“Carousel has always played a part in my life as a performer,” said director and choreographer, Chad Austin, who is an instructor at the New York Film Academy. “I have danced the role of ‘carnival boy’ in multiple productions. I knew we had the talent to tackle this massive musical, and I felt it was a great time to produce a Golden Age Musical!”
The NYFA cast has worked diligently these past few months going through the rehearsal process because for most of them this show is a huge stretch, both as dancers and actors. Some consider Carousel one of the best books of a musical—that alone tells you how much they have been digging into the character work in order to tell the story.
Taking on both director and choreographer was a thrill and challenge,” added Austin. “Luckily, I was able to create most of the choreography months before with my amazing associate choreographer, Ilda Mason [NYFA Musical Theatre alumna]. While creating the concept of the show I had the freedom to make choices that might otherwise not have happened if I wasn’t wearing both hats. I think by opening night the audience will be blown away by the level of talent we have at NYFA.”
Austin believes the performance will not only introduce a classic to our students, but also provide a story that will resonate with today’s modern audience.
“The struggle with Carousel and other musicals from its era is that audiences sometimes feel disconnected from the material. When you strip down the themes of Carousel and tell the story it is simple and touches people of all ages. I hoped to turn an epic musical into a intimate one.”
NYFA students, employees, and alumni may purchase up to two $10 tickets with Jordan Dragutsky in room 420 at NYFA Battery Place.
All other general admission tickets are available at NYFACarousel.brownpapertickets.com.
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Based on Ferenc Molnar’s play “Liliom”
As Adapted by Benjamin F. Glazer
Original Dances by Agnes de Mille
Music Direction by Joshua Zecher-Ross and Anna Ebbesen
Associate Choreographer: Ilda Mason
Associate Director: Beatriz Cavalieri