After a short-lived and much-publicized Broadway run, Carrie is back with a refocused story and a handful of new songs thanks to director Stafford Arima (Altar Boyz, Tin Pan Alley Rag, London's Ragtime), who has been working to refine the material over the past several years with the original authors.
Originally staged as a mix of bold, chilling scenes and 1980s high-school camp, Carrie closed on Broadway May 15, 1988, at the Virginia Theatre after only five regular performances. It was the most expensive flop in Broadway history, losing nearly $8 million.
Academy Award-winning composer Michael Gore ("Fame," "Terms of Endearment"), Academy Award-winning lyricist Dean Pitchford ("Fame," "Footloose") and "Carrie" film screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen have returned to work on Carrie, which is now envisioned as a more intimate tale of parental control, bullying and school politics.
For the new Off-Broadway production, Molly Ranson (Jerusalem, August: Osage County) stars in the title role opposite Tony Award nominee Marin Mazzie (Next to Normal, Passion, Ragtime) as her religious-fanatic mother, Margaret White. Carrie began previews Jan. 31 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre and will play an extended run through April 22.
The cast also features Christy Altomare as Sue Snell, Carmen Cusack as gym teacher Lynn Gardner, Jeanna de Waal as Chris Hargensen, Derek Klena as Tommy Ross, Ben Thompson as Billy Nolan, Wayne Wilcox as Mr. Stephens, Corey Boardman as George, Blair Goldberg as Norma, F. Michael Haynie as Freddie, Andy Mientus as Stokes, Elly Noble as Helen, Jen Sese as Frieda, Mackenzie Bell, Jake Boyd and Anne Tolpegin.
The creative team includes Matt Williams (choreography), Mary-Mitchell Campbell (music direction and arrangements), David Zinn (set design), Emily Rebholz (costume design), Kevin Adams (lighting design), Sven Ortel (projections design), Jonathan Deans (sound design), Doug Besterman (orchestrations), AnnMarie Milazzo (vocal design), Leah J. Loukas (wig and hair design) and Rick Sordelet (fight director).
A new rush $20 ticket policy for theatregoers under the age of 30 is also in place for performances from March 27-April 22. Arrive two-hours prior to the performance with a valid ID.
Tickets for Carrie begin at $89. Visit mcctheater.org. The Lucille Lortel Theatre is located at 121 Christopher Street.
