Little Theatre presents a captivating 'Carousel'
By Lorraine Lucciola, Standard-Times correspondent

The Margaret L. Jackson Arts Center at Bristol Community College becomes a cozy retreat this weekend, a welcoming haven for theatergoers.
Inside the theater, Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel," presented by The Little Theatre of Fall River, provides a friendly welcome to renew our sensibilities and rekindle our faith in human nature. It is a consummate slice of Americana: feel-good theater that entertains and teaches. It's just what the doctor ordered.
Director Richard Pelletier is at the top of his game in this impressive and ambitious event. Mr. Pelletier's easy directing style is embellished by an extraordinary set and lighting design created by Shawn Elliott. Technically, the production is a stunning piece of stagecraft.
From an important dramatic point of view, character and scene development gracefully succeed. Despite the precision and timing that allow technicians and performers to pull off a spectacular musical, this "Carousel" soars in its simplicity.
The show picks us up and places us in New England, where moral, homegrown characters celebrate life's triumphs and endure its tragedies.
Joey Raposa, as Billy Bigelow, leads an energetic and multi-talented cast. Mr. Raposa presents the complexities of this self-proclaimed rough and tumble character. On the surface, Billy is about toughness, stubbornness and bravado. While Mr. Raposa consistently invests the character with these qualities, he tends to appear moody and brooding at times.
The softer, inner emotions that Billy tries to fight down, are beautifully revealed and carefully timed by the actor. He is charismatic, sincere and generous in his relationship with the audience.
The hallmark of the show is the extraordinary vocal abilities of this cast. Individually and collectively, the players are most adept at interpretation and phrasing.
Mr. Raposa can melt steel with his strong, powerful and emotive vocal talent. Dawn Boucher, as Julie Jordan, is a powerful and appealing complement to Mr. Raposa.
Ms. Boucher gives an equally intriguing performance as Billy's love, striking a pleasing emotional balance in the role. She shows us Julie's vulnerability, wonder, strength and loyalty, and her voice will simply hypnotize you.
Lacy Upton does a superb job as Carrie Pipperidge. Immediately likeable, she creates and sustains this bubbly character from beginning to end. Her attention to stage business is finely done. She sings beautifully, dances, acts and wins our affection.
Enoch Snow, Carrie's fiancé, is warmly portrayed by Bob Houde. In ensemble and character scenes, he is strong and sure vocally and dramatically. His duet with Carrie, "When the Children Are Asleep," creates a delightful and sincere moment.
Cathy Taitz appears in the role of peacemaker/nurturer Nettie Fowler. Mrs. Taitz's mere presence on stage lends an air of comfort and warmth. Her voice is as smooth as silk. She makes it all come together.
Supporting roles are nicely filled by Dee Kullander as a feisty Mrs. Mullin, and Elliot Donovan, in his first appearance with Little Theatre, as smooth-talking rogue Jigger Craigin. You wouldn't want to buy a used car from this fellow, but his pitch is irresistible.
Roger S. Belanger is a natural as David Bascombe; Jeff Bibeau (Enoch Snow II) shines with subtlety and comic timing. Bing McGrath (Starkeeper/Dr. Seldon), becomes more and more convincing and naturally funny in this role.
Sometimes there are surprises on stage; gifts for us to savor. One such surprise arrives in the form of Desiree Justin, who plays Billy's daughter, Louise.
Ms. Justin convinces us that she really does live in this generic place; really does know and socialize with its gentry, really isn't Desiree, but a purely defined and convincing "Louise." Her forte is ballet. Training, discipline and form are evident in this powerhouse talent. Watch her grace and style in her ballet solo.
Paul Sardinha's musical and vocal direction are as energetic, upbeat and vital as the attitude and skill he manifests. His sweeping, legitimate style does equal justice to those belting "legit" voices. His accompaniment adds spice to such memorable songs as "If I Loved You," "June Is Bustin' Out All Over," "Mister Snow," "You'll Never Walk Alone" and more.
Janice MacDonald's whimsical choreography is perfectly suited to time and place. Costumes (Dee Kullander/Fran Petisca) provide a kaleidoscope of swishing, swirling color for the women and time-appropriate pieces for the men.
"Carousel" is an honest and captivating production about make-believe people living make-believe lives. They blossom before our eyes and share a sincerity that will stay with us for a long time. Little Theatre's production of "Carousel" is a shining achievement. "CAROUSEL" WHAT: The Little Theatre of Fall River presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical. WHERE: Margaret L. Jackson Arts Center at Bristol Community College, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River. WHEN: 8 tonight and 2 p.m. tomorrow. TICKETS: $15, with discount for seniors and students. Reservations: (508) 675-1852.

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This story appeared on Page C4 of The Standard-Times on May 18, 2002.