In 1991 Nicholas Hytner (director) approached Kenneth MacMillan about choreographing the Rogers and Hammerstein musical Carousel for the National Theatre. Rehearsals started in October 1992, and this production was to be designed by Bob Crowley, with MacMillan choreographing the dance vignettes after Agnes de Mille's original choreography in 1945.
MacMillan worked on the production for 20 days, working at an accelerated pace, attending daily rehearsals at the National Theatre.
He died two weeks before completing the choreography, whereby missing sections were made up by Bonnie Moore and Jane Elliot based on his previous work.
The opening night, which was dedicated to MacMillan was a huge hit for The National Theatre and went on to have a long run on Broadway in New York (March 1994, Vivan Beaumont Theater).
It won 4 Olivier Awards (1 for MacMillan) and 5 Tonys (including a posthumous 'Best Choreography' for MacMillan).