“Carousel” is about love, loss, abuse, fatherhood and redemption. It centers around the theme that life is a “Carousel” and we are just spinning around and around. Julie Jordan falls for the carousel barker and though he tries to be a good man, he is his own worst enemy. When he takes his own life he misses his daughter Louise growing up. An angel gives him the opportunity to come back and redeem himself. Here are five of the best songs from the show.
(1) “If I Loved You”: This is one of the most beautiful Rodgers and Hammerstein’s love songs. Julie and Billy fall in love fast, but this song is gorgeous. It is especially touching when Billy sings it to Julie after he has already past and she can’t see him, but she feels his presence.
(2) “June is Busting Out All Over”: This show has its dark moments, but this song is really up-beat and allows the whole cast to have a good time. Many of the characters get to show off their personality and it is really catchy and fun. It’s definitely the fast song you will hum on your way out of the theatre.
(3) “Soliloquy”: This is one of the most difficult male solos to sing. We follow Billy on a journey through grappling with what it takes to be a father. He spends a lot of the song talking to his future song, until it dawns on him that he could always have a daughter! It’s a funny and genuine moment. The end of the song showcases some really amazing tenor notes.
(4) “What’s the Use of Wondering”: This song will break you heart. Julie explains to her friends that even though Billy has been bad and abusive, she just can’t walk away from him. This is one of the first shows to touch on spousal abuse. It’s a difficult thing to deal with through song, and that’s what makes this number so disturbing.
(5) “You’ll Never Walk Alone”: This is the most iconic song from this show and for good reason. With a swelling melody and a huge build, it is covered to this day. This definitely isn’t a show that can end on some jazz squares, but this number helps you realize if Julie can make it through so can we. No matter what happens in life, you will never be all alone.
