EXETER PA – One thing to know about Carrie. She’s got a hot temper.
“Carrie, The Musical,” the fiery story of a teenager under a variety of social pressures, will be presented over two October weekends at the Reading Civic Theatre.
Its performances, based on Stephen King’s iconic novel, are scheduled for Oct. 16-18 and Oct. 23-25 (Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinées at 2 p.m.). The theater is located in the Reading Mall shopping center adjacent to the Boscov’s East department store, 4350 Perkiomen Ave.
The musical tells the haunting story of Carrie White. She’s a shy and isolated teenager, struggling like many her age to find her place in the world. However, it’s a world that seems determined to reject her.
She is tormented by relentless bullying at school and controlled by her fanatically religious mother, Margaret. Carrie lives under a constant weight of fear, shame, and isolation.
But Carrie is changing. She discovers she possesses extraordinary powers, as the pressure surrounding her builds toward a terrifying and unforgettable breaking point at her high school prom.
Tickets are now available online with seats priced at between $25 and $35. The show is recommended for mature audiences, due to its themes and content.
Photos provided by the Reading Civic Theatre
Cruelty, Longing … and Consequences
“Carrie, The Musical” is directed by Pete Bourey, with a cast that brings audiences into Carrie’s world. It’s a place of teenage cruelty, desperate longing, fear, faith, and the vengeance-filled consequences of pushing someone too far.
Samantha Grinnage leads as Carrie White, with Kelly Kantner as Margaret White. They are joined by an ensemble of 23 actors, including Andrea Keck, Angel Alvarado, Dara Tatarowicz, Ella Bednarik, and Titus Newswanger.
The musical features music by Michael Gore, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen. It blends powerful music, intense drama, suspense, and supernatural elements into “a gripping theatrical experience.” Based on King’s debut novel, it also integrates elements from the 1976 movie, “Carrie.”
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