Love makes the world go round in Goodspeed’s charming “Carnival!”1)
EAST HADDAM — Before there was Cirque du Soleil there was the Imperial Cirque de Paris in the darling and daring production of “Carnival!” at the Goodspeed Opera House.
The show is beautifully cast with every actor just perfect for his or her part, lead by the dear naïve waif, Lili, played with perky charm by diminutive Lauren Worsham.
Worsham, who looks much like the actress Natalie Portman, has not only the strongest voice of the many fine singers in the musical, but has a tone that is clear and thrilling to hear.
She plays an orphan who joins a second-rate circus in post-World War II France that is longing to return to their former glory days and play Paris again. It would have been nice if the actors had French accents to make it feel more like France rather than somewhere in Iowa.
She meets the usual suspects, including an arrogant magician, Marco the Magnificent, played with broad self-absorption by Mike McGowan. His sidekick is lovelorn Rosalie, played by the funny and fine Michelle Blakely, who reminds me of a Lucille Ball who can sing.
Lili also meets the acerbic and bitter Paul, a former famous dancer who was wounded in the war and now hides behind his puppets. He uses the puppets to express his love and gentleness in ways he cannot. Paul is well played with intensity and anger by Adam Monley.
The four puppets are beautiful and detailed by puppet designer Robert Smythe, and Monley makes them come to life.
The show which opened in New York in 1961, has one familiar song, the sweet lullaby “Love Makes the World Go Round,” and while the other songs advance the plot and are very good, they are not particularly memorable.
The acrobatics, gymnastics, and choreography by the top-notch ensemble cast are remarkable, with choreography by Peggy Hickey and aerial choreography by Joshua Dean.
The costumes by Fabio Toblini live up to the high standards that the Goodspeed always sets, with a colorful compendium of acrobatic strips and solid silks for the ensemble.
Also gorgeous are the fabulous can-can outfits and the high-kicking can-can dance that shows off the detailed underskirts.
There is an over-the-top frilly pink poofy dress for one scene with Lili and the puppets, proving that you can have comedy in clothing.
“Carnival!” is a sweet bit of cotton candy of a musical — Not too filling and delicious.

CARNIVAL

3½ Stars
Location: Goodspeed Opera House, Route 82, East Haddam
Production: Music and lyrics by Bob Merrill. Original book by Michael Stewart based on material by Helen Deutsch with revisions by Francine Pascal. Directed by Darko Tresnjak. Choreography by Peggy Hickey. Music direction by Michael O’Flaherty. Scenic design by David P. Gordon. Costume design by Fabio Toblini. Puppet design and staging by Robert Smythe. Lighting design by John Lasiter. Sound by Jay Hilton.
Running time: 2 ½ hours including one 15-minute intermission
Show Times: Wednesday, Sunday, and selected Thursday matinees at 2 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturday matinees at 3 p.m., and selected Sundays at 6:30 p.m. through Sept. 18.
Tickets: $27.50 — $71. Call the box office at 860-873-8668 or visit their website at www.goodspeed.org
ACTOR…CHARACTER
Lauren Worsham … Lili
Adam Monley … Paul
Nathan Klau … Jacquot
Michelle Blakely … Rosalie
Mike McGowan … Marco
David Engel … Marco starting Aug. 18
Laurent Giroux … Schlegel
Michael Kostroff Schlegel starting Aug. 18
Price Waldman … Grobert