TheatreZone’s ‘Carrie’ a high-energy thriller based on Stephen King classic
TheatreZone brings Carrie: the Musical to the stage April 25 through May 5.
Set in the present in the small New England town of Chamberlain, Maine, Carrie is a multi-layered coming-of-age story dealing with feelings of isolation, bullying and religious fanaticism.
“Carrie is a high-energy thriller based on an iconic book and film with all the horror and dark humor of Stephen King’s novel,” observes TheatreZone founder and artistic director, Mark Danni. “Audiences familiar with the book and film will be on the edges of their seats with our highly dramatic production about the plight of a misfit with a unique gift.”
Played by 
Keeley Pendergrass (photo 2), Carrie White is repressed by a domineering, ultra-religious mother, Margaret White (McLean Peterson (photo 3)). She is tormented by her peers at school for being different, despite the understanding and sympathy of a teacher, Miss Gardener (Jennifer Wingerter). Her efforts to fit in lead to a dramatic and violent confrontation during the senior prom, when the popular kids play an unimaginably cruel joke on her.
Carrie’s otherness is exemplified by her ability to move things with her mind, called telekinesis. She represses her telekinesis, but it is discovered by her mother, who views her paranormal ability as punishment for sin.
High
school queen Chris Hargensen (Grace Fluharty (photo 4)) and schoolmate Billy Nolan (Bobby MacDonell) are the popular twosome who orchestrate the bullying. The story is narrated by the cross-examination of Sue Snell (Brianna Bauch), who discovers compassion and empathy for Carrie, albeit too late.
“What does it cost to be kind,” a lyric in the musical, serves as a mantra for the story, examining the way people treat each other and how a choice can make a difference in someone’s life.
Music is by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (Fame, Terms of Endearment), with lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose).
“Carrie
is a powerful, modern, pop-rock musical with amazing ballads and energizing moments,” Danni adds. “The composers integrate high energy pop songs for the ensemble with more power ballads for the mother-daughter relationship.”
The band is led by Music Director Charles Fornara and features seven musicians who play keyboards, bass, drums, guitars, and cello.
The show is directed by Mark Danni with choreography handled by TheatreZone’s Associate Artistic Director Karen Molnar Danni.
Go here for play dates, times and ticket information.
March 28, 2024.
About the Author
Tom Hall is both an amateur artist and aspiring novelist who writes art quest thrillers. He is in the final stages of completing his debut novel titled "Art Detective," a story that fictionalizes the discovery of the fabled billion-dollar Impressionist collection of Parisian art dealer Josse Bernheim-Jeune, thought by many to have perished during World War II when the collection's hiding place, Castle de Rastignac in southern France, was destroyed by the Wehrmacht in reprisal for attacks made by members of the Resistance operating in the area. A former tax attorney, Tom holds a bachelor's degree as well as both a juris doctorate and masters of laws in taxation from the University of Florida. Tom lives in Estero, Florida with his fiancee, Connie, and their four cats.