Getting Carrie'd Away :: 'Carrie: The Musical'

Twenty-five years after the spellbinding premiere stunned critics and audiences from London to New York, "Carrie: The Musical," with its infamous roots deep in the pantheon of terror, continues to shock audiences -- this time at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

You've never seen a musical quite like this. "Carrie" is, of course, the spawn of the horror novel by Stephen King. The musical's book is by Lawrence D. Cohen, screenwriter of the now-classic film. Music and lyrics are by a duet of Academy Award winners; Michael Gore, whose credits include "Fame" and "Terms of Endearment" and Dean Pitchford of "Fame" and "Footloose." Just in case you haven't seen the movie or the musical, it's a story that revolves around misfit Carrie White, a girl who is taunted by her peers at school, only to return home and be terrorized more by her mother, a religious zealot. The tortured 17-year-old possesses a dark secret and when a prank at her Ewen High School prom goes horribly wrong, her tormentors all find out just how scary - and powerful - her secret really is.

Emily Lopez, who plays Carrie, is an actor, producer and songwriter. Her theatrical debut was as Adele, in the well-received, romantic comedy/drama, "Jane Eyre" in 1999. Lopez continued to perform locally in many musicals such as "Into the Woods" as Cinderella, "A Little Night Music," "Oklahoma" and the classic "Cinderella," once again, to name just a few.

With the help and support of her amazing community of friends, Lopez also began to write, perform and record her own music. Now, since landing the role of Carrie, she finds herself living in a sort of manic dream state, where everything in her life is relentlessly beautiful, intensely challenging and... covered in blood!

The Rage Monthly caught up with Emily to find out what it's like to step into the shoes of a demented character like Carrie.

Where are you from originally?

Chino, California. So, I am a native Southern California girl.

When did you decide that you wanted to be an actress?

It wasn't really a decision. I have done it ever since I can remember. There really wasn't a definitive moment when I said, "I want to be a musical theatre actress;" it was just a natural evolution.

You played Cinderella in two different productions. What about that character attracted you?

Obviously, they're both characters with range, who make a transformation, and it's a classic love story all rolled up in one show. On a superficial level, it's also fun to dress up and play "pretend" as a princess. (Laughs) On top of that, really getting into the idea of playing two characters in one is exciting.

I heard through the grapevine that you took an unconventional approach in creating your audition tape for the role of Carrie? Care to share?

I actually did two audition videos. I made the first one with a bunch of my good friends from Vermont in a creepy basement, and it was really fun. Then they requested a second video, so I put on a prom dress and went to a place that used to be a high school gym, but isn't anymore. It's still a gym, but they don't use it, it just kind of sits there empty most of the time. I went there at eight in the morning and just sang in the gym, in a prom dress.

How did you get in?

I tried a few doors, and luckily one was unlocked. I propped my iPhone on a shoe to hold it up and filmed my audition.

Congratulations on getting the part. What has been the biggest challenge in transforming into this tortured character?

The biggest challenge has been to really feel the loneliness of Carrie, something that is not easy for anybody to do. Ultimately, she is just a lonely person who doesn't have any outlets, and that is kind of a difficult thing to tap into. It is not as fun as being Cinderella, that's for sure. But, it's fun in its own challenging way.

Most Southern California residents have not seen the production. How would you describe the musical score?

It's very interesting, because the things that the high school kids sing [are] much different than the things that Carrie and her mother sing. The high school music is exciting and contemporary in a way, and the things that Carrie and her mother sing are in their own timeless world. The songs could be from any era of musical theatre, and are very emotional and dark!

Why should readers come and see this show?

It's going to be a unique experience. I don't think there has been anything done quite like this. It's going to be a whole new theatrical experience, and very exciting.

I know you have the acting bug for life; if you were to visualize yourself in five years, where are you and what are you doing?

I want to keep performing, in five years, ten years. I want to keep tackling new roles and singing and make a living at it. As long as I can use it as a creative outlet and to have a community of friends, that would be wonderful.

"Carrie: The Musical" is drected by Brady Schwind, with choreography by Imara Qui��nez. Cast members joining Emily Lopez on stage are Misty Cotton, Kayla Parker, Jon Robert Hall, Valerie Rose Curiel, Jenelle Lynn Randall, Garrett Marshall, Bryan Dobson, Michael Starr, Adante Carter, Ian Littleworth, Kimberly Ann Steele, Rachel Farr, Teya Patt with Carly Bracco, Lyle Colby Mackston, Kevin Patrick Doherty, Chris Meissner and Amy Segal.

"Carrie: The Musical is an audience-immersive theatrical event putting the audience, for the first time ever, at the center of the action in this bold and thrilling twist on the now-classic movie. At some points during the show, audiences may stand and move around with the actors. Seating is very limited, so get your tickets early.