CONTACT:
Josh Katzker
Director of Marketing
The REV Theatre Company
315.255.1305
Josh@TheREVTheatre.com
AUBURN, N.Y. (May 4, 2026) – The REV Theatre Company announced today that Broadway, West End, and opera star Zachary James will appear as Billy Bigelow in its upcoming production of Rodgers’ & Hammerstein’s “Carousel.”
Zachary James will star as Billy Bigelow in The REV Theatre Company’s production of Rodgers & Hammetersin’s CAROUSEL.
The REV’s Producing Artistic Director, Brett Smock says, “It has been almost 30 years since we last produced R&H’s ‘Carousel.’ As we prepare for its return to the Playhouse stage this August, we will present the piece with a 15-piece orchestra on stage, singers from a local choir, and a formidable cast led by Zach James. He is a singular talent and it’s an honor to have him on our stage alongside the rest of our brilliant company. This ‘Carousel’ will unite different factions of our community as we celebrate the vibrancy and power of the Arts in CNY.”
“There are few roles as demanding and complex as Billy Bigelow,” James said. “I’m honored to bring him to life at The REV this summer with my friend, Brett Smock, directing and Jeff Theiss conducting a full orchestra, in what promises to be a very special experience. As an Ithaca College alum, returning to the Finger Lakes is a homecoming for me and I cannot wait to share our ‘Carousel’ with the community.”
A 2022 Grammy Award winner for Best Opera Recording, James was named the BroadwayWorld Vocalist of the Decade 2010-2020, Classical Post’s Most Innovative Artist, Verismo Magazine’s Breakout Artist of the Year and is among Opera Wire’s 30 Most Influential LGBTQ+ Artists. His Broadway credits include originating the role of Lurch in “The Addams Family” and the Tony Award-winning revival of “South Pacific” at Lincoln Center” James’ West End credits include Hades in the original West End company of “Hadestown” and Claude Frollo in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Most recently, James played Caiaphas in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl. He created the roles of Abraham Lincoln in the world premiere of Philip Glass’s opera “The Perfect American” at the Teatro Real in Madrid, London’s English National Opera and Australia’s Opera Queensland, Oberon in the world premiere of “Il Sogno” at the Teatro Citta della Pieve in Umbria, Lucius in the world premiere of “Edward Tulane” at Minnesota Opera, Cholly in the world premiere of “Safronia” at Lyric Opera of Chicago, the role of Terry in the world premiere of “Breaking The Waves” at Opera Philadelphia and Amenhotep in the Olivier and Grammy Award-winning production of Philip Glass’s “Akhnaten” shown in cinemas worldwide. In addition to numerous television and film credits, James has starred in productions with renowned opera companies around the world. He is a winner of the Kurt Weill Foundation’s Lotte Lenya Competition and a graduate of the Ithaca College musical theatre program.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Carousel” runs August 12-29 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.
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.
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