Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel is one of the all-time great musical shows and one of my personal favorites, so it was not without some trepidation that I sat and waited for the show to begin. I must have waited the video a dozen times - I know all the words - and I wondered about its transformation to the live local theater. However, the music, the lights, the warmth and the atmosphere did not disappoint.

The basic story line is boy meets girl and then breaks her heart. She is supported by her caring friends, he is egged on by his lustful former employer and his ne'er do well pal, to his tragic and dramatic death, while she goes on to raise their child alone, culminating in a triumphant finale and reconciliation of sorts. All of this encompassed by a score brought evocatively to life by Musical Director David Waldman and his impressive orchestra - and

which aroused all the pertinent feelings of joy, sorrow and nostalgia.

Rosa Howden's interpretation in this, her first production for LOGON as combined director and choreographer was inspirational. The introduction of two new and significant characters enhanced the scenes and made for a fresh look with welcome additions. One was Penny (Dina Moskowitz), a cute and quirky friend of Julie's, and the other was the "Queen" Star Keeper (Gail Greene) who, with regal dignity (albeit whilst up a ladder polishing a star in the fantasy scene) - was excellent, as was her partner-in-mitzvoth, the Heavenly Friend (Paul Hare). These outstanding cameos really made the audience sit up and pay attention.

Stepehn Howden's Billy, in fine voice, brought the character of the cad to life, with his suitably

couldn't care less attitude - contrasting sharply with Devortah Barenholtz's portrayal of Julie which was sweet, gentle and naive, longing only to be loved.

Victoria Howden as Carrie was amazing. Her voice soared and her stage presence was impeccable. As the wife of Mr. Snow (Ed Spitz), an upright, pompous, full of himself achiever, together they highlighted and well portrayed the difference between the two couples, the dreamers and the success story - the winners and the losers.

The Clambake scene was particularly alive with color and enthusiasm as the cast threw themselves into their parts. This reflected the positive sense of being part of a close, caring community and having a great time together.

The song and dance routines artistically maximized the available talent, clearly one of Rosa

Howden's special talents. Another effective innovation was the Snowflakes routine, ably performed by the Snow children. Special mention for fine performances to Alan Cohen as Jigger, a down-on-his luck guy with an evil influence, Jane Davidson as Nettie, the warm, reliable "mother" of the community, Yamima Osher as Mrs. Mullin, the earthy, jalous 'other woman' longing and weeping for Billy, stalwar friend Arlene Gilboa as Katy and Ma'ayan Leeper as Louise, the spirited child, socially unaccepted but with her own very special qualities. Vivacity and charm - long time characteristics of LOGON - were in abundance. I enjoyed every moment.