Notorious high school outcast and telekinetic Carrie White is making her way to the University’s Reilly Theatre stage, but this time her horrifying story is being told through music.
The LSU Department of Theatre and Swine Palace have collaborated to present author Lawrence D. Cohen, lyricist Dean Pitchford and composer Michael Gore’s “Carrie: The Musical.”
The show follows the storyline of the well-known Stephen King novel, “Carrie,” but features a contemporary twist to tie in today’s social media savvy population. The show’s director Tamara Fisch said the original production failed in the ’80s and was rewritten in 2012.
“The story of ‘Carrie,’ and particularly this telling of the story, draws [the audience’s] attention to what’s at the core of the story,” Fisch said, “Which is the damage you can do to someone with casual cruelty.”
The storyline isn’t the only updated aspect of the show.
The costume and set design teams worked to bring a 21st century high school feel to each character, except for Carrie and her mother, Margaret, whose religious background and standard of living keep their costumes more reserved.
“Carrie and Margaret feel like they’re from a different time,” Fisch said. “There’s this rejection of anything that feels worldly, and their costumes are simple silhouettes with a more homespun feel. Therefore, Carrie really stands out from this very colorful and image-focused group.”
Although most musicals are performed alongside a prerecorded track, “Carrie” features a seven-piece live rock band of professional Baton Rouge musicians. The 17-member cast, who have been rehearsing since Jan. 26, incorporated the band into its rehearsals just last week, and the addition was well-received.
“It’s a fun musical that doesn’t feel kind of old-fashioned and clunky,” Fisch said. “I know some people have thoughts about what a musical is and that they can’t relate to them, but this is contemporary — it’s a rock musical.”
Early childhood education freshman Abigail Tatum, who plays Carrie, said the show’s music is challenging, but it adds an interesting dynamic, especially when everyone isn’t familiar with the production.
“When I tell people I’m in ‘Carrie: The Musical,’ they’re like, ‘Oh, I didn’t even know there was a musical,’” Tatum said. “But the music actually sounds really cool. You never thought it would, but it sounds really cool.”
This is Tatum’s first time performing at the University. If being new wasn’t enough, she’s also doused in “blood” during the show’s prom scene, but she said she’s not too worried about it.
Tatum said she’s using two types of fake blood for the scene — a Tide-based mixture for easy clean up and an edible mixture made from chocolate and peanut butter for her face.
“The end part is my favorite, and all the blood — that’s my favorite too,” Tatum said.
Theatre sophomore Curran Latas plays Freddy, the show’s class clown. This is Latas’ fifth production at the University, and while he’s no stranger to musicals, “Carrie” has proven itself to be tougher than most.
“You have to be on your A-game all the time,” Latas said. “You’re constantly engaged in the scene, constantly singing and belting out these really high notes while you’re moving around as fast as you can, so it’s been crazy.”
Preparing for a musical doesn’t just include memorizing lines and transitioning between scenes. Each actor must become familiar with the show’s choreography, songs and technical responsibilities while learning how to successfully integrate all aspects of the show.
Theatre senior Carter Dean, who plays George, a high school jock, said his experience working on the production has been great, and he’s enjoyed watching the cast grow. He was also excited about the opportunity to work with a guest director and musical director from New York.
“It’s been really great to work hard with those people,” Dean said. “Not only to make the contact of someone who works in the professional world in New York City, but also they’ve been really insightful.”
Dean said the production offers universal themes to its audience, including one of the show’s more popular themes, “What does it cost to be kind?”
The rest of the cast agreed that the show’s message is an important one and worth a trip to see the show.
“It’s important to acknowledge that we are all human and have impulses that aren’t our best selves all the time,” Fisch said. “It’s entertainment and a fun show that also has a good emotional journey with a serious issue at its center that I think is very important for young people, especially.”
You can reach Greta Jines on Twitter @TheGretaJines.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Raegan Labat

Students run through a dress rehearsal Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, at Reilly Theatre in preparation for Carrie: The Musical. The LSU Department of Theatre and Swine Palace production of Carrie: The Musical will run March 4-15th.