Saugatuck Red Barn Theatre Movie Night-Carousel

Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Start Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Red Barn Theatre

Category: Saugatuck & Douglas Events

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The Red Barn Theater’s film attraction for December 13 is ‘Carousel,’ a charming 1956 production of the brilliant Rogers and Hammerstein Broadway hit about carnival barker Billy Bigelo (Gordon MacRae) who gets to return from the dead and right some of the wrongs he has done his wife Julie (Shirley Jones).


‘Carousel,’ which ran for 890 performances on Broadway, makes an excellent big-screen spectacular as envisioned by director Henry King. There are two production numbers in the picture that are close to classic. The choreography by Rod Alexander is brilliant throughout.

In addition to the beautiful songs, such as the love duet "If I Loved You,” the film maintains the drama of the original. Billy and Julie haven't got a clue about marriage. Billy can’t settle down, can't keep a job, and feels smothered. Angry, he sometimes hits Julie, who can’t help loving her man, and keeps on excusing his behavior.

MacRae's performance in the “Soliloquy” may be the best part of the film as Billy sees Julie’s pregnancy as a sign that he must turn his life around. Believing he needs to support his wife and child, but not knowing how, he’s easy prey for ex-con Jigger (Cameron Mitchell). His involvement in attempted robbery leads to his death. It also gives Julie and the townspeople a chance to sing the stirring ballad "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Audiences will especially enjoy the hopeful finale, as Julie and Billy’s daughter, Louise (danced by Susan Luckey, with Jacques D'Amboise), envisions her future in the original stage ballet by Agnes DeMille.

Join host John Hardy at 7 p.m. in front of The Big Screen at The Red Barn, 3657 63rd St. at Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck, about a quarter mile east of Exit 41 off of I-196. Suggested donation is $5. Free popcorn from CNJ Popcorn Co. and $1 concessions. Call (269) 857-5300 for more information or email lakeshorearts@comcast.net

Location Details

Red Barn Theatre
63RD & Blue Star Hwy.
Saugatuck Mi 49453

Location Phone: 269-857-5300