Uneven 'Carrie' Brings Classic Broadway Flop to Life

When it comes to musical theatre, I'm certain that many names come to mind, but probably not Stephen King. Yes, the master of horror isn't on the top of that list. That being said, his very first published novel, "Carrie" was adapted for the musical stage in 1988, premiering in England prior to a famously disastrous Broadway run. The show (with book by Lawrence D. Cohen, who had adapted the film; lyrics by Dean Pitchford and music by Michael Gore, "Fame") starred Betty Buckley, who had played gym teacher Miss Gardner in the 1976 Brian DePalma film. She took over from Barbara Cook who wisely bowed out after the British tryout.

"Carrie The Musical" closed after 16 previews and 5 performances, and went on to become the most legendary of Broadway flops, even findings its way into the title of a book about famous musical failures. But it didn't end there; an Off-Broadway revival (with revisions) ran Off Broadway in 2012. The Academy Players of RI take a stab at bringing the adventures of a telekinetic teen to our state.

Opening in a gym class, Miss Gardener (Paula Glen) leads our female principals in a workout. After heading to the showers, the girls tease Carrie White (Betsy Rinaldi) for discovering that she has had her first period; not knowing what is happening, Carrie thinks she's bleeding to death. Chris Hargensen (Courtney Olenzak) leads the girls in throwing tampons at her, and Norma (Carolina Orchard) and Sue Snell (Dalita Getzoyan) gleefully play along. Prior to this opening scene, Snell is onstage in character apparently being interrogated by a lawman.

When Carrie heads home, she's greeted coldly by her Bible-toting mother Margaret (Michelle Scmitt). Her daughter tells her what happened at school and she tells her that blood is a curse of womanhood and a sin ("And Eve Was Weak"), ending the song by locking Carrie in a closet to finish her prayers. Elsewhere, Sue is already feeling guilty about her participation in taunting Carrie. But Chris rejects her sorrow and calls her Scary Carrie, which doesn't help Sue's guilt at all. So she persuades her boyfriend Tommy Ross (Teddy Kiritsy) to ask Carrie to the upcoming prom.

I won't give away details of what happens at the climax of the story, as it's fairly well known if you know the book as well as the movie, which made a star out of Sissy Spacek. There is much to see in the Academy Players' production, but it lacks a few necessary requirements, such as properly theatricalizing Carrie's telekinesis, here relegated to a few lighting effects. Also, the prom scene is anti-climactic. and Margaret White is too sentimental to be believed as a villain. Additionally, the choreography is messy; however, it may be a choice, given that most of the dance numbers are done by the teens, who are awkward anyway.

There are also technical issues. When Carrie levitates a crucifix and a chair, it's done on a screen way off to the audiences' left, almost out of field of most people's vision, so many don't witness it. It also may be noted that dousing an actress with fake blood would wreak havoc with microphones. Making matters worse is that this iconic scene lacks dramatic punch.

Now the positives: Rinaldi is pretty fantastic as Carrie. She can belt a tune and imbue it with emotion, and wears her fragile heart on her sleeve. As the nasty Chris Hargensen, Olenzak is clearly having a blast being super bad and it shows. Getzoyan's Sue Snell is also a solid performance. The songs aren't especially memorable, but the cast does give it a go with gusto and while Schmitt can sing well, her portrayal lacks that evil edginess, given that she REALLY doesn't want Carrie to go to that prom!

"Carrie The Musical" is running through February 22nd at the James and Gloria Maron Cultural Arts Center, 180 Buttonhole Drive (Bldg 2) Providence, RI 02909. For information or tickets call 401-830-0880 or visit http://www.academyplayersri.org.