It’s a fun ride
on the Carousel

By Rita Charleston
For the Times

It premiered on Broadway in 1945. And with its lush melodies, which have found their way into hearts the world over — such as June is Bustin’ Out All Over, You’ll Never Walk Alone, If I Loved You and so many more — Carousel became a perennial favorite and has now made its way to the stage at the Walnut Street Theatre.
Once praised as "the best musical of the twentieth century," the production continues through July 15.
The show brings audiences to the New England seaside, where a ride on the carousel changes Julie Jordan’s life forever. She meets the tough and confident carnival barker, Billy Bigelow. Flirtation gives way to the unexpected power of love as the two are irresistibly drawn to each other.
When Julie tells Billy he’s about to become a father, he becomes desperate for money. His only chance is to steal the cash — and the attempted robbery goes terribly wrong, ending in Billy‘s death. And just as all seems lost, heaven gives Billy a second chance, with a miraculous opportunity to speak once more to those he left behind, to those he loves the most.
Taking the part of Julie Jordan is Oklahoma native Julie Hanson, who was just a third-grader when she took the stage in her first play, a high school production of The King and I, which is probably what propelled her to pursue musical theater as a career.
"That was my first musical and my first show," said the actress, about to celebrate her 28th birthday. "I had sung in church choirs and things, but I remember doing that third-grade show was when I really caught the acting bug."
Hanson went on to study voice at Oklahoma City University. While at college, she had a series of auditions for the role of Cosette in Les Miserables. And although she didn’t get the role, the casting people later called her and asked her to go to New York to audition for The Phantom of the Opera. Hanson left college after her junior year to become part of the ensemble and the Christine Daae understudy on the U.S. tour and later on Broadway.
After some time, Hanson eventually moved on to other roles and other opportunities, appearing in Good News at the Music Theater of Wichita, which she acknowledged was one of her favorite roles. Others include The Phantom of the Opera, Peter Pan, Sweeney Todd and The King and I.
Carousel, she said, is a story that is both touching and uplifting. "I also think the characters are perhaps more real-life than in some other shows. They have qualities that people can latch on to. They are like real people, and I think that’s what appeals to audiences," she explained.
Hanson is thrilled to be making a living from her voice, and she sees many pluses to being on the stage. "The main thing, for me, is feeding off the energy from the audience," she said. "But part of me also just likes getting to know different characters and being able to express myself through those different characters, finding out what makes them tick."
Although Hanson left college in her junior year to go into show business, she continues to study voice, dance and acting at the Broadway Dance Center, and hopes to finish her bachelor’s degree.
"I’m also looking forward to getting married but staying in the business. I love what I’m doing," she said. "I’ve had some amazing experiences up to this point and I’ve love to do much more, but at the same time settling down and maybe doing something a little more ‘normal.’ So we’ll just wait and see what happens!" ••
For times and ticket information, call 215-574-3550.