Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance joins the Springfield Symphony Orchestra to present “Carousel” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 2024, at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

As part of the Symphony’s “Lullaby of Broadway” program, the performance features a concert version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic and stars Josh Young, associate professor and coordinator of musical theatre at Missouri State.

The production includes a 55-member ensemble backed by a 60-plus piece symphony.

Springfield Symphony Maestro Kyle Pickett will conduct the entire event.

Tickets are available through the Hammons Hall box office and online at www.missouristatetix.com.

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Collaboration leads to “Carousel”

When Young joined MSU’s theatre and dance faculty in 2023, one of his first actions was to have lunch with Pickett to discuss collaboration opportunities.

“Kyle and I discussed several possibilities, including an evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein music,” Young said.

Originally, the plan was to give a performance featuring Young and his wife, Emily Padgett-Young. Both are Broadway veterans, and Young was nominated for a Tony® Award in 2012.

“However, ‘Carousel’ has always been one of my favorite musical scores,” Young said. “With the immense talent we have here at MSU, I thought, ‘Why just do a two-person evening of songs when we could create something even more special?’”

“The idea of bringing the full richness of ‘Carousel’ to life with our students, in collaboration with the Springfield Symphony, felt like the perfect way to elevate the experience for both the performers and the audience,” he added.

Since then, working with Pickett and the technical staff at Hammons Hall has been a delight, Young said. “Their professionalism and flexibility have made the collaboration seamless.”

Immersive approach a new way to retell “timeless” love story

Noting that many consider “Carousel” to be one of the most beautiful scores from Broadway’s Golden Era, Young said this production will treat audiences to “a blend of live musical performance and visual art.”

“This timeless story of love, redemption and resilience will be brought to life by the powerful voices of Missouri State’s talented students and faculty, accompanied by the full might of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra,” Young said.

In addition, Young has added iconic artwork to the production to create an immersive experience for the audience.

“As the symphony fills the hall with soaring orchestral sounds, a massive projection screen will display moving works of art by some of New England’s finest impressionist painters of the time,” Young explained. “Through a blend of classic stop-motion animation and cutting-edge image manipulation techniques, each masterpiece is brought to life, creating an immersive experience like no other.”

The immersive approach provides teachable moments while giving students professional exposure, according to Young. Not only does it introduce students to the style of high-profile staged concerts, he said, it also allows Missouri State to give students a rich learning experience without overburdening design and technical faculty.

Production presents unique challenges

Young directs as well as stars in this production of “Carousel.” And while he admits he is having fun putting the whole project together, he has faced some unique challenges.

For example, Young said he encountered “a steep learning curve” while using his skills as a graphic artist and video editor for the production.

“I’ve never worked with stop-motion animation before, and this production required me to learn several new techniques and use computer programs I hadn’t worked with previously,” he said.

“It’s been a rewarding challenge, but one that requires an immense amount of precision and patience,” he said. “I’m grateful to the university for providing the suite of computer applications that allowed me to bring this vision to life, but it’s been extraordinarily time-consuming.”

Setting stage props hasn’t been exactly easy, either. “Physically finding and moving six large picnic tables on my own was definitely a challenge,” Young noted.

Young said his Broadway experience has been essential because it gives him a sense of what “works” on stage.

“I’ve been tried and tested in the school of ‘less is more,’” he said. “I always remind my students that it’s not about them — it’s about the audience.”

Cast highlights RCASH talent

The “Carousel” team features several faculty members from the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH). They include Artist-in-Residence and Vocal Supervisor Brandon Russell, Dance Coordinator Azaria Hogans, Department of Music Head Dr. Paula Patterson, Theatre and Dance Professor Sarah Wiggin, Costume Consultant Cynthia Winstead and Music Director Danielle Hardin.

“This stellar faculty lineup underscores the breadth of talent and dedication within Missouri State’s performing arts programs,” Young said.

“The collaboration overall has been fantastic,” he continued. “Everyone has been extraordinarily generous with their time and expertise. I’m deeply grateful to each of them for being such professionals and artistic role models for our students. Their dedication and passion have elevated the entire production, making it a true team effort.”

“It’s inspiring to work alongside colleagues who are not only exceptionally talented but also deeply committed to the educational growth of our students,” Young said.

“Fearless” student performers

Around 40 MSU students are involved in “Carousel,” according to Young.

“They’ve been phenomenal,” he said. “Working with them has been a joy because they’re eager, committed and fearless in their performances.”

Young said he hopes the “Carousel” experience helps student performers grow as artists and individuals. He also hopes the experience will boost their confidence to take risks and trust in their abilities.

Busy teaching schedule gives students additional experience

In addition to the “Carousel” production, Young is preparing for a very busy spring 2025.

Currently, he is coordinating MSU’s very first “29-hour reading” for the spring. He has recruited alumna Jessica Ryan and a team from New York City to work with students on a new musical.

To top it off, add Young’s ambitious teaching agenda for 2025 to this already jam-packed schedule.

“I’m also in the midst of creating a brand-new asynchronous version of MSU’s Musical Theatre History II course,” he said. “At the same time, I’m prepping our senior class for their industry showcase in the spring, when I’ll also be excited to teach Script Analysis.”

“So, if I look tired, y’all know why!” he said.