Stephen King's Horror-Classic CARRIE THE MUSICAL to Make Central Texas Premier at Austin Theatre Project

Austin Theatre Project is thrilled to announce the Central Texas premiere of CARRIE THE MUSICAL which will open on October 24, 2014 at the Doughery Arts Center. The classic story by Stephen King takes a look at the problems high school students face while trying to fit in with the "cool crowd" and consequences that bullying can bring about. But the story behind the production is almost as thrilling as the novel itself.

Stephen King, the prolific "King of Horror" is best known for novels such as It, Salem's Lot, Misery, and Cujo. But it is his first novel that has perhaps the largest audience and cult-following. Carrie first appeared on bookshelves in 1974 and was followed by the classic Brian de Palma film in 1976. In 1988 a musical version appeared on Broadway and quickly closed. It became known as the biggest flop in the history of Broadway. Then, in 2011, the original authors brought in the screenwriter of the de Palma film and began to rework the show. Nearly half of the original songs were scrapped and replaced. The new score was given a contemporary and energetic sound, the story was reworked to emphasize the modern themes of teen angst, fitting in, and bullying.

In 2012, this new version of CARRIE THE MUSICAL opened off-Broadway and quickly became the most talked-about musical of the New York theatre season. As soon as the rights became available, Austin Theatre Project snatched them up and planned this production which will open on October 24, just in time for the Halloween season. Set to a score of thrilling pop and rock songs, the cult prom-queen musical is the perfect recipe of exciting, subversive and provocative fare for a terrifying weekend of live theater.

Set in present-day Chamberlain, Maine, CARRIE THE MUSICAL tells the story of an awkward teen outcast who is bullied by the popular kids at school and is at the mercy of her fanatically religious mother at home. "Carrie by nature is a spooky story - the story of a bullied and tormented girl with psychic powers who, in the end, gets her revenge," said David Blackburn, ATP's Founding Artistic Director. "Along with presenting the struggle of modern-day teens, the show embraces the supernatural and the unusual. It's a great way to get into the spirit of Halloween." After Carrie White's classmates subject her to unimaginable humiliation, she discovers that she has a powerful gift and ultimately harnesses her power with devastating and destructive rage.

Returning to Austin to play her "bucket list role," Audrey Johnson will make her Austin Theatre Project debut in the titular role of Carrie White. Local theatre and cabaret legend Cathie Sheridan will also make her first ATP appearance in the role of her fanatic mother, Margaret White. Playing the roles of the sympathetic Sue Snell and Tommy Ross are ATP veteran Rachel Hoovler (Avenue Q, National Pastime) and newcomer Daniel Cline.

Carrie's biggest tormentor, Chris Hargenson will be played by Amanda Serra (Godspell) and her low-life boyfriend Billy Nolan will be played by another newcomer, Scott Graham. Miss Gardner, the caring P.E. teacher will be played by Wendy Jo Cox (Baby, National Pastime, Godspell). Mr. Stephens, the high school guidance counselor and English teacher, will be played by Mark Butler.

Rounding out the cast are six more newcomers to the Austin Theatre Project stage. They are Kyle Doherty, Taylor Henderson, Laurel Rothamel, Becca Seferian, Adele Simms, and Nicholaus Weinden.

Director Jeff Hinkle returns to Austin Theatre Project for his third production. He previously directed ATP's premier production of Corpus Christi and 2013's critically-acclaimed Falsettos. He will be assisted by Erik Freisinger (National Pastime). Music direction will be provided by David Blackburn, who will lead a six-piece band of playing a score of exciting songs. Other members of the production team include Rose Mitchell (Choreography), James Jennings (Lighting Design), Joel Mercado-See (Sound Design), Veronica Prior (Costumes), Rich Simms (Projections), and Jim Schuler (Technical Director).

CARRIE THE MUSICAL originally opened on Broadway in 1988. This newly reworked and gripping version premiered Off-Broadway in 2012 and features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award-winner Michael Gore (Fame, Terms of Endearment) and lyrics by Academy Award-winner Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose). Musical arrangement is by Mary-Mitchell Campbell (Company, Big Fish), with vocal arrangement by AnnMarie Milazzo (Spring Awakening).

Performances: October 24, 25, 30, 31, November 1, 6, 7, 8 at 7:30 p.m. October 26, November 2, 9 at 3:00 p.m. All performances are at the Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road.

Tickets: $25-35 with pre-sale discounts available prior to opening night. Group Rates (10 or more people) are available. HALLOWEEN NIGHT ONLY: All seats $20. Tickets may be purchased at www.austintheatreproject.org.

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