Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel

Carousel is the musical adaptation of Ferenc Molnár’s Liliom. Rodgers and Hammerstein relocated the story from Budapest to New England and gave the original material a more optimistic ending. Molnár, who had previously declined adaptation requests from Giacomo Puccini and Kurt Weill, advised the American team during the adaptation process.

Because of their love for each other, carousel barker Billy and mill worker Julie lose their jobs. As Julie is expecting a child and money is tight, Billy is persuaded to take part in a robbery. During his arrest, Billy falls on his own knife and dies. Fifteen years later, he is allowed to return to Earth for one day. He gives his daughter Louise a star, which will shine as a symbol of hope for the child’s previously joyless future.

Carousel was filmed in 1956 and named the best musical of the 20th century by Time Magazine in 1999. The song “You’ll Never Walk Alone” has become a world-famous football anthem.