Richmond Operatic Society is seeking new members.
On the back of their sell out production of The Addams Family, the group is recruiting members for their next production of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic Carousel.
The musical follows the story of Julie Jordan and her relationship with Billy Bigalow and their daughter Louise.
The story deals with very complex issues of domestic abuse, faith, coming of age and relationships.
Director Suanne Harding said: “I am so excited to direct this multi Tony Award winning show. The story of Billy, a charismatic carousel barker who falls in love with Julie, a young, innocent woman with little experience in the world of men.
“Billy struggles with inner turmoil when he learns that Julie is pregnant and tries to gain money to support his newly formed family but does so in a criminal way.
“When he is caught, the shame overwhelms him, and he kills himself. This leaves Julie, a lone parent, to bring up a child by herself. Billy gets to have a chance at redemption in the afterlife but struggles to cope with the consequences of his actions. Ultimately, he does his best to resolve his actions, but does he truly repent his past?”
The director said Carousel could be viewed as a controversial show in a 21st century.
“The show focusses on difficult themes of romance, domestic violence, family, and redemption. When the show was released in the 1940s, it was set to show the changing role of women in society in a post-war world.
“With the complex themes of abuse, it is argued that this show should not work. Yet, Carousel, and particularly its problematic ending that may or may not ask us to forgive Billy of his crimes, remains among the most moving experiences in all of musical theatre.”
The award-winning Richmond Operatic Society is looking for new members to take principle and ensemble roles.
The group is also looking children to take a number of parts.
If you would like to take part, message on rospublicity@gmail.com, visit out website at www.richmondoperatic.co.uk or send a message via Facebook.
Suanne added: “You are also very welcome to attend our rehearsal hall on Bargate, Richmond on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm. We can’t wait to see you there.”
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