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FORM wins and Honolulu theater-goers in search of a good cry are the beneficiaries, as Diamond Head Theatre opens its 2000-2001 season with "Carousel." Director Greg Zane and a uniformly talented cast turn a thin and depressing story into a marvelous show. In doing so they suggest the subtleties of character and motivation Rodgers & Hammerstein must surely have intended when the original staging of "Carousel" opened on Broadway in 1945. ‘Carousel’ negotiates
all the right turnsBy John Berger
Special to the Star-Bulletin"Carousel" is a story of two people who ruin their lives by making quick and illogical decisions. Billy Bigelow (Joseph Ricci) throws away the job he loves by scorning the older woman he works for (Lisa Konove) to go for a one-nighter with Julie Jordan (Jennifer Cleve), a young woman he barely knows. Julie throws away the security of her tedious but safe job as a mill worker by staying with Billy instead of returning to the workers' dorm as required by the terms of her employment.
Zane, Ricci and Cleve suggest some deeper motivations. Julie dreams of escaping the drudgery of her mill job and willingly trades security for freedom and the dream of love. She sees something in the promiscuous Billy that others don't. Billy finds himself drawn to Julie despite himself.The theme of spouse abuse runs through the story but Zane wisely avoids turning "Carousel" into a politically correct parable on the subject. Ricci portrays a guy who has a good heart but fatal flaws, a likable guy despite the fact that a contemporary audience loathes domestic violence and knows his fate. Ricci brings a strong voice and great stage presence to the role; his aptly titled "Soliloquy" is brilliantly delivered.
Cleve is the other half of an engaging, well-matched couple. She and Ricci succeed in making "If I Loved You" the dramatic number it must be if their relationship is to be believable.
Zane also avoids a simple good vs. evil approach with the designated villain, Jigger Craigin (Mike Galizia). The sinister, black-clad whaler accounts for his darker side when he speaks eloquently and accurately of the economic and social stratification that denies working class guys like Billy and himself a fair shot at wealth and advancement. Galizia gives a great performance throughout.
Conching again proves herself one of Honolulu's most versatile actresses as Carrie Pipperidge. She sings beautifully; her "Mister Snow" is delightful. Conching plays her character perfectly whether Carrie is writhing in embarrassment after realizing her fiance Enoch Snow (Scott Moura) has overheard her talking about him or tartly challenging his conservative views.
Moura's duet with Conching, "When the Children are Asleep," is another fine musical moment.
Choreographer Kristin Ing does an outstanding job. The most impressive number of all is her own performance as Louise opposite Andrew Sakaguchi (Fairground Boy). It will almost certainly stand as one of the best dance segments of the entire 2000-2001 season and is one of the most dramatically effective since David Spangenthal danced in the desert with Lolly Totero in DHT's 1997 production "Crazy for You." Ing's physical skill as a dancer is matched by flawless work as an actress as her expressions reveal Louise's emotional metamorphosis.
Add strong supporting performances by Konove, Richard Aadland (Starkeeper) and Jackie Brunberg (Nettie), minimalist but solid sets by Gordon P. Svec, and solid support by musical director Donald Yap, and "Carousel" is an all-around winner. Just be prepared to cry.
Carousel
When: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 1
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