When you hear the name Carrie, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the New York Times bestseller written by Stephen King, “Carrie , ” which did not make it to the bestseller list until 1976, despite being in stores since 1974. The popularity of the book stems from the release of its first film adaptation, “Carrie” (1976). The property would go on to spawn a lesser-known sequel, “The Rage: Carrie 2” (1999) and two remakes (2002 and 2013).
But perhaps most notably, at least for fans of Broadway, is the musical adaptation it received in 1988. Despite being one of Broadway’s most expensive flops, “Carrie: The Musical” has gathered a huge cult following and serves as an iconic piece of history. “I’m a huge fan of dark, campy musicals! The show’s reputation as the “biggest flop” in theater history definitely overshadows its incredible music, and I wanted to do justice to its fun yet surprisingly intricate score,” said Music Director Abigail Galleta Canafe.
For those of you who are not familiar with any of these pieces of media, “Carrie” follows Carrie White, an awkward and telekinetic teenage girl, as she attempts to navigate high school under the oppressive thumb of her religiously fanatic mother, Margaret. She is often the subject of cruel bullying, but when she is humiliated at prom by her classmates, she cannot take it any longer. Chaos ensues as Carrie seeks vengeance, and the true strength of her telekinetic power is revealed.
The musical ad.