CARRIE – the Musical

Carrie the Musical editorial 2Ghost Light in association with Moving Light Productions will present the Melbourne premiere of CARRIE – the Musical for a three-week season at Chapel Off Chapel from 25 September 2014.

This production, using the revised book, score and lyrics from the 2012 Off- Broadway production, which received critical-acclaim, and with recent US high school massacres constantly in the media, CARRIE – the Musical is more relevant than ever, with its themes of the consequences of bullying. This gothic, “anti-Cinderella” is a clear inspiration for such hits as Mean Girls and Heathers.

Chelsea Gibb (Chicago, The King & I, Dreamsong) as Margaret White and Emily Milledge as Carrie White lead a company of Melbourne’s most dynamic young music theatre performers, under the direction of Terence O’Connell, with choreography by Lisa Minett, musical direction by Andrew Leach, lighting by Jason Bovaird, design by Jacob Battista and musical supervision by David Piper.

“Ever since I became aware of this legendary show I’ve wanted to direct a production,” says Director, Terence O’Connell. “It has a powerful book and score and the gothic theatricality of the piece with its central characters and more-relevant-than-ever themes will resonate with Melbourne audiences. The timing of this season seems perfect.”

Based on the cult Stephen King novel, which has been adapted for the big screen twice, CARRIE – the Musical made its Broadway Debut in 1988, starring Broadway legend, Betty Buckley and was recently revived Off-Broadway in a sell-out season, with Marin Mazzie in the leading role of Carrie’s highly religious mother, Margaret.

Carrie White, the troubled teenager with telekinetic powers is a touchstone character in pop culture. First emerging in Stephen King’s sensational debut novel, followed by Brian De Palma’s iconic 1970’s movie, she now returns in CARRIE – the Musical.

Lawrence D Cohen (Nightmares And Dreamscapes) has adapted his legendary screenplay for the stage with music and lyrics by multi award winning Michael Gore (Fame) and Dean Pitchford (Footloose) to revisit this story of religious fanaticism, teenage angst and first love amongst high school seniors on the verge of adulthood.

On confirmation of the Melbourne Premiere Season, Lawrence D Cohen said, “Carrie is a show which demands lots in the way of passion, talent and conviction on the part of everyone involved, and gives back a lot in return.”

Director: Terence O’Connell  Cast: Kathleen Amarant, Kristyn Bilson, Ross Chisari, Chelsea Gibb, Haydan Hawkins, Chernae Howlett, Hollie James, Emily Mercurio, Emily Milledge, Ben Nicholson, Kiane O’Farrell, Jack O’Riley, Alana Tranter, Rhys Velasquez, Stephen Wheat  Choreography: Lisa Minett  Musical Director: Andrew Leach  Musical Supervisor: David Piper  Lighting: Jason Bovaird  Design: Jacob Battista

Carrie – the Musical
Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Season: 25 September – 12 October 2014
Bookings: (03) 8290 7000 or online at: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au

For more information, visit: www.ghostlightproductions.com.au for details.

Image: Emily Milledge as Carrie White