Laboratory Theatre Company’s final production of the year is here, and it is their biggest production to date! Based off of the iconic novel by Stephen King, Carrie the Musical follows teenage Carrie White as she is bullied by her classmates and religiously-obsessed mother. What they don’t realize, though, is that she develops telekinetic powers. Why does everyone feel the need to torment her, and what happens if Carrie is pushed too far?
You’ll have to see the show to find out, but in the meantime you can read behind-the-scenes interviews below.
We started off our series of interviews with the show’s director Sheridan Mirador, asking him about his experience directing this chilling show! He shared that, “This is my first time directing a full musical. Carrie the Musical was the first time I saw my two favorite things put together. I grew up watching horror movies. And now, it had music, dancing and had little moments of spectacle! Baby Sher was in love immediately. I knew that I had to a part of this project one way or another. This experience has been the most challenging but fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. This show is not an easy one to put on, but it was significantly easier because of the people I had with me on this journey. I have loved getting to know the production team and cast. I feel as if I know them in a completely new way. Seeing your peers work together to create art and truly enjoy it is possibly the best feeling anyone could ever feel. I also love this musical so much. To have my own little spin be put on stage is surreal.”
Many are also aware that this show was originally scheduled for this past February but was delayed, so we asked Sheridan how that impacted him and the production process. He said, “There was a bit of stress initially, but I knew that everything would come together in the end. I had no doubt in my mind that the new dates would be more beneficial than hurt us. We were able to really delve into the show and really work out any kinks that were occurring the first round. Also, people wanting to see the show knew that they had to be QUICK to get tickets (20 minute sell out?!?). I have to say that I’m grateful that the show was postponed. It means I got more time to work with this amazing team and have more time with this material.”
This show was going to happen one way or another!
Next, we interviewed the production’s Choreographer, Josie Hand, and Music Director, Giovannie Valforte, about their experiences in these positions for a fully student-run show. Josie shared, “I’ve choreographed a few musicals when I was in high school, but this is the first experience I’ve had choreographing a full musical in college. It’s great to work with such a talented cast who really gets the work done. It is so comforting to get into a space and have full faith that this group of artists will not only achieve the movement but add their own level of artistry to it. It is so exciting to watch the choreography I made pacing around my room grow through an ensemble.” Giovannie added, “The process for Carrie was by no means easy, but it has been a joyful taste of how collaborative all parts of the process must be in order to get a show ready in such a short time. We all admired at the end of every day how much progress we were able to make in such a short time, and how it felt as if we’d been rehearsing for weeks when it had only been a couple of days. The cast dug into the music right away, and they continued to blow me away with their innate musicality and rapid preparedness. They made the musical process swift and light, which I cannot express my appreciation for. I cannot say enough about the directing and creative team, as well; we were all able to collaborate and create beautiful ideas that were executed with passion and dedication. It has been a joy to be a part of Carrie.”
Finally, we interviewed Carrie herself! Willa Wahlberg is a current BFA Musical Theatre student that shared what the show means to her and what it was like when the production was postponed. “Carrie is a show about the connections between female relationships and finding your femininity. Women, much like Carrie, have been forced into a society where being feminine is deemed as being weak. Carrie shows the evolution of a sheltered, naïve girl who through, finding herself by exploring her femininity, shows what can happen when a woman is at her most powerful.” [When the show was delayed], “I was devastated, but relieved. It was getting so stressful, and so many of us were getting sick. I was terrified that our hard work would not be recognized, so getting to do the show now is one of the most exciting things ever!”
She proudly stated audiences should come see the show because “First of all, the cast is STELLAR! Second, the crew has been working non-stop to make this show spectacular. Finally, Carrie is a show that everyone can relate to. Everyone can see themselves represented onstage.”
Make sure to wish everyone a happy opening tomorrow! Tickets are not available because the production sold out 140 seats in a record-breaking 20 minutes, but don’t worry- LTC will be sure to put on more amazing performances next year.
“I’d make them sorry forever for teasing Carrie, Carrie, Carrie!”