CARRIE THE MUSICAL Opens This Week at Cal State Fullerton as Halloween Special

Cal State Fullerton's production of Carrie: The Musical, featuring music by Michael Gore, lyrics by Dean Pitchford and book by Lawrence D. Cohen, runs October 16-November 1, 2015 in the Little Theatre on campus. The Stephen King novel-based musical focuses on high school outcast Carrie White as she endures the struggles of bullying, a cruelly over-protective mother and the recent discovery of a special talent. Carrie: The Musical is helmed by theatre professor James R. Taulli, with musical direction by Mitchell Hanlon and choreography by William F. Lett. Carrie: The Musical contains mature adult content that may be offensive to some patrons.

Director James R. Taulli has directed over fifty productions and events across the country. Some of his professional directorial credits include City of Angels, Guys and Dolls, Pump Boys and Dinettes and Meet Me in St. Louis. Mr. Taulli directed the premiere productions of Wigged Out! for Stray Productions, Maiden Voyages for Asian American Repertory Theatre, and 24 Hours, at the Stella Adler Theatre for which Mr. Taulli was nominated for an NAACP award for best direction of a musical.

Madeline Ellingson, who plays Carrie, is currently a senior studying musical theatre at Cal State Fullerton. A native of Brea, California, Ms. Ellingson recently appeared in CSUF's Spring Awakening as Anna and in the ensemble of Kiss Me, Kate. She will graduate with a BFA in Musical Theatre in May, 2016 and plans to pursue a career in regional theatre and cruise line productions.

Carrie's on-stage mother (Margaret White) will be played by special guest artist Brooke Aston. A veteran performer with National Tours of All Shook Up and The Young Americans under her belt, the 2002 Cal State Fullerton alumna currently fronts the band The Honeydrops, playing vintage rhythm and blues, and can be seen singing and swinging on a rope at The Pirate's Dinner Adventure in Buena Park. Ms. Aston has also been a singer in various acapella groups, including Groove 66 at The Disneyland Resort and The Harmonix onboard Crystal Cruises.

The cast of Carrie: The Musical also includes Elyssa Alexander as Ms. Gardner, Kelvin M. Rhodes II as Mr. Stephens/Reverend Bliss, Elizabeth Campbell as Sue Snell, Katie Lee as Chris Hargensen, Allison Jane Parker as Frieda, Taylor M. Hartsfield as Norma, Hannah Clair as Helen, Dylan David Farris as Tommy Ross, Kyle Pazdel as Billy Nolan, Cody Bianchi as Freddy, Marqell Edward Clayton as Stokes and Quentin Carbajal as George, David Nevell as Male Interrogator and Anne James as Female Interrogator. The ensemble includes Adriana Rodriguez, Erin Tierney, Kristina Dizon, Lily Bryson, Scout Lepore, Christopher Mosley, Colby Hamann, Joe Stein, Spencer Ty Pierson and Brian Gonzalez.

Scenic Design is by Fred Kinney, Costume Design is by Karen Toledo, Lighting Design is by John Favreau, Sound Design is by Crishia Peet, Hair/Makeup Design is by Amanda Zukle and Projection Design is by Ben Hawkins.

Soon to follow is the nationally acclaimed Fall Dance Theatre which includes original choreography by students, faculty, and guest artists. CSUF dancers were recently featured in Washington DC's Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Fall Dance Theatre is coordinated by CSUF Dance Professor Gladys Kares and runs November 12-November 22, 2015 in the Little Theatre on campus.

Carrie: The Musical plays at 8pm on October 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 at 8pm and at 2pm on October 18, 24, 25, 31, November 1. General Admission tickets are $24 ($22 with advance Titan Discount purchase for students, seniors, or with a CSUF ID). All tickets are $24 at the door. Tickets are available by calling (657) 278-3371, 11am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Online, tickets are available at http://www.fullerton.edu/Arts/theatredance/events.html.

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