BRATTLEBORO — “Carnival!” is coming to town.
For four nights only, April 3-6, audiences will thrill to the dazzle and daring of B. F. Schlegel's Grand Imperial Cirque de Paris at The Grammar School in Putney.
An amusing love story set in a traveling circus, “Carnival!” brings us the popular theme song, Love Makes the World Go 'Round, and the whimsical, eccentric characters of Lili, an optimistic orphan; Marco, the magnificent magician; his partner the incomparable Rosalie; Paul Berthalet, a lonely, bitter puppeteer; and B. F. Schlegel, the demanding owner and ringmaster of “The Grand Imperial Cirque De Paris.”
“Carnival!” debuted on Broadway in 1961, and was based on the 1953 film “Lili.”
Amid the magic and fantasy of the circus exists a playful tale of hidden love, deception, jealousy, and innocence. As this comedic drama unfolds, audience members of all ages will enjoy the antics of the Siamese twins, gypsy snake charmer, souvenir salesman and burly strong man; the feats of jugglers, clowns, acrobats, magicians, and puppeteers; and a performance filled with music and dance.
The Grammar School's seventh- and eighth-graders bring this entertaining revival to Vermont in a full-scale theatrical production. Though productions of this scope are unusual for a pre-K through 8th grade environment, it is an annual tradition at TGS.
Contributing their considerable knowledge and skill to bring “Carnival!” to the stage are director and choreographer Juliet Avelin and producer and music director Alli Lubin. This is Lubin's 20th production as head of the TGS music department.
Working with Lubin throughout the production are assistant producer and backstage manager Sally Seymour and choral director Jared Stolper.
In the orchestra pit, under Lubin's direction, are Dan DeWalt, piano, accordion, trumpet; Jared Stolper, guitar; Carol Cutts, keyboard; and Lisa O'Keefe, flute.
Costume design is led by Natalie Thompson with assistant Jan Spanierman; set design is led by Julia Zanes, with signs designed and painted by Donald Saaf.