CARRIE THE MUSICAL to Play MCCC's Kelsey Theatre, 10/18-27

From the annals of American horror comes "Carrie, the Musical," to be presented by Pierrot Production at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre this Halloween season. Eight performances will be presented, including two midnight shows. Performances are Fridays, Oct. 18 and 25 at 8 p.m., Saturdays, Oct. 19 and 26 at 8 p.m. and midnight; and Sundays, Oct. 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Oct. 18.

"It's a name you will remember forever and a night you will never forget," promises the show's director, Kat Ross-Kline. "This is a newly re-imagined version of the Broadway original, based on the best-selling novel by the king of horror, Stephen King."

With a home life dominated by a reclusive and over-protective mother, Carrie is also a misfit at school, where she is relentlessly bullied. But she's discovered special powers that will allow her to enact a unique and unforgettable revenge on her persecutors - should she choose to use them. First performed on Broadway in 1988, the Pierrot Productions' version is a revival of the show that was staged Off-Broadway in 2012 with new music by the show's original composers, Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford, and writer Lawrence D. Cohen. The show is not recommended for those under age 17.

"Carrie" features two actors, Lindsey Krier of Maple Shade and Jenna Scannelli of Manalapan, who will alternate in the lead role as Carrie White. According to Ross-Kline, that decision was made because of the vocal demands of the part. "The demands in this highly emotional role are extreme, not just the amount of singing, but the fact that the majority of the singing is high belt," Ross-Kline explained. "We want to give each girl a chance to perform at her best. They work well together and the cast has been so respectful and supportive of both of them. It has been a neat process to watch as they discover their own version of the character. This is my first attempt as a director to cast in this way."

Other cast members include: Haley Ackerman of Moorestown as Norma; Frankie Confalone of Bordentown as Freddy; Amanda Dranchak of Cinnaminson as Margaret White; Tiffany Dydak of Levittown, Pa., as Chris Hargensen; Arielle Egan of Princeton as Helen; Emily Huddell of Moorestown as Miss Gardner; Dan Johnson of Ewing as Tommy Ross; Kristen Kane of Plainsboro as Rhoda; Alec Kass of Simsbury, CT, as Billy Nolan; BrIan Kelly of Doylestown, Pa., as Mr. Stephens; Caitlin Sprang of Upper Sandusky, OH, as Sue Snell; Matt Staley of Hamilton as Stokes; Katie Wicka of West Chester, Pa., as Frieda; and Donte Wilder of Ewing as George.

In addition to Ross-Kline, the production crew includes producer Pete LaBriola, musical director Erica Silver, assistant director/stage manager Jaci D'Ulisse, costumer Frankie Confalone, technical supervisor Jim Petro, and production assistant Hannah Knight.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $16 for students and children. Tickets are available online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Theatre Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking available next to the theater.

Pictured: Jenna Scannelli as Carrie White exacts her unique revenge in "Carrie the Musical".

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