Rodger’s & Hammerstein’s “Carousel!” and Boothbay Harbor have a rich and intertwined history: This year marks the 70th anniversary of the movie adaptation’s filming in Boothbay Harbor and the 50-year anniversary of Carousel Music Theater (CMT) hosting live musical performances. To celebrate, CMT is staging a much-anticipated concert production of their namesake –  four shows in all, June 26-29, at their now historic venue, 196 Townsend Ave. The show features a talented cast from New York City, many with ties to the region, alongside local stars, linking Broadway to Boothbay once again.

The iconic musical is known for its timeless score and classic love story between a carnival barker (Caleb Adams as Billy Bigelow) and a millworker (Madelyn Monaghan as Julie Jordan). Rodgers, thought to have written over 1,000 songs and 45 musicals, stated in his autobiography that “Carousel!” remained his all-time favorite. The CMT concert production consists of three hours of renowned songs, complete with a local chorus, and narration by Bayville summerer Elena Tarpley. Ashley Grace Ryan, a staple talent for CMT and music director for the performances, will play piano. “I looked for new energy,” Ryan said. “I sought ways to add nuance and naturalism to these timeless songs. The story, as I find meaning, is about women helping other women, showing up for each other and there’s a final moment, I won’t give it away, that ties it all together.”

“My character (Julie) loves so deeply and wants to see the best in everyone, but it’s a tricky relationship,” said Monaghan. “And Ashley (Ryan) leads us to find the humanity in our characters.”

“Billy feels the world is against him. He can’t rest, even in the afterlife, until courses are corrected,” said Adams about the story’s enduring themes of hope, redemption and the power of love. Adams is famed for two national theater tours, “Once the Musical," “The Sound of Music” and others. Paul Urriola (Enoch Snow) could not be reached for an interview but wrote, “So much love to Boothbay, Carousel Music Theater, and everyone who has put in the love and sweat to keep this beautiful theater afloat for 50 years!”

Erika Mesa, who had a superlative 2023 performance in CMT’s “Liberty Belles,” returns to Boothbay Harbor to play the role of Carrie Pepperidge. Her bluesy-gritty voice is one of the most memorable to grace the CMT stage. And Cavontè Green, of 2024’s “Dominic’s Diner,” returns as Jigger Craigin. Green’s commanding stage presence and melty basso cantante range lend themselves to his rough “bad boy” character this year. Heather Petruzelli, as Nettie Fowler and Mrs. Mullin, plays two vastly different characters. “Nettie is a nurturer; she’s about food and laughter and light energy. But Mrs. Mullin is a strong-minded businesswoman who gets what she wants; there’s a lot of push-pull which plays well with my warm soprano (timbre),” said Petruzelli.

Local stars Sophia Mansfield and Titan Lewis are cast as Louise and Enoch Snow Jr. and sing in the chorus. “Carousel Music Theater has a lot of meaning to me. My grandfather, Harold Mansfield, before he died, would go to every show. He didn’t miss a single one and CMT was like his home and provided so much enjoyment to him as he got older. He would bring me to the shows as much as he could. It’s a fond, core memory I have. Watching the performances at CMT has made me want to pursue theater. Now that I’m a part of it, it means so much to me and I wish my grandfather could have been here to see it,” said Mansfield. “And to be honest, I’m already kind of like Louise; very outgoing, dramatic, a dancer.”

Said Lewis, “Performing at CMT is my first professional role and I think it’s going to be a great opportunity, especially because one of my passions is acting and I’ll be working with so many great, experienced actors.”

“Narrating is connecting audience and experience,” said Tarpley. “It’s showing life’s ups and downs, our collective human progressions. Humans need people to love, and to be loved, and it’s my honor to present the story’s wisdom.” Tarpley has performed in “Dance Nation” and “Picnic” in NYC where she attends Pace University. She is also Fight Captain for this performance.

For tickets, visit www.carouselmusictheater.org, (207) 633-5297. The performances are Thursday, June 26, 7 p.m.; Friday, June 27, 7 p.m.; Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 29 matinee, 2 p.m. A cash bar and snacks will be available. Paulette Carter is executive director and costume designer; Garrett Carter is the lighting/sound tech and Leisha MacDougall is the photographer. Special thanks to Dr. Mary Miller.