Carousel, the musical, is a testament to the triumph of the spirit, and a story of the innate goodness of the human person. Hence, it stands as an appropriate offering of the theater world, after more than two years of hiatus, to a humanity that has been plagued and sickened by the pandemic. As a people, we all went through a storm. Individually, though, in one way or another, our respective resolve got dampened in ways we had not imagined. But then again, we have walked on, and will go on walking. Know deeply, however, that one does not and really should not walk alone.
Stirring final scene of ‘Carousel’
While Carousel will always be Carousel, this Carousel is rather a maverick. You won’t see any physical carousel at all. The stage is almost always empty. While it is indeed devoid of anything, it is pretty much full of symbolisms and soulful expressions. Effortlessly, the actors and actresses are able to connect their minds to those of the audience, such that physical spaces and effects can be considered virtually excessive already. Every gesture and each dance step becomes a worthy portrayal. You catch yourself in the process of creating a panorama in your mind based on what your eyes are witnessing in front of you. It is a deconstruction—for you to come up with your own construction. Magical, you think? Not so; it’s just theater at its best.
Karylle Tatlonghari and Gian Magdangal: ‘If I loved You’ is your theater moment.
Crisp, clean, and clever acting—each role is essayed quite impeccably. Emotions are exact. Lines are attractively polished. And many, if not all, in the cast are playing two or more characters—if that is not clever, what is? Yet most importantly, if acting is being, then I feel right then and there that all the actors are just being themselves. The cast of characters has only one name—chemistry—while the entire production, helmed by the maverick director Toff de Venecia, is simply genius.
Karylle has been a dear friend to me. Whenever I can, I really take time to watch her shows. She’s distinct as Julie Jordan—a kawawa wife, and so naive at that: “It is possible that someone may beat you and beat you and not hurt you at all.” Karylle is profoundly powerful being weak and battered so that I get carried away, to the point that I want to run to her and protect her from further pain inflicted by Billy Bigelow (Gian Magdangal), the husband, and from anything else that could possibly harm her gentle soul. I am super proud of this friend of mine, such that at curtain call, I find myself cheering so loudly, like in a championship sports game.
I am super proud of this friend of mine, Karylle, such that at curtain call, I find myself cheering so loudly, like in a championship sports game
But truth be told, a few days before the show, Karylle messaged me: “Please pray for a miracle, Father. I’m sick.” Despite that, where did this versatile actress get the strength and the prowess to perform in such an explosive manner? Bravo, Ana Karylle!
My experience of Carousel did not end when I left Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. My thoughts lingered. I couldn’t help but be biased towards my profession. Carousel is equivalent to four semesters of Theology classes. It is about marriage and family, social justice, eschatology and redemption, with synodality as its underpinning theme. The song You’ll Never Walk Alone is epic, as it should be taken to heart by the faithful, following one’s sacred calling.
Furthermore, these questions:
Can you still ask for an extension of your life to fulfill unfinished business on earth? Like attending your child’s graduation?
Can people on earth serve as judges instead, should one feel too embarrassed to face God?
Why would a good girl fall for a bad guy and stay on until forever?
If life is a carousel, what is its direction?
Going back to the main protagonists, Billy Bigelow and Julie Jordan. Billy appears tough and all, but he is not able to endure. Julie seems weaker and somewhat gullible, but she prevails, never condoning domestic violence. This stark contrast speaks volumes. So sad.
Carousel is really sad. It was a struggle not to be emotional and not shed a tear or two. But then again, it will only be so if you are alone. Thus, you shall not walk alone. Have hope in your heart.
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