CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — One of musical theater’s most enduring songs will carry added meaning in Chester County this fall as SALT Performing Arts stages Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel while partnering with the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County.
Running Sept. 4–20 at SALT’s Chester Springs theater, the production follows carnival barker Billy Bigelow and mill worker Julie Jordan through a complicated story of love, hardship, accountability and second chances. The score includes Broadway standards such as “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Natalie Schaffer stars as Julie opposite Kai Kasiguran as Billy. The principal cast also includes Megan Lynn Schmid as Carrie Pipperidge, Maggie Riker as Nettie Fowler, Daniel Williams as Enoch Snow, Anthony Foley as Jigger Cragin and Lauren Rozensky Flanagan as Mrs. Mullin.
Andy Patterson directs the production after recently appearing as the Leading Player in SALT’s Pippin and the Emcee in Cabaret. Lauren McComas serves as producer and casting director, with Valerie Dixon and Maddie Dixon as co-choreographers and Nicholas Burbo and Emily Merow as co-music directors.
“I am most proud of SALT partnering with the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County for this production,” said McComas, SALT’s president and artistic director.
McComas described “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as the production’s thematic anchor, connecting its message of community, endurance and hope with the support the center provides to survivors.
The partnership takes on additional significance because Carousel includes mature subject matter involving an abusive relationship. Audience members can learn more about the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County at dvcccpa.org or by calling 610-431-1430.
The production’s visual world will be shaped by Robbie Merow, who is handling the set, lighting, and digital scenic design. Elizabeth Tozer is designing costumes, hair and makeup, while Jonathan Futty serves as sound designer. The show will also feature dedicated dance and children’s ensembles alongside the principal performers.
SALT advises audiences that its mainstage productions are immersive and sensory-rich. Carousel will include loud sound, dynamic lighting, water-based atmospheric haze, brief stroboscopic effects, and sudden sound effects.
Event Details
- What: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel, presented by SALT Performing Arts
- When: Sept. 4–20, 2026, with Friday performances at 7 p.m., Saturday performances at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday performances at 2 p.m.
- Where: SALT Performing Arts, 1645 Art School Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425
- Cost/Tickets: Ticket prices and seating options are available at https://www.saltpa.com/carousel. All ticket sales are final.
- More Info: https://www.saltpa.com/carousel
The complete performance schedule is:
- Friday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. — Dressy Attire and Champagne Opening Night
- Saturday, Sept. 5, at 2 and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 12, at 2 and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 19, at 2 and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m.
Guests requiring accessible seating should purchase tickets on a computer, select seats in Row A and email jelliott@saltpa.com. The accessible entrance is located on the north side of the building.
SALT will also continue its 10-year partnership with the Chester County Food Bank throughout the run. The theater will collect food donations at every performance, although glass containers cannot be accepted. One dollar from each ticket sold will also be donated directly to the food bank.
Through its partnership with the Domestic Violence Center, food collection and community cast, SALT’s Carousel will use a classic musical to invite reflection on difficult themes while emphasizing the possibility of support, resilience, and hope.
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