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American composer Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) wrote more than 900 songs. In 2002, for the composer's centennial, critic John Lahr wrote in his New Yorker magazine piece, "Rodgers's music, alternately mischievous and elegant, playful and brooding, stately and surprising--what (author) Ethan Mordden called his sunbeam of melody--sometimes struck a sentimental note but never a vulgar one." "Carousel," which opened on Broadway in 1945, is perhaps Rodgers's most superb score. Time Magazine called it the best musical of the 20th century. Its songs, "If I Loved You," "The Carousel Waltz," "Surrey with the Fringe on the Top" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" set the standard all other musical theatre songs reach for. Though the show's story is a dark one, the "Carousel" experience is propelled -- and uplifted -- by its exquisite music. Hearing it performed live means being transported, somewhere, well, ethereal. Watching Musicals at Richter's production of "Carousel" outside, under the stars, seems completely right. Performances take place weekends through August 14. Tickets are $15-$23. For more information, visit Musicals at Richter's website.
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