Songs like "Soliloquy," with lyrics of "my boy Bill" have become part of the American songbook, alongside "You'll Never Walk Alone," "June Is Bustin' Out All Over" and, perhaps most of all, "If I Loved You." Based on the play Liliom by Ferenc Molnar, Carousel centers on the tempestuous love affair between gruff carnival barker Billy Bigelow and the young mill worker Julie Jordan. Rodgers and Hammerstein again broke ground with their subject matter, this time focusing on domestic violence.
Carousel has been staged in New York four times since its original premiere, with a celebrated 1994 Tony-winning return at Lincoln Center Theater. Visit the Playbill Vault to explore all of the Broadway productions of Carousel.
Playbill.com is sharing some favorite performances from the classic musical.
"The Carousel Waltz," at nearly eight minutes long, is one of the most beautiful openings to a Broadway musical in history. Performed here by the John Wilson Orchestra.
The perfect bench scene, with "If I Loved You" from the film of "Carousel" with Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae.
A rare look at original Broadway cast members John Raitt and Jan Clayton performing "You're a Queer One Julie Jordan" and the first part of "If I Loved You." Mary Martin introduces the scene.
Audra McDonald, who earned her first Tony Award for playing Carrie Pipperidge in the 1994 Broadway revival, sings "Mr. Snow" with the Boston Pops.
Late gospel singer and Civil Rights activist Mahalia Jackson delivers "You'll Never Walk Alone."
Barbra Streisand recording "If I Loved You" for her "Back to Broadway" album.
John Raitt, the original Billy Bigelow, delivering a robust "Soliloquy."
Raitt, with his daughter, musician Bonnie Raitt, on "David Letterman" performing a selection of songs including "If I Loved You," "Soliloquy" and "They Call the Wind Maria," the latter from Paint Your Wagon.
Amanda Palmer, of the Dresden Dolls, does her own take on "What's the Use of Won'drin'?" in this music video.
U.K. star Julian Ovenden sings "Soliloquy."
Louise's Ballet in Act II.
The cast of the 1994 revival performing on the Tony Awards.
