One of my favorite small theatres in the world is the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut. The theatre itself is in a restored Victorian theatre in what resembles a Victorian house situated on the Connecticut River. Over the years they have sent 16 shows to Broadway. Goodspeed Productions have won more than a dozen Tony Awards and the Theatre has won two Special Tonys. I did Mack and Mabel here and had a wonderful time. What a pleasure to go there and see a new production of Carnival by Bob Merrill (who also wrote Funny Girl) with a book by Michael Stewart (Hello Dolly and Mack and Mabel) with new revisions by Francine Pascal. There were several Californians involved in this project, including Darko Tresnjak (formerly of the Old Globe) as director, Peggy Hickey as choreographer, and actors Michael Kostroff and David Engel. California should be proud because this is a magical and sweet production.
The story, which is also the basis for the movie Lili, concerns a naïve and lonely country girl, Lili, whose father has just died and who wanders into a carnival to find work (and love). The musical originally starred Anna Maria Albergetti and Jerry Orbach (in his first Broadway role). She eventually hooks up with an ex-dancer, Paul, who is ashamed of his appearance and hides behind a set of puppets in order to face the world. When Lili tries to commit suicide the puppets speak to her and she is drawn to them because they treat her with love and respect. Without the puppets, Paul is a horror off stage and scares her, so she finds kindness in the company of handsome Marco the Magician (David Engel), a notorious womanizer. Ah, but Lili and Paul secretly love each other and finally reveal their love to each other. The most famous song is “Love Makes The World Go Round” which the cast sings during the curtain call to great effect.
Article comments
1 - Jon Sobel
I should go see this! I really like this musical. I was in it (in the pit, that is) a gazillion years ago.
2 - E.Hale
Jon, I would love for you to visit Goodspeed Musicals. I had hoped to add you to my critics list for some time now alas I have not been able to find your contact info. Please contact the press department if you are interested in press night information.