Bustin' Out All Over (Chorus)
  • You're A Queer One Julie Jordan (Carrie)
  • Mister Snow (Reprise) (Julie & Carrie)
  • When The Children Are Asleep (Mr Snow and Carrie Scene) (Enoch & Carrie)
  • Blow High, Blow Low (Men's Chorus)
  • Soliloquy (Billy)
  • Finale Act I (Chorus)
  • Real Nice Clambake, A (Chorus)
  • Geraniums In The Winder
  • Stonecutters Cut It On Stone/ What's The Use Of Wondrin' (Julie & Carrie)
  • You'll Never Walk Alone (Nettie)
  • The Highest Judge Of All (Chorus)
  • Ballet (Chorus)
  • My Little Girl (Reprise) (Billy)
  • The Carousel Waltz

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