Carrie the Musical | Graphic by Alexander Roberts | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State University’s fall musical, “Carrie,” is running at the Festival Playhouse until Sunday, Nov. 17. Find out what the cast and crew behind this horrifying, smash-hit show have to say about it and how to see it.
Carrie: the Musical
“Carrie: the Musical” is based on the 1974 Stephen King novel and subsequent film adaptation.
Director Jamie Cordes described the show as similar to popular musicals like “Heathers” and “Mean Girls” but with horror elements that create a “richer, darker story.”
“The question we had to explore in ‘Carrie’ was how much pressure can one take from society before evoking something pretty terrible,” Cordes said.
Cordes deemed the WSU production “magical,” in part due to the cast’s crackling creative energy. He also mentioned their willingness to share personal experiences from high school and relate them to the material.
Arianna Schrage, who plays wealthy mean girl Chris, stated that “at its core, this story is about the effects of bullying and trauma on young minds.”
She expressed hope that audience members would see the real-world issues being addressed as well as the magic and drama.
The magic and drama, however, are equally compelling reasons to see “Carrie.”
Student technical director James Hendricks headed the lengthy, involved process of bringing set designer Pam Lavarnway’s vision to life. His work began before the start of classes and ended over two months later on opening night.
One effect in “Carrie” that involves flying an actor in the air was put together by the Stage Rigging class here at WSU. Head of props John Lavarnway was responsible for most other effects, some involving fake blood and staged telekinesis.
Both Cordes and Schrage referred to the Destruction sequence near the end of the show as a must-see moment.
Schrage described this big moment as her favorite in the show, since it requires the cast, crew and all departments to work together.
“Chaos through a staged sequence that is executed to perfection,” Cordes called it.
Opening weekend
“Carrie: the Musical” fittingly opened on Thursday, Oct. 31.
Opening night came with only one hiccup: lead actress Claire Northcut being sick. However, the show went on with Northcut’s understudy, Ashley Ortel, assuming the role of Carrie.
Schrage and “Carrie” dance captain Aidan Edwards organized a brief rehearsal for Ortel and another understudy only 90 minutes before the show began.
Otherwise, opening night ran smoothly and was a success.
“I love when we get to put on a show in front of a crowd for the first time,” Schrage said. “It always gives me a rush.”
This chaotic, excitable energy lasted for the duration of opening weekend, which Schrage described as “incredible but atypical.”
“There were certainly challenges during the weekend,” Hendricks said , “but the cast and crew did a great job adapting.”
This communication and camaraderie between the various moving parts enabled “Carrie: the Musical” to put on an opening weekend that made everyone involved proud.
Schrage called performing alongside this cast and crew “the biggest gift.”
When asked why the WSU community should go see this show, Cordes stated: “The performances are amazing, the set is eerie, the lighting spectacular and the band is rockin’ the musical score.”
Those interested in seeing “Carrie” can purchase tickets via the WSU website under Events or from the box office, open Monday-Friday 12-4 p.m.
