Carousel, Act II: Ballet

"Billy (spoken)

Where is she? What do I have to do to see her?

[Introduction]

Starkeeper (spoken)

Jest look and wait. The power to see her will come to you.

Billy (spoken)

Is that her? Little kid with straw-colored hair?

Starkeeper (spoken)

Pretty – ain’t she?

Billy (spoken)

My little girl!

[Ballet begins.]

(The daughter, Louise, is discovered standing alone on the beach in full morning light, She runs and leaps joyously in her bare feet.)

(Two ragged Ruffians come leap-frogging. Louise joins them in their rough play.)

(Enoch Snow enters, followed by six little Snows in Sunday hats in single file.)

(They stop in amazement to see the boisterous rough-housing of Louise and her companions – Enoch Snow strongly disapproves.)

(Louise asks them to play with her.)

(They snub her and leave.)

(A younger Miss Snow lags behind out of curiosity. She examines Louise’s poor dress and bare feet with unfriendly dislike.)

Enoch’s Daughter (boastfully) (spoken)

My father bought me my pretty dress.

Louise (spoken)

My father would have bought me a pretty dress, too. He was a barker on a carousel.

Enoch’s Daughter (spoken)

Your father was a thief!

(Louise chases her in a rage and steals her fancy hat. The Boys approve.)

(A Carnival Troupe comes in, headed by a Young Man who is like what Louise believes her father to have been. She is enchanted by their costumes.)

(The Young Man notices Louise and goes to shake her hand.)

(The Young Man and Louise meet face to face.)

(The Carnival People exit.)

(Louise is alone on the beach with the Young Man who has waited behind.)

(Together they dance a pas-de-deux.)

(He grows frightened at her intensity. Realizing she is only a child, He leaves Her and goes away.)

(She feels humiliated and ashamed. She weeps.)

(A Children’s Party comes in dancing a Polonaise.)

(She tries to join them, but is constantly pushed out.)

(Louise tries to play by herself outside of the party. Her heart breaks.)

(Miss Snow makes fun of her. All the Children begin to mock.)

(Louise turns on them in desperation – They are frightened by her fury.)

Louise (whispers)

I hate you – I hate all of you!"