POTTSTOWN PA – “Carrie, The Musical,” the winter production of the Ellis Theatre Guild at The Hill School, will open Feb. 28 (2025; Friday) for a four-show run through Sunday (March 2) at the school’s Center for the Arts, 766 Beech St.
The production is scheduled for Feb. 28 at 7:15 p.m.; March 1 (Saturday) at 1 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; and March 2 (Sunday) at 1 p.m. It’s open to the public, and tickets are free and can be reserved online.
Based on Stephen King’s 1974 novel, the musical is about a shy, bullied high school girl who discovers she has telekinetic powers. They “change her life, and the lives of those around her in explosive and tragic ways,” the theater guild explains. It’s set against the backdrop of a high school prom gone horribly wrong, and blends horror with drama and unforgettable music.
With music by Michael Gore, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, the stage adaptation “delves deep into themes of isolation, revenge, and the consequences of bullying,” it adds. The production is described as “thrilling and emotionally charged.”
Meet the Cast and Core Ensemble
Members of the cast are, as Carrie White, Abby Walsh; as Sue Snell, Payton Barth; as Tommy Ross, Harry Whaley; as Chris Hargensen, Juliana Duarte; as Billy Nolan, Andrew Ward; as Miss Gardner, Claire Bressi; as Norma, Maren Sheronas; as Frieda, Stella Wu; as Helen, Martina Chai; as George, Adam Yao; as Stokes, Cayden Cubbin; as Freddy, Deric Choi; and as Margret White, guest artist Melissa Connell.
In the core ensemble are Abby Burkart, Alexa Creciun, Caroline Fung, Sienna Licata, and Jaydon Robinson.
The Guild’s “talented cast and crew promise to deliver a gripping production that will leave you on the edge of your seat,” the school reports. It’s also anticipated to be visually appealing, according to the guild’s Instagram page. The theater’s technical crew, it says, has been hard at work on creating special effects for the musical.
“Carrie, The Musical,” is the second of three theatre events planned for the current academic year at The Hill School. The first, a fall production of the musical “Noises Off,” was held at the Center for the Arts during October. The third, its spring theater production, has yet to be announced but is tentatively scheduled for three shows during May.
Carrie poster photo from the Ellis Theatre Guild