When TheatreZone last year announced its 2023-24 season, one show that especially stood out was "Carrie: The Musical."
The final production of the season from the theater company sounded interesting and it comes 50 years after Stephen King's novel "Carrie" was published in 1974.
Why 'Carrie: The Musical' and why now
For Mark Danni, TheatreZone founding artistic director, offering the musical to the community in 2024 made so much sense.
"I think the story is timeless," Danni said in an email. "While it falls into the horror genre, it doesn't compare to 'Friday the 13th' or 'Nightmare on Elm Street.' Bullying is still so prevalent. You wonder if the people drove Carrie to her actions or if she is a monster.
"The bullied becomes the aggressor. Something to think about."
Who plays Carrie, her thoughts on playing the part
Keeley Pendergrass, who takes center stage as Carrie White, is a Florida Gulf Coast University student who has been performing since age 5.
She formerly worked with Danni in TheatreZone’s 2023 production of "Heathers."
"Carrie is isolated and bullied most of her life," said Pendergrass in an email. "She reaches the point when she starts to become a woman, which opens up new opportunities with her telekinetic powers. And she comes out of her shell when she realizes she has powers."
Danni said Pendergrass was "riveting in her audition," winning the role over others who auditioned from New York City and Florida.
"It was Keeley's acting that really was incredible," Danni said. "She brought the true essence of Carrie to her scenes. She showed vulnerability but also strength, shyness yet also power."
Pendergrass praised the play's lighting and music, saying: "Every song is so emotional."
"I feel the weight of everything Carrie says and the heinous things said to Carrie," Pendergrass continued. "The mother and daughter songs show an immense amount of love, but in not a very good way."
Will there be blood?
Sissy Spacek famously portrayed the main character in the 1976. Few can forget the moment a bucket of blood pours onto Spacek.
But rest assured, there won't be real blood pouring from the TheatreZone rafters. Even so, it's a scene that's vital to the show's success, a key moment in the play, Danni said.
"There's many options we had," said Danni, noting he's studied different ways to handle the "blood" scene. "The way they filmed it in the movie is hugely dramatic and we can't show it that way. But I really think we've come up with an effective way to show it."
And for those concerned about the play being a horror production, Danni put those fears to rest.
"It's a powerful show with a great story," he said. "I hope people come and take a chance. And it's not all doom and gloom. There's some great dance numbers, there's upbeat moments and even some comedic moments."
Other cast members include McLean Peterson as Margaret White, making her TheatreZone acting debut; Brianna Bauch as Sue Snell, who is based out of Danbury Connecticut; Ben Bailey as Tommy Ross, making his TheatreZone debut and who currently is based at Disney World as an Equity principal actor; and New York City actor Grace Fluharty as Chris Hargensen; Jennifer Wingerter, as Miss Gardner, whose previous TheatreZone plays were "Home for the Holidays" and "Million Dollar Quartet"; and Bobby MacDonell as Billy Nolan, who earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Buffalo.
What to know before you go
Where: G&L Theatre at the Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Road
When: 7:30 p.m. April 25-28 and May 2-5; 2 p.m. April 27-28 and May 5.
Cost: Tickets start at $50
Information: theatre.zone or 888-966-3352
Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram and Threads @lacrossewriter and on X (formerly Twitter) @NDN_dosborn.
Local Florida State
Most Popular
Comments / 0