Carousel – About the Show
Highlights of Carousel – Must-See Moments
Collaboration Between New York City Ballet and Broadway
One of the defining highlights of this Broadway revival is its sweeping classical ballet sequences that capture the spirit of America in the 1870s. The choreography was created by Justin Peck, a principal dancer and choreographer with the world-renowned New York City Ballet. Since beginning his choreography career in 2009, Peck has received critical acclaim across both the ballet world and Broadway, earning his first Tony Award nomination for Best Choreography with this production. The seamless blend of ballet—uniting music, dance, and visual artistry—with Broadway theater creates a stage experience that is both powerful and refined, unlike anything audiences have seen before.
Nominated for 11 Tony Awards in Its Third Broadway Revival
Carousel first premiered on Broadway in 1945, and its second revival in 1994 earned five Tony Award nominations at the 48th ceremony, winning four. In this third Broadway revival, the production reached a new milestone with an impressive 11 nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Featured Actress—the highest number of nominations in the show’s history.
Carousel – Show info
Show details of Carousel
 |
Theater location： Imperial Theatre 249 West 45th Street New York, NY 10036 (Map) |
 |
Performance Run: Previews: February 28, 2018 Opening: April 12, 2018 Closing: September 16, 2018 |
 |
Type of the show: Adapted into a Movie Emotional・Touching Stunning Songs Stunning Dance |
Carousel – Story
The Plot / Summary of Carousel
At a local amusement park carousel, Billy Bigelow, a charismatic barker, falls in love at first sight with Julie Jordan, a young mill worker. The two soon become lovers and eventually marry.
But Billy is dismissed from the carousel for flirting with female customers. Without work or money, he struggles to find employment, and his frustration often turns against Julie at home.
When he learns that Julie is expecting their child, Billy is torn between joy and anxiety. Desperate to provide for his family, he is persuaded by a friend to take part in an illegal scheme involving stolen money.
The plan fails, and as the deal turns violent, Billy faces a gun and takes his own life with his knife rather than be captured.
Fifteen years later, their daughter Louise is bullied for being the child of a criminal. Watching from the afterlife, Billy begs the heavenly gatekeeper for one chance to see her again. He is granted a single day, only a few fleeting hours, to appear before his daughter…
Carousel – Movie
The YouTube trailer of Carousel
This is the promotional video for the Broadway musical “Carousel.” Experience the moving and humorous moments from the stage.
Carousel – Explore, FAQ
Behind the Scenes of Carousel
Based on the 1909 Play “Liliom”
The Broadway musical Carousel, created in 1945 by composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist/playwright Oscar Hammerstein II, is adapted from the 1909 play Liliom by Hungarian dramatist Ferenc Molnar. Molnar’s story, inspired in part by his own life, was later transformed for Broadway and film, even reaching audiences in Japan.
The original Broadway production premiered at the Majestic Theatre on April 19, 1945, and ran until May 24, 1947, totaling 890 performances. Rodgers and Hammerstein are celebrated as the legendary duo who shaped the foundation of modern Broadway, creating enduring masterpieces like South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music.
Because the Tony Awards did not exist when Carousel opened, it never received one, but the musical is widely recognized as a production that surely would have been honored.
Rodgers & Hammerstein – Broadway’s Legendary Duo
Rodgers and Hammerstein, who defined Broadway’s “Golden Age” of the 1940s and 1950s, created some of the most influential musicals of all time. Their productions have won 34 Tony Awards, 15 Academy Awards, and 2 Grammy Awards for a combined total of 51 honors, along with Emmy and Pulitzer Prizes—an achievement still unmatched today. Beyond Broadway, they penned iconic songs such as “Do-Re-Mi” and “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music. When each of them passed away, theaters on both Broadway and London’s West End dimmed their marquee lights in tribute, a rare honor reflecting their immense cultural impact.
Multiple Tony Awards Across Its Revivals
Although the original 1945 production of Carousel debuted before the Tony Awards were established, later revivals earned significant recognition. The 1957 New York City Center revival received a Tony nomination for Best Scenic Design, while the 1994 revival at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre won five Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.
The most recent revival in 2018
Carousel – FAQ
-
Can I buy tickets for Carousel (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about Carousel tickets.
-
How much are tickets for Carousel (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical Carousel start at $59 with our discounted prices. See more details for Carousel tickets.
-
Is the English in Carousel (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical Carousel is an enjoyable show even if you don’t understand English. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
-
Do you have a summary or synopsis of Carousel (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical Carousel are introduced in the Carousel Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
Carousel – Review
Review by Shohei:
Recommended for Classical Music Lovers
If you enjoy classical-style shows, this one is definitely for you. My girlfriend, who is more of a Disney fan and not into classics, drifted off into dreamland about 30 minutes in. But for those who love this kind of work, it’s a captivating experience.
Compared to modern musicals, the scenes felt longer and many of the songs were more operatic in tone. Even as someone used to musicals, I found it hard to catch every lyric. That said, the expressiveness of the performers,more like opera singers than Broadway belters, was deeply moving.
The set wasn’t flashy, and it didn’t look like they spent a fortune, but when the carousel appeared, the whole audience gasped with excitement. It had been a while since I saw something so heartfelt, and I left very satisfied.
July 10, 2018
List of Broadway Shows
Discover the exciting lineup of musicals you can book now with At Broadway, plus a look back at the amazing shows we’ve offered in the past!
Explore Other Broadway Theater Tickets
Helpful info for buying musical tickets
