Stephen King’s Classic to Make a Bloody Splash in ‘Carrie: The Musical’

You’re invited to the prom! You won’t be stood up, but you are expected to stand up. And walk around. And participate. The best part of live theatre is the audience involvement. Magical moments, tragic mistakes, and even actors who spit when they talk are all right there in front of you. And for the first time, you’re invited to experience “Carrie: The Musical,” not only as a spectator, but also as a participant. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts’ audience-immersive version of “Carrie: The Musical,” opens March 18 and runs through April 5.

The Stephen King story is a classic one. High school misfit with a crazy religious mother harbors a secret power and eventually gets pig blood dumped on her head at the prom. The novel was penned in 1974 with the film following shortly after, and instantly gained cult-classic status. The musical on the other hand, is one of the most notorious flops in Broadway history. The original 1988 musical played only five performances before it closed. In 2012, the show was revamped and revived off-Broadway with much success.

Award-winning director Brady Schwind and award-winning choreographer, Lee Martino are at the helm of this stacked creative team and electrifying cast. The musical itself features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (“Fame”, “Terms of Endearment”), and lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (“Fame”, “Footloose”).

The La Mirada production will mark the first ever audience-immersive “Carrie.” Playbill announced the production in early 2013, and two years later, it is now one of the most anticipated theatrical events in Southern California. And the immersive aspect has already begun on the Internet. The production company has been hard at work maintaining an impressive social media campaign using the hashtag, “#experiencecarrie” on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and of course the show’s website.

No corsages necessary, but comfy clothes and walking shoes are recommended.

“Carrie: The Musical” opens at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts March 18 and runs through April 5. Tickets available here.