Stephen King turned into a musical? Directed by the masterful impresario Victoria Bussert? With an absurdly talented cast?
It's Here!
CARRIE, The Musical! is at the Beck Center in Lakewood, now through March 9. It is a highly entertaining, beautifully directed, but silly musical that wants to be about teenage angst and bullying but is burdened with telekinesis, moody thunder, blood obsession, self-motivated chairs, and a floating Jesus. But forget that. See it for the sheer energy of performance.
As Carrie, Caitlin Houlahan's mysterious, beautiful presence and lovely voice is perfect as the bullied young girl, who transforms from a mousy puppy into a prom queen beauty, into a blood drenched Lady Macbeth.
Katherine DeBoer, as Carrie's mother, whacked out of her mind on Old Testament ravings, sings briliantly. She warps open the pits of her own hell, brandishing a dog-eared Bible as murder weapon.
Sue Snell is played with just the right sympathetic touch by Sara Masterson. She has an exquisite soprano, drenched with guilt and empathy.
Chris Hargensen, the school's bad girl, is played and danced by Genna-Paige Kanago. She bitch-sings and bitch-dances with a maniacal verve.
Miss Gardner, Carrie's gym teacher/best friend/amateur therapist, is earnestly played by Jodi Dominick. Her caring presence adds a nice counterpoint to the script's culture crowd hatred of Carrie.
As always, Victoria Bussert provides the savoir-faire. In fact the entire cast rocks.
Too bad the play is so hopelessly ridiculous. But you still have to go see it! The sheer amount of energy produced by these talented young actors manages to spill over the edges of the script and leave you smiling.
Just go, knowing that it may be the damned silliest thing you've ever seen!
