It's what you might call "the dark side of high school musical" - with blaring anthems of angst and revenge, and some great dancing, supported by a nine-piece orchestra under the direction of Dave Wendelberger. The "mean girl" and her followers torment the outcast daughter of a troubled mother, whose love has been turned deadly by religion - powerfully played by Jacqueline Wheeler.
All the leads are strong: Caitlin Dunlap as the repressed and then explosive Carrie; Katie Maggert as Sue, the "missing link" between the mob and Carrie, trying to fight the tribal urge to turn on the outcast; Blaine Mizer as the well-meaning boyfriend Tommy; Whitney Bunn as the vengeful better-to-strike-than-get-struck Chris; Sarah Goeke as the gym teacher who tries to help.
As usual, the MSU "media" enhanced Matthew Imhoff's creative, dynamically mobile, blood-stained set with projections (by Christopher Haug) most often enhancing but occasionally distracting. Cell phones were used throughout to spread the mob mentality and create lighting effects. A rising and retreating stage platform, and rolling, rotating bleachers delivered smooth and striking scene changes. The dramatic telekinetic ending packs a punch.
This tragically entertaining musical continues:
*Sunday, October 12, 2014 at 2:00pm
Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 7:30pm
**Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 7:30pm
Friday, October 17, 2014 at 8:00pm
* Designer Pre-Show Discussion Sunday, October 12, 2014 at 1:15 PM
** Post-Show Discussion on Thursday, October 16, 2014 (Following the Performance)
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE from the Wharton Center Box Office, 1.800.WHARTON, whartoncenter.com