Opening night of Carrie: The Musical at the Depot Theatre is swelling and as we take our seats it becomes immediately very obvious that this is a sold-out show; and well deserved.
Presented by Louis Ellis Productions and directed by Hayden Tonazzi (LAW LAW LAND, Seymour Centre 2017) this iteration of the 2012 revival presents us with an antihero who – despite her enigmatic presence and brutality towards her oppressors – is relatable to all of us as the young, vulnerable teenager who is outcast and tormented.
Tonazzi expresses his desire to reflect on “…the truths of adolescence and bullying embedded into our culture today.” and whilst the production lacks a sense of gore and heightened magic in the production design, he has certainly achieved this.
The musical is beautifully cast and the consistency in dialect and characterisation is superb. It is often hard to capture a sense of authenticity in a musical that demands such heightened intensity and choreographed emotion, however the relationships between Carrie (Kiralee White) and her mother (Michele Landsdown) as well as Sue Snell (Lauren Anne Paul) and Tommy Ross (Matt Laird) are well considered and give a strong sense of depth. The conviction and energy of Rachel Tunaley as the head “It Girl”, Chris Hargensen is magnetic to watch and her stage presence ensures that she is the focus of every scene she appears in.
Choreographer Laura Balboni has created excellent movement sequences that ensure the work flows and the energy lands exactly where it needs to as the story progresses. There is a very strong sense of ensemble and group awareness from the cast at work here and the sharp choreography keeps us alert and involved in every song and scene. There are some lagging moments in transitions between scenes however this is potentially an opening night technicality. Whilst the audio levels were booming to begin with, the overall soundscape of the show and the quality of the live music was impressive and absolutely flawless.
M. Osborn – Theatre Now
Carrie: The Musical
Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel
Reworked by Stafford Arima and MCC Theater
Book by Lawrence D. Cohen
Music by Michael Gore
Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
25 Jul – 4 Aug 2018
Wed – Sat 8pm
Sat Matinee 2pm
Venue: Depot Theatre
Theatre Company: Louis Ellis Productions
Duration: 150 mins (including interval)
