The 31st Annual Zilker Summer Musical

July 15 - August 5, 1989 Music and Lyrics by Bob Merrill Book by Michael Stewart Download the Souvenir Program [PDF; requires Adobe Reader]

About Carnival...

Lili, an orphan, joins a travelling carnival in early 20th century France. The formerly proud carnival has fallen on lean times, but Lili is enchanted, especially by a suave magician, Marco The Magnificent. Marco is involved with his comedienne assistant, The Incomparable Rosalie, but their relationship is difficult, and she threatens to leave him for a doctor.

Paul Berthalet, a crippled and bitter puppeteer soon falls in love with Lili and becomes jealous of Marco. Paul expresses his love through his puppets. Lili has no special talent, but tries various jobs with the troupe, eventually joining the puppet act. Marco becomes infatuated with Lili, and the men vie for her affections.

In the end, Lili chooses Paul. The spirit of the show is brought to the audience with rousing circus parades, hawkers throwing souvenirs into audience members' laps, and performers marching down the aisles. At last the conflict between Marco—the lover who is beguiling, and Paul—the lover who is true, is resolved. In a brilliant dramatic moment Lili rejects Marco and exits with Paul.