Wright State Theatre’s production of ‘Carrie: The Musical’ is the Halloween treat that keeps on giving

October 31, 2024

Wright State University Theatre will present “Carrie: The Musical” from Oct. 31 to Nov. 17 in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Wright State University has a special treat for audiences on Halloween night and for several nights in November with its production of “Carrie: The Musical.”

“It will be terrifying,” cast member Juliette Trumbull said. Of opening on Halloween night, “It’s not a coincidence that that choice was made,” she said.

Wright State Theatre will present “Carrie: The Musical,” inspired by the Stephen King novel, in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center.

Showtimes are Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 3, 10, 16 and 17 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $15 for students, faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased at the Creative Arts Center box office between noon and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or at wrightliberalarts.universitytickets.com.

“What could be better than a musical that is a horror classic that includes bullying, religious fanaticism, telekinetic powers and pigs’ blood? This is not your typical musical,” said director Jamie Cordes, senior lecturer and coordinator of theatre singing faculty.

Trumbull, who plays the role of the mother of the title character, said, “At its heart, it’s a story about bullying and how it never really goes away, how it affects the person being bullied and the one doing the bullying. Everyone has something going on at home that we don’t see. We’re all human, and no one deserves to be treated the way Carrie’s treated. It’s important to remember that what you say and do affects people.”

What makes Carrie different are her telekinetic powers.

“She’s quite mystical and magical in that way,” Trumbull said.

The rest of the cast includes Claire Northcut as Carrie White; Emma Edwards as Sue Snell; Arianna Schrage as Chris Hargensen; Aidan Edwards as Tommy Ross; Noah Funderburk as Billy Nolan; Julia DiPaolo as Miss Gardner; Orion Carter as Mr. Stephens; Sylvia Bordelois as Norma; Miranda Morrissette as Frieda; Ashley Ortel as Helen; Lior Shaham as George; Carson Campbell as Stokes; Joshua Ziegler as Freddy; and Evette Williamson, Madeline Zabela and Elise Parks in the ensemble.

“Carrie: The Musical” features music direction by Matt Ebright, scenic design by Pam Lavarnway, costume design by instructor Zoe Still, lighting design by Matthew Benjamin, professor of theatre, and sound design by resident sound designer James Dunlap.

This is Trumbull’s first time performing in a leading role after turns as an understudy and an assistant state manager.

“It’s been a really wonderful experience,” she said. “The cast feels like a family.”

Trumbull said Cordes is “such a wonderful director and has a talent for seeing the big picture.” She added that the production’s score “sounds so incredible, almost like you’re at a rock concert.”

Her suggestion for theatergoers: “Come prepared to be spooked.”