A "God on Broadway" Service — Music and Themes from Carousel
Carousel is the second musical by the team of Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (book and lyrics). The 1945 work was adapted from Ferenc Molnár's 1909 play Liliom, transplanting its Budapest setting to the Maine coastline.
During "God on Broadway," Asbury Memorial place flowers in the Narthex, rather than at the front of the sanctuary.
Special Thanks:
Every Sunday at Asbury, there are people who work behind the scenes to help make the day so meaningful and wonderful for all of us and for our visitors. We thank those unsung heroes of faith—our hospitality team, ushers, greeters, connectors, nursery workers, and children's church teachers.
Note:
The Asbury Memorial United Methodist Choir is a volunteer choir and does not perform for a paid audience. Asbury Memorial does not charge admission for its "God on Broadway" Worship Series. There are no known copyright restrictions being violated in these worship services.
Prelude: "The Carousel Waltz"
Recording: The 1993 London cast recording by The Royal National Theatre
Asbury Memorial UMC Choir members
Asbury Memorial UMC Youth members
Young Billy: Will Gratias
Billy Bigelow: Stephen Reed
Scene: A young Billy Bigelow is taunted by his peers and is dejected. The tableau changes as the carnival comes to town at some point in the future, the company sets up the Carousel, and the young Billy yields to the adult Billy.
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Announcements from Billy Bigelow and Friends and the "Call to Worship"
Billy Bigelow: Stephen Reed
Rev. Billy Hester
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Song: "You'll Never Walk Alone"
Julie Jordan is in tears at the death of her husband, Billy Bigelow, and seeks comfort
from her cousin, Nettie Fowler.Â
Cousin Nettie Fowler: Barbara Gooby
Julie Jordan: Rhonda Reed
Piano: Ray Ellis
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Song: "The Highest Judge of All"
After Billy Bigelow's suicide, the "Starkeeper" comes to take him to the "Highest Judge." At first, Billy refuses; then he decides to encounter the Judge and not be pushed around.
Pre-Sermon Announcements, Acknowledgments, and a Birthday Wish
Rev. Billy Hester introduces Jan Lawrence, Executive Director of Reconciling Ministries Network, and Helen Ryde, Southeastern Regional Organizer, and thanks those who designed and provided the set. Also, the congregation sings "Happy Birthday" to a member.
