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BRINGING MUSICALS BACK TO FESTIVAL THEATRE IN 2021

One Night Only

After a twelve-month hiatus, musicals return to the Festival Theatre in March 2021 when State Opera South Australia presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel.

Described by TIME magazine as “the greatest musical of the 20th century” Carousel is famous for its lush score and powerful pathos. The story revolves around carousel barker Billy Bigelow, whose romance with millworker Julie Jordan comes at a terrible price. This classic bad boy meets good girl story does not shy away from the fragility of love and the gritty reality of life and is noteworthy for being a musical that doesn’t have the happiest of endings.

Anthems like “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (best known as the theme song for Liverpool United FC) sit alongside musical classics such as “If I Loved You” and “June is Bustin’ Out All Over” and a huge orchestral score will showcase the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in all their glory – on stage for all to see.

The one night only performance is headlined by Australian uber-talent Ben Mingay – the actor, musician and international musical theatre performer. The former tradie from Newcastle is known for his powerhouse presence and rich voice, and even more for his portrayal of complex characters.
Mingay says that alongside Sweeney Todd, troubled fair-worker Billy Bigelow is one of his bucket list roles.

After the decimation to the live performance industry in 2020 at the hands of COVID, Artistic Director Stuart Maunder AM is understandably proud to be presenting an iconic gem as the return to musicals in Adelaide’s Festival Theatre.

“Carousel is one of the greats. Celebrated by music theatre lovers and football fans alike, it has guts and glory, love and tragedy,” he said.
This limited season will feature a stellar Australian cast and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra on stage at the Festival Theatre.