Steven King's "Carrie" Comes to Life

Samantha Latos

For the Clock

slatos@plymouth.edu

The PSU theater department proudly presents “Carrie: the Musical” in the Hanaway Theatre Oct. 13-16. Based off of the horror novel by Stephen King, “Carrie” depicts a shy, awkward girl with a religiously eccentric mother. Throughout the musical, Carrie suffers from bullying and public humiliation.

The title character will be brought to life by senior Bradleigh Bleecker. “She’s a lot more emotional than any other character I’ve played,” said Bleecker. “In a way, that’s more my level, because it’s contemporary. It’s been a great acting challenge.”

Capturing such unusual characters is no easy task. In preparation, the actors have been rehearsing since the first day of the semester.

Those familiar with the novel, or the 1976 film, will know that the original plot takes place in the seventies; a time where smoking was allowed in schools and cell phones weren’t invented yet.

The book for the musical has a more modern setting. “This is set right now, so people are actually using digital cameras and smartphones, and posting on Facebook and stuff like that, which, I think gives it an energy that the book or the films don’t have,” said director John Briggs.

The trauma Carrie experiences from bullying is reflected in the musical. Bullying a main theme throughout the story, and it ultimately drives Carrie over the edge.

“Carrie” depicts social issues that are still a very real problem today. It shows the effects of bullying in its own grueling way.

Bleecker related bullying to the younger generation. “I think it’s going to be really powerful to them,” she said. “It’s a lot to closer to us, knowing what it feels like to be bullied in high school and middle school. It makes it really real.”

“Carrie” is sure to be as heartbreaking as it is unsettling. When people think of musicals, they often think of whimsical stories accompanied by

hopeful and cheerful songs. The dark themes in “Carrie” might contribute to why the musical was a flop when it premiered on Broadway in 1988.

The show has a diverse range of music. “It varies,” said Briggs. “It goes from what I would call musical theatre rock, into, almost operetta.” The songs will prove to be very intense, and they will get alarmingly dark.

Regarding the darkness, Briggs said, “I embrace it fully. I’m all about the theater.”

“Carrie” is sure to be a hair-raising night for all who attend. The play's cast and crew hope to create an ominous and suspenseful tone for the audience. With heartbreaking ballads and ten gallons of fake blood, “Carrie” is a not a show to be missed.

“Carrie: The Musical” will run Oct. 13-15 at 7 p.m., and Oct. 15-16 at 1 p.m., in the Hanaway Theatre at the Silver Center for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased at the box office in the Silver Center, or online at http://www. plymouth.edu/silver-center. 

CLOCK PHOTO: JOHN SULLIVAN