A thrilling stage adaption of Stephen King's horror novel Carrie premieres in Newcastle his month.
Carrie the Musical tells the haunting story of Carrie White, a shy and troubled high school girl who discovers she has telekinetic powers. Tormented by her peers and oppressed by her fanatically religious mother, Carrie's quest for acceptance takes a dark turn on prom night.
Who can forget that prom night scene from the 1972 movie, when Carrie's fleeting moment of happiness is replaced by humiliation?
With a score blending haunting melodies and powerful rock anthems, Carrie the Musical explores themes of bullying, vengeance and the longing for connection. It offers a gripping and emotionally charged experience that confronts the horrors of cruelty and the desire for revenge.
And Newcastle audiences will see seasoned performer Dr Sue Carson in a new light. The classically trained multi-genre singer and instrumentalist is playing the role of Margaret White, Carrie's fanatically religious and abusive mother.
Co-directed by Ali Hodge (Sweet Charity, Wedding Singer) and Rachel Stark (Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia), the Hunter Drama production pairs back the set and the staging to allow the cast, and the audience, to focus on the story.
The musical's complex score, though, is instrumental in capturing the tension of the film.
"The actors have taken the stripped back set in their stride," Stark said.
"We took time as a creative team to explain the vision, and what we are hoping to achieve from it. I think, even at their young age, they understand that sometimes less is more."
Hodge is impressed by the "emotional maturity" of the younger cast members.
"The willingness of these young actors, alongside our adult cast, to dive into darker material is exciting. It's satisfying to discuss with the younger generation about who we are as human beings and why we do the things we do."
Added Stark: "The pressure to fit in is intense. The need to conform can lead to regrettable behaviour, but when a few brave individuals choose differently, it inspires others to follow.
"Our cast's portrayal of these complex characters has sparked ongoing discussions about respect and the impact of our words and actions."
And personal experiences have, inevitably, influenced each actor's interpretation and performance of the script.
"Nobody knows what it's like to be in high school like people who are currently in high school, so there is definitely an infusion of their own experiences playing out," Hodge said.
"We don't have any interest in asking our young actors to tell us their deepest darkest traumas or memories, however we have lots of open discussions about being human, and the human experience.
"These young actors are extremely 'tapped in', and bravely allow the vulnerability of what is required to tell all the aspects of the story - the fun, as well as the not-as fun."
Cause and effect, and how our actions affect others, is a recurring theme throughout the musical.
"There are many moments throughout the show where we have stopped and said to the actors 'See there, because of the choice your character has just made, it has created a permission slip for the others'," Hodge said.
"We would be lying if we said there weren't moments that will be challenging to watch, but right alongside those are moments of utter joy, fun and connection."
