CARRIE - THE MUSICAL Makes Melbourne Premiere at Chapel off Chapel Tonight

Ghost Light in association with Moving Light Productions will present the Melbourne premiere of CARRIE- THE MUSICAL for a three-week season at Chapel Off Chapel from tonight, September 25.

This production, using the revised book, score and lyrics from the 2012 Off- Broadway production, which received critical-acclaim, and with US high school massacres constantly in the media is more relevant than ever, with its themes of the consequences of bullying. This gothic, "anti-Cinderella" is a clear inspiration for such hits as Mean Girls and Heathers. Chelsea Gibb (Chicago, The King & I, Dreamsong) as Margaret White and Emily Milledge as Carrie White lead a company of Melbourne's most dynamic young music theatre performers, directed by Terence O'Connell, choreographed by Lisa Minett, with lighting by Jason Bovaird, design by Jacob Battista and musical supervision by David Piper.

Director, Terence O'Connell said, "Ever since I became aware of this legendary show I've wanted to direct a production. It has a powerful book and score and the gothic theatricality of the piece with its central characters and more relevant than ever themes will resonate with Melbourne audiences. The timing of this season seems perfect."

Based on the cult Stephen King novel, which has been adapted for the big screen twice, CARRIE - THE MUSICAL made its Broadway Debut in 1988, starring Broadway legend, Betty Buckley and was recently revived Off-Broadway in a sell-out season, with Marin Mazzie in the leading role of Carrie's highly religious mother, Margaret.

Carrie White, the troubled teenager with telekinetic powers is a touchstone character in pop culture. First emerging in Stephen King's sensational debut novel, followed by Brian De Palma's iconic 1970's movie, she now returns in CARRIE-THE MUSICAL.

Director, Terence O'Connell said, "Ever since I became aware of this legendary show I've wanted to direct a production. It has a powerful book and score and the gothic theatricality of the piece with its central characters and more relevant than ever themes will resonate with Melbourne audiences. The timing of this season seems perfect."

Lawrence D Cohen (Nightmares And Dreamscapes) has adapted his legendary screenplay for the stage with music and lyrics by multi award winning Michael Gore (Fame) and Dean Pitchford (Footloose) to revisit this story of religious fanaticism, teenage angst and first love amongst high school seniors on the verge of adulthood.

On confirmation of the Melbourne Premiere Season, Lawrence D Cohen said, " Carrie is a show which demands lots in the way of passion, talent and conviction on the part of everyone involved, and gives back a lot in return."

CARRIE - THE MUSICAL will play The Chapel, Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran, September 25-October 12, running Wednesday-Saturday 8pm. Saturday 2pm. Sunday 6pm. Tickets: $30-$49.50; Box Office: 03 82907000 or online at www.chapeloffchapel.com.au. *Runs two hours including a 15 minute interval. *The production uses strobe lighting and haze.

CAST

KATHLEEN AMARANT (Miss Gardner)

JACK O'RILEY (Tommy Ross)

CHERNAE HOWLETT (Chris Hargensen)

HOLLIE JAMES (Sue Snell)

ROSS CHISARI (Billy Nolan)

KRISTYN BILSON (Helen)

HAYDAN HAWKINS (George)

EMILY MERCURIO (Frieda)

BEN NICHOLSON (Stokes)

KIANE O'FARRELL (Norma)

RHYS VELASQUEZ (Freddy)

and

STEPHEN WHEAT (Mr. Stephens)

with

CHELSEA GIBB as Margaret White

EMILY MILLEDGE as Carrie White

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