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Set in a Maine coastal village toward the end of the 19th century, the carefree carnival barker, Billy Bigelow, captivates and marries the naïve millworker, Julie Jordan. Desperate for money when he learns he will soon be a father, Billy is coerced into being an accomplice to a robbery. Caught and facing the certainty or prison, he takes his own life and is sent “up there”. Billy is allowed to return to earth for one day fifteen years later to make amends to the daughter he left behind. She is a lonely friendless teenager, her father’s reputation as a thief and bully having haunted her throughout her young life. How Billy instills in both the child and her mother a sense of hope and dignity is a dramatic testimony to the power of love.
Book: Oscar Hammerstein II
Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II
Music: Richard Rodgers
Based on the play “Liliom” by Ferenc Molnar as adapted by Benjamin F. Glazer
Director: Robert J. Sorbera
Choreographer: Michael Worcel
Music Director: Brent E. Marty
Rehearsals: Starting Jan. 18 at 7pm
Performance Dates: Mar. 12 – Mar. 28 (Thu. – Sun.)
PRINCIPAL ROLES (vocal range, stage age)
Julie Jordan (Soprano, 16-28)
– mill worker; 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, 20-30)
– simple-minded best friend of Julie; sensible and loyal
Enoch Snow (Tenor, 20-30)
– Carrie’s husband; a kindhearted and hardworking fisherman, stuffy but sincere
Nettie Fowler (Soprano/Mezzo, 30-50)
– Julie’s cousin; provides a home for Julie and 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, 40-60)
– owner of the mill
1st Heavenly Friend (Non-Singing, any age)
– Brother Joshua; he transports Billy to heaven
Starkeeper (Non-Singing, any age)
– sends Billy back to Earth to resolve the issues of his tremulous life
Enoch Snow, Jr (Non-Singing, 16-21)
– Carrie and Enoch’s son
Singing and dancing ensemble of sailors and townspeople
