AUBURN, N.Y. (August 12, 2026) – For the first time in 29 years, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s iconic musical, “Carousel” opens tonight at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. The REV Theatre Company’s production features an onstage 17-piece orchestra and singers from the Genesee Street Voices. The reimagined production runs through August 29th.
Zachary James as Billy Bigelow and Heather Botts as Julie Jordan in The REV Theatre Company’s production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL
Link to Google Drive containing show photos, captions, and photo credits for “Carousel”
Link to “Carousel” web page for show photos and more information
A gripping tale of hope, redemption, and the power of love, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Carousel” was voted the best musical of the 20th century by Time Magazine and features perhaps their most iconic song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” “Carousel” is the classic American musical, spanning heaven and earth in its exploration of human frailty, resilience, and the power of forgiveness.
“Carousel” is reimagined and directed by The REV’s Producing Artistic Director Brett Smock with Music direction by Jeff Theiss and choreography by Paige Faure. Matthew Varvar is the Associate Choreographer and the Assistant Music Director is Dan Mullarney. Additional members of the “Carousel” creative team include: Scenic Designer Christian Fleming, Lighting Designer Nathan W. Scheuer, Sound Designer Sun Hee Kil, Costume Designer Tiffany Howard, Hair & Makeup Designer Mary Tyler, Props Designer Marshall Pope, and Fight & Intimacy Director Christopher Elst. The Production Stage Manager is Mollie Heil with Assistant Stage Managers Grace Cirillo and Savannah Gersdorf. The Casting Director for The REV’s 2026 season is Megan Larche Dominick, CSA.
The principal cast of “Carousel” features Grammy Award-winning Broadway, West End, and opera star Zachary James as Billy Bigelow, Christopher Carl as the Narrator/Starkeeper, Heather Botts as Julie Jordan, Tia Karaplis as Carrie Pipperidge, Cordell Cole as Jigger Craigin, Alicia Russell Tagert as Nettie Fowler, Celia Madeoy as Mrs. Mullin, and Todd Buonopane as Enoch Snow. Skaneateles, NY native Jeffrey Kringer will play Billy Bigelow at select performances.
The ensemble includes Jathan “JB” Briscoe, Taylor Collier, Ryaan Farhadi, Sammy Fossum, Justin Gibbs, Erin Gonzales, Cate Gould, John Guaragna, Jeffrey Kringer, Maddie Lentz, Mary Malaney, Josiah Mayer, Evelyn Peterson, and CJ Roche.
The CAROUSEL Orchestra with Conductor Jeff Theiss at The REV Theatre Company
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Carousel” runs August 12th-29th at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn, NY. Additional casting will be announced soon. Tickets can be purchased at TheREVTheatre.com or by calling The REV’s box office at 315-255-1785.
With music by Richard Rodgers and a book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, “Carousel” is based on Ferenc Molnar’s play, “Lilliom” as adapted by Benjamin F. Glazer and is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.
The REV’s 2026 Season
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel: August 12 – 29, 2026
Rock of Ages: September 16 – October 3, 2026
About The REV Theatre Company:
Headquartered in Auburn, NY, The REV Theatre Company is a dynamic arts organization committed to creating theatrical experiences at the highest levels of artistic integrity. It leverages the power of the arts as a tool for entertainment, education, social awareness, and cultural development in its community. The REV produces a large portfolio of compelling arts education programming including its historic Sequential Dramatics Tour. The REV is also known for its acclaimed Broadway series which plays to over 60,000 patrons each season boasting talent from Broadway, Hollywood and around the country. The REV’s musicals are routinely recognized for their artistry and execution. The REV is proud to have played a role in the development of several new commercial musicals including: the new production of “Saturday Night Fever,” Tim Rice’s “From Here to Eternity,” “Anne of Green Gables,” “Loch Ness,” “Austen’s Pride,” “Treasure Island,” and “May We All.” To date, The REV has also developed 69 new musicals through its new works series, The PiTCH. The REV Theatre Company is proud to affirm and accelerate its commitment to equality, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility ensuring that its workforce, stages, and boardroom reflect its dedication to social and racial equality. The REV is situated in the picturesque Finger Lakes wine region of Central New York. Four hours from NYC and situated between Syracuse, Rochester and Ithaca, The REV is one of the largest producing musical theatre organizations in New York State, outside of New York City. Find The REV Theatre Company on Facebook, follow @TheREVTheatreCo on Instagram and Bluesky and visit www.TheREVTheatre.com.
# # #
