Broadway Lives at County College of Morris, NJ
Kristen Houghton
Attending Broadway shows has always been a thrill for me, not only because I was a Broadway baby but because of the excitement and adrenaline rush a great show provides. More than anything, I love classical Broadway shows and one of my favorites is the time-honored musical Carousel.
So, it was with anticipation and an eagerness to hear the beautiful words and music of Rodgers and Hammerstein once again that brought me to County College of Morris in New Jersey to see their version of this classic. To say that the student actors under the brilliant direction of Marielaine Mammon, were superb in their roles is an understatement. Each and every one of them was fantastic!
This is the 97th musical performance at CCM, conducted with a live orchestra and actors who knew how to play their roles with conviction and professionalism due in no small part to Mammon. She helps her students to bring their characters to life and to embody all the feelings of sadness and joy that make them so relatable to the audience.
While all the performers were wonderful, I’d like to mention a few standouts among the cast. Alyssa Correa as Julie Jordan brought a sweet strength to her role with a powerful voice and acting skills. Mackenzy Reilly as Nettie Fowler literally made me gasp with joy with her renditions of June is Bustin’ Out All Over and the heart wrenching, You’ll Never Walk Alone. A true Broadway voice for sure.
Owen Gately’s Billy Bigelow hit all the emotions with his portrayal of a tough man with a soft heart that he tries really hard to hide. The word powerful is a true word for both his singing and his acting. The emotion between him and Alysssa Correa singing If I Loved You was perfectly played.
Hyron Gonzalez, Jr. and Lydia Girardy as Enoch Snow and Carrie Pipperidge, brought humor and fun to their roles as comic relief. Beautiful voices and perfectly acted.
Truly all the performers were excellent in their roles and a true credit to the performers who have played these same roles on Broadway. Bravo to the entire cast!
And a special thank you and commendation to Marielaine Mammon not only for her creative expertise but for believing in her student performers and giving them the chance to excel. Honored before the show with a gracious and truly heart-felt presentation by CCM president, Dr. Anthony Iocono, for her dedication to her students and to CCM, the many awards given her show the positive impact one individual can have on so many lives. She is loved by her students, faculty, and her town and for good reason.
Broadway came alive on April 13th, in the beautifully outfitted auditorium at County College of Morris and the audience was given a gift of music, talent, and love of the arts. Well-done!
© 2024 copyright Kristen Houghton all rights reserved
