The other night I witnessed one of those unforgettable nights of musical performance in New York City. My mom is a subscriber and was able to get us great seats for the New York Philharmonic’s gorgeous presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel.They only did 5 performances (the last one is tonight), so I feel especially lucky to have seen it.
I am so fortunate that my parents always loved theater, music and dance and treated me to many wonderful theatre experiences as I grew up. This particular production was full of music and people that have touched me deeply. First, the music and lyrics, which are so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes just hearing some of those melodies. In the “Playbill,” I read that TIME magazine named Carousel the Best Musical of the 20th century, and Rodgers said it was his favorite of all of his musicals.
And the performers! Broadway stars Kelli O’Hara, Jason Danieley, Jessie Mueller, John Cullum, and Met Opera stars Nathan Gunn and Stephanie Blythe. They were all fantastic. It also featured John Cullum, who starred with Barbara Harris in the very first Broadway show I ever saw, in 1966: On A Clear Day You Can See Forever. I wonder how many hundreds of times I listened to that album?
Kelli O’Hara played Julie Jordan
I saw Kelli O’Hara in South Pacific and Nice Work If You Can Get It, and she is just too wonderful. Nathan Gunn and Stephanie Blythe both have wondrous voices.
Nathan Gunn, who played Billy Bigelow, at curtain call
Kelli O’Hara and Nathan Gunn at curtain call
Stephanie Blythe played Nettie Fowler, Kelli O’Hara, Nathan Gunn
John Cullum at curtain call
Jason Danieley played Enoch Snow, and Jessie Mueller played Carrie Pipperidge
Tiler Peck and Robert Fairchild had a wonderful dance duet together. Both dance with New York City Ballet.
Jason Danieley and Jessie Mueller heading for their curtain call
Conductor Rob Fisher, Kelli O’Hara, Nathan Gunn, Messie Mueller, Jason Danieley, Andie Mechanic, Shuler Hensley
Kelli O’Hara, Nathan Gunn, Jessie Mueller, Jason Danieley, Andie Mechanic
I was especially excited to see Jason Danieley because I met him two years ago when he and his wife, Marin Mazzie performed at the gala for my local public library. The connection has extra meaning for me because the Roe Jan Library gifted them with one of my photographs to thank them for performing.
B. Docktor specializes in capturing the spirit, mission, and energy of programs for non-profits, businesses, schools, dance and theatre companies. Whatever your organization does–it’s important to document it with still photography and video. Call me at 518-329-6239.