Classic Musical Returns to the Finger Lakes

The REV Theatre Company will be putting on a show of the musical “Carousel,” by Rodgers and Hammerstein, which will take place at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn, NY, till Aug. 29. It premiered Aug. 12 as a part of The REV's 2026 season.

The musical is making its comeback to the Playhouse almost three decades after The REV first performed it there. This musical features an ensemble cast, a 15-piece orchestra, and local choir members.

Zachary James Leads the Cast

Zachary James, who has starred in Broadway, West End, and opera productions, takes up the role of Billy Bigelow. He has been in such Broadway productions as “The Addams Family”, “South Pacific” and “Coram Boy”. Brett Smock is the Producing Artistic Director and the director of the play, while Jeff Theiss is the conductor.

Other members of the cast include Christopher Carl as The Narrator/Starkeeper, Heather Botts as Julie Jordan, Tia Karaplis as Carrie Pipperidge, Cordell Cole as Jigger Craigin, and Alicia Russell Tagert as Nettie Fowler.

A Larger Musical Production

The REV has organized this performance in the manner of a big musical production. There is an enlarged orchestra on stage, as well as a collaboration with Genesee Street Voices, which is a local choir from Auburn.

This musical will have music by Richard Rodgers and book/lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. It has been adapted from the play Lilliom by Ferenc Molnar and adapted by Benjamin F. Glazer.

A Key Production in the 2026 Season

“Carousel” is the third major production of The REV’s season 2026, starting with “A Bronx Tale,” followed by “Tarzan,” and now “Carousel.” The season will end with “Rock of Ages,” which will be staged from September 16 to October 3.

Merry-Go-Round Playhouse is based in Emerson Park on the shore of Owasco Lake, which contains a 501-seat theatre. It has been an important venue for The REV’s performance arts for a long time.

Connecting Theatre With the Local Community

The production also embodies the greater mission of The REV within the Auburn community. “We are an arts organization devoted to the goals of entertainment, education, social awareness and cultural development,” the company says.

In addition to its professional theater performances, The REV is involved in arts educational programs and community projects. As part of its “All Access” program, participants are able to learn about the process of production, go backstage, meet performers, and study music and dance from a production performed on the stage.

“Carousel” runs at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse until Aug. 29 and is a chance for the Auburn area and greater Finger Lakes region to experience the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical in a full-scale production.