Carnival is really two musicals: a heart-warming love story between two lonely souls and an exciting circus spectacular. A huge cast of talented singers, dancers and circus performers tell the story of a young French orphan who runs away to join the circus. The story was first immortalized in the classic MGM musical Lili. The stage version with Bob Merrill as composer and lyricist, Michael Stewart as librettist, David Merrick as producer, and Gower Champion as director and choreographer, became a Broadway sensation. The original production received acclaim for its magic, simplicity and compassion, and it continues to grace stages and bring smiles to audiences worldwide.