Fighting Chance Productions

Carrie: The Musical

Dates and Venue 7 - 25 October 2014, 8pm | Jericho Arts Centre, Vancouver

Reviewer Cassie Silva


Scary Carrie is back – this time with music, in this “bloody brilliant” Canadian Regional premiere of the musical based on the popular book by Stephen King.

Ryan Mooney directs this story about misfit Carrie White, who is teased mercilessly about her outdated clothing, strong religious upbringing and awkward social skills. Ranae Miller was the perfect choice to play the title role – she brought a combination of endearing vulnerability and terrifying strength to the role. Tegan Verheul and Riley Qualtieri were extremely likeable as Sue Snell and Tommy Ross - the well-meaning couple caught up in the tragedy about to unfold. Emily Canavan stood out as vindictive bully Chris who ultimately pushes Carrie over the edge, while Sabrina Prada brought depth to the hated yet pitied character of Carrie’s mother.

The intimate Jericho Arts Centre is the perfect location to create an immersive and terrifying experience where audience members are so close to the action it felt like we were part of it. The acoustics worked well and several creative techniques were utilized to create a scary atmosphere.

The staging was simple but very effective – As Carrie warms up to her telekinetic powers, props become unpredictable. I would definitely recommend taking in this eerie production before Halloween. While this production is based on a Stephen King novel, it carries the always timely theme of the horrifying consequences of unchecked high school bullying.

© 2014 Cassie Silva