CARRIE, THE MUSICAL AT THE ADC
Horror of horrors – ‘Carrie the Musical’ is far from terrifying but it is a perfectly enjoyable show. The stage version of Stephen King’s 1970s novel is essentially High School Musical with a bit of malevolent telekinesis thrown in. The composer of the former West End hit is aptly named Michael Gore. Sure enough there is a bucket full of the red stuff famously poured over the eponymous Carrie near the end of the melodrama. It’s red, it’s gooey, but horror it ain’t.
The student production at the ADC whilst not setting the theatre world ablaze, was competent, often engaging and occasionally touching. But it was totally devoid of anything to upset those of a nervous disposition. No horse need bolt.
For those who haven’t read the book or seen the famous film here is a quick synopsis. American teenager Carrie White is bullied by her classmates and abused by her religiously maniacal ma. Carrie is an outsider: shy, unworldly, awkward, and naïve. She has her first period while in the school showers and has no idea what is happening to her. And the notion of any handsome boy taking her to the end of year Prom is laughable. But who has the last diabolical laugh? As an act of kindness, Tommy does indeed ask her out to the bash but there all mayhem will be let loose as Carrie’s bitchy enemies have some nasty surprises for her.
Now while the book and the movie end in mass slaughter at Carrie’s magical hands (or penetrating gaze), the musical version is much tamer - a spot of sudden collapse here or a soupcon of stabbing (but done with little shock and zero awe).
Eleanor Worth holds the stage wonderfully as the woe-begotten Carrie. She has a fine voice and captures the little mouse turned angry lioness with aplomb. Isobel Guthrie was also impressive as the storyteller Sue and the other leads were all competent. The production was busy – lots of lusty chorus numbers, energetic dance routines and some top notch school kid cattiness. Izzy Lane was convincing as the lead Carrie tormentor Chris, a character who thoroughly deserves her telekinetical just desserts. Jessi Rogers was powerfully obnoxious as Carrie’s madly zealous mother – she has a fine voice and chilling stage presence.
The musical has some catchy songs – poppish numbers and introspective ballads some in the familiar Sondheimy style.
All in all, this was an enjoyable evening (though somewhat spoilt by loud, unnecessary whooping from some hyper-ventilated audience members). It had lots going for it except one small thing: no horror.
