It’s the last week of performances, and short notice, but they have extended the run of their fabulous production of Carousel through September 29 and there are scattered seats left for some performances if you act fast.

James Snyder as Billy Bigelow.

The video excerpts above are perhaps some of the finest I have ever seen for a show, and the nuanced reading the incredible James Snyder gives as Billy Bigelow is more realistic and heartfelt than any other in memory. He gets the conflicted Billy about as perfectly as any actor in the show’s history.

The whole production shines, not only because of its first rate cast, but because of superb choreography by Parker Esse and the overall direction of Rob Ruggiero, who cut his teeth as a director earlier in this decade at Barrington Stage Company. He was in the Berkshires Sunday in order to check out “Dr Ruth, All the Way,” at his old alma mater. He and Goodspeed appear to be a match made in Heaven. There are more plans underway for that company’s upcoming anniversary. Meantime he is back at Theater Works in Hartford, directing the hit play, Venus in Fur which runs October 5 to November 11. Stay tuned.

James Snyder as Billy Bigelow, Teal Wicks as Julie Jordan in Carousel at the Goodspeed Opera House, East Haddam, CT through September 29.

Carousel has captivated audiences around the world with the powerful love story of an innocent young millworker and swaggering carousel barker. He meets a tragic end but is given one chance for redemption by delivering hope to the daughter he never knew and whispering words left unspoken to his wife. Featuring “If I Loved You,” “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and “June is Busting Out All Over.” Experience one of the most celebrated musicals of all time!

Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Based on Ferenc Molnar’s Play “Lilliom”
As adapted by Benjamin F. Glazer
Original Dances by Agnes de Mille
Directed by Rob Ruggiero
Choreographed by Parker Esse

Carousel will now run through September 29, 2012. ADDED PERFORMANCES: Tuesday, Sept. 25
at 2:00 p.m.; Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Sept 27 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 28 at 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are available through the Box Office (860.873.8668), open seven days a week, or on-line at www.goodspeed.org