BWW Reviews: CARRIE - Misunderstood Musical Finds Life at The Woodlawn

I must admit that upon hearing the Woodlawn Theatre would be staging a show like CARRIE: The Musical came as a shock. I mean its history as a flop on broadway is so well known that it is a huge risk. A risk that the Woodlawn not only took on well but did so in such a way that by the end I was utterly amazed on how good it actually was. Now the question that is on everyone's mind is why would anyone turn the thriller novel Carrie (written by Stephen King) into a musical? That is a hard question to answer if anything, the musical version is very kind to the character Carrie White, showing a more human side then other incarnations of the novel. This production which is based on a re-worked production, which found life Off-Broadway in 2012, and has a stronger theme of bullying as a start to a conversation with its audience which also highlights about its effects. New songs and a rewritten book how exactly did the Woodlawn's production do? Starting off, the cast is absolutely great, with two standouts, the lead, Carrie played by Elise Pardue who when she started singing had such vocal talent I couldn't wait for her to sing again. Elise talent was absolutely stunning and amazing and I can't wait to see what she does next. Rebecca Trinidad is the second standout playing Carrie's over zealous and religious mother, who not only gave the performance I expect out of the powerhouse role but went above and beyond those expectations as her vocal power is a sight to be seen and heard. The rest of the cast works well and the ensemble proves that there is plenty of young talent in the city. Set Design by which is actually the same set used for the star studded Rocky Horror is another aspect where this show shines due to its well use and is very creative. After some minor technical difficulties I would still say to take the risk and go see CARRIE, because it is the kind of show that once you see it can't be unseen. Which in the case of this show its a very good thing. For more info vist woodlawntheatre.org

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