Utah Repertory Theater Company to Present CARRIE: THE MUSICAL

Utah Repertory Theater Company announces the regional premiere of the thrilling musical adaptation of the Stephen King bestselling sensation: "Carrie: The Musical".

Just in time for Halloween thrills, "Carrie" tells the story of Carrie White, an outcast in high school, who is relentlessly bullied by popular kids and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she's at the mercy of her fanatical and cruel mother. But Carrie has just discovered she's got a special power...

"The musical version actually adds an element of intensity and emotion that neither the book or movie can quite reach," says Johnny Hebda, the director. "For example, hearing the fanatical Margaret belt her solo parts in "And Eve Was Weak" and drag Carrie around the house by her hair is absolutely terrifying. The Destruction scene I won't spoil, but let's say that the effects we have planned, combined with the dramatic music and immersive experience will be shocking for those familiar and unfamiliar with original, and full of surprises-all happening inches away from the audience."

"Carrie" is an immersive experience, being staged in a vacant shop at the Gateway Mall (90 S Rio Grande St). "From the moment the audience walks into the converted theater space, they are entering the school lair and become witnesses of the crime scene that just took place the night before," says Hebda. "They will sit in the school bleachers and piece together the events that transpired in the weeks leading up to the destruction, as Sue is interrogated. Audience members will be feet if not inches away from the action and are warned not to get too close or they might just get a splash of blood on them. This will be a unique theater experience unlike anything theatergoers have experienced before and perfect for the Halloween Season."

In the show, Carrie is driven to the edge and lashes out because of the extreme bullying she experiences at home and at school. Utah Rep is partnering once again with Ogden Outreach in an anti-bullying campaign. "The epilogue song encompasses the theme poignantly, 'what does it cost to be kind?'" says Hebda. "In my direction, I have tried to bring this theme through in the many characters who show empathy for Carrie. 'Carrie' is as much of a tragedy as horror story. Carrie finally believes that she is pretty and worthy of love by the end of the show, only to be fooled by the mean girls in the show and betrayed by her fanatical mother. It is a reminder that many people that seem strange or ugly in real life come from difficult circumstance at home or in their family, and deserve empathy and love. It is my hope that audience members come away from the show being touched and reminded of the importance of kindness and reaching out those who struggle to fit in."

Despite the poignant moral of this story, Hebda assures: "there will be plenty of pig's blood and all the classic horror elements fans expect from the book and movies."

For more information, visit UtahRep.org, and ticket purchases can be made at UtahRep.org/tickets.

PERFORMANCE DATES:

Friday, October 30 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, October 31 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, Sunday, November 1 at 3 PM, Thursday, November 5 at 7:30 PM, Friday, November 6 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, November 7 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, Sunday, November 8 at 3:00 PM, Thursday, November 12 at 7:30 PM, Friday, November 13 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, November 14 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, Sunday, November 15 at 3:00 PM.

Special Costume Nights and Costume Contests on Halloween performances and Friday, November 13.

PERFORMANCE VENUE:

The Gateway Mall - 90 S Rio Grande St., Salt Lake City, Utah

COST:

$15-$18 in advance; $17-$20 at door.

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