Carnival is now playing at Musicals Tonight! at the Lion Theatre
by: Magda Katz
Carnival, originally produced on Broadway in 1961, with the book by Michael Stewart and music and lyrics by Bob Merrill, is based on the 1953 film Lili. It starred Anna Maria Alberghetti, Kay Ballard and Jerry Orbach and was Directed and Choreographed by Gower Champion. The song “Love Makes the World Go Round” and “Her Face” has outlasted the show and has been recorded by many great artists.
This sweet show still holds up and Ali Ewoldt gives a magnificent performance as Lili. Her clear soprano voice and wonderful acting skills brought to life a young girl who is part woman, part child.
The songs are accompanied by a piano and adding a few more instruments would have enhanced the production. There are amusing moment between Catherine LeFrere(Rosalie) and James Patterson (Marco) as they sing “Always, Always You.”
Musicals Tonight is a wonderful non-for-profit organization that offers classical musicals for a limited run.Their next production is Noel Coward’s “The Girl Who Came to Supper” November 4-16.
Lion Theatre, 410 West 42nd St., www.musicalstonight.org (subscription based) Information: Call (212) 362-5620
