CAROUSEL Closes at Reprise Theatre Company, 2/7

The Reprise Theatre Company's production of CAROUSEL will close on February 7, 2010.

The 2009-2010 season of Reprise Theatre Company continues with Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel," running through February 7 at UCLA's Freud Playhouse. Alexandra Silber stars as Julie Jordan, direct from her critically acclaimed portrayal of Julie Jordan in "Carousel" at the Savoy Theatre in London's West End (TMA Award - Best Actress). Silber is joined by Robert Patteri as Billy Bigelow ("Scarlet Pimpernel," "Beauty and the Beast".) Veteran character actor M. Emmet Walsh appears as the Starkeeper. Michael Michetti, co-artistic director of The Theatre at Boston Court, will direct, with choreography by Lee Martino and musical direction by Darryl Archibald.

The cast also features Jane Noseworthy as Carrie, James Leo Ryan as Jigger, Victoria Strong as Cousin Nettie, and Andy Taylor as Enoch Snow. The ensemble of "Carousel" includes Eydie Alyson, Seth Belliston, Bradley Benjamin, Jessica Carter, Blake Ewing, Christopher Guilmet, Chris Holly, Tracy Lore, Kim Mikesell, Gregory North, Candy Olsen, Allison Paraiso, Jo Patrick, Sean Smith, Leslie Stevens, John Todd, and Scott Weber.

"Carousel," with book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein ll and music by Richard Rodgers, first opened on Broadway in 1945 and in 1999 was hailed by Time magazine as "the best musical of the 20th century - that set the standards for the 20th century musical." "Carousel" is presented by special arrangement with the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization.

Single tickets are available November 9 for "Carousel" online at www.reprise.org or through the UCLA Central Ticket Office at 310/825-2101.

"Carousel" Director Michael Michetti explains "Some signature elements of Reprise's approach, including minimalist sets and an on-stage orchestra, are being turned to our advantage as we create a production that emphasizes both the story's sense of community as well as the intimacy of its central love story. By stripping away some of the bows and frills usually associated with "Carousel," and by exploring the simple, working-class New England culture of the period, we hope this production will allow the audience to hear this beloved play in a whole new way, integrating its moving story with the epic beauty of Rodgers & Hammerstein's score and the vibrant spectacle of its dances."

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