New England 1873, and 15 years later

Billy Bigelow is a carousel barker at a New England amusement park. Julie Jordan, shyest of the local millworkers and Carrie Pipperidge, her best friend, visit the park and ride on the carousel. Carrie is blissfully happy because she is engaged to the worthy Enoch Snow. Julie is strangely attracted to the rough and lonely Billy, and the two are soon married. Shortly after, Billy loses his job, becomes desperate, and bullies his wife, until he learns that he is to become a father. In order to get money to bring up the forthcoming child, Billy is persuaded by Jigger Craigin to take part in a robbery. Their ill-laid plans go awry, and while Jigger escapes, Billy kills himself to avoid capture.

After 15 years in purgatory, Billy learns that he will never get into heaven unless his soul is redeemed. He is given one final chance to return to earth and perform a good deed. At his unhappy daughter's school graduation, Billy manages to whisper words of comfort and hope to her that free her from her ongoing unhappiness.

Dramatic Director: George Wilson

Musical Director: John McGovern

Choreographer: Merle Adam