Carousel, which is being presented by WODS this week, is a first rate show, with excellent character portrayals and splendid singing by the entire company. An accent of New England was generally well maintained.

Ben Leeke excelled as Billy Bigelow who wants to succeed, but is stubborn and usually hurts the people he loves most. His scenes with Julie, his wife, acted credibly by Laura Synnuck, and later as he watched his daughter Louise, danced alluringly by Lucy Phelps, showed he had a tender side too.

Carrie, enacted by Lucy Abbs, was a suitably precise wife for Mark Langston's rather smug Enoch. Their seven children were a charming group.

Supporting actors were cast suitably and there was a fine chorus, which performed with enthusiasm; it sang with clear diction and danced with style. Ladies were attired in pretty flounced cotton dresses, the men in a rustic manner.

Choreography by Rachel Price was empathetic especially in the opening fairground scene, involving the Carousel and personnel of jugglers, acrobats and a weightlifter.

Concluding scenes, when Billy waited to meet The Highest Judge of All were handled with exceptional care.

The accompanying orchestra (which should have tuned up before the show started), was directed by John Griswold. Many of the tunes were familiar and included If I Loved You, June is Bustin' Out All Over and You'll Never Walk Alone.

David Humphries was director and the show continues until Saturday, October 23.

Jill Hopkins