Theater Review: "Carrie The Musical" by the Sherman Players

The Sherman Players is presenting a scary production of “Carrie The Musical.” If the thought of the Stephen King novel set to music seems a bit incongruous, but somehow it works in this intense production.

Local favorite Bradford Blake (“Cabaret,” “Wreck the Halls”) carefully directed and staged this talented cast and Charles Smith served as music director. Blake’s stamp is evident in this production.

Steve Stott, the president of The Sherman Players, notes that “Stephen King’s classic supernatural tale of teen angst and retribution is the perfect preparation for the Halloween season.” He lauds the completely reworked show that ran to great acclaim off Broadway and has subsequently gained quite the cult following.

The book for the musical was written by Lawrence D. Cohen based on King’s novel. The music was written by Michael Gore with lyrics by Dean Pitchford. Artistic Director Matt Austin explains in his program notes that “the original 1988 Broadway production lasted only 21 performances. After its abrupt closing it fell into Broadway legend and quickly became an underground cult hit.”

Austin explains that the musical contains simple “themes of bullying, abuse of power and self-doubt.” Coincidentally, he also adds the lyric that I had noted on my paper program: “In the end its strongest message comes in the form of a lyric from the show – ‘What does it cost to be kind?’”

Kennedy Morris tackles the title role of Carrie White in her first time on the Sherman stage, although I have watched this young actress grow up on local stages. Morris is a talented singer and shines in all of her vocal performances, but her acting skills are also on display in this challenging role.

Tracey Marble, who recently appeared as Miss Biddle in Pantochino’s “Checking In On Charles,” gives a strong performance as Carrie’s tortured mother Margaret.

The most talented Erin Shaughnessy stands out in the role of Carrie’s classmate Sue Snell in her eighth show with the Sherman Players. The actress writes that she is humbled and honored that the production team has entrusted her with the challenging task of embodying this beautiful and complex character as she tells her tragic story.”

Angie Joachin, who recently appeared as Mavis in “Stepping Out” on this stage, plays Miss Gardner and Oxford High School junior Ainsley Novin plays Helen Shyres. Audra James gives a strong performance in her Sherman Players debut in the role of Chris Hargensen, as in the number “The World According To Chris.” Daisy Stott, who I have seen at Musicals at Richter, appears as Norma Watson and Calista Giroux, who appeared in Square Foot Theatre’s “Chicago” and “The Rocky Horror Show,” plays the role of Frieda Jason.

Tenor Sam Everett gives a fine rendering of the character of Tommy Ross. This is Everett’s first show since graduating Western Connecticut State University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Performance.

As for the young men in the high school class, Victor Roldan, a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts from Bethel, plays Billy Nolan. Collin Larson, a 2020 graduate of the Waterbury Arts Magnet School, is George Dawson. Benjamin McKiernan, a freshman at WCSU, plays Kenny Stokes Garson and Kevin McNulty appears as Freddy Holt. McNulty recently received his B.S. in Music Education at WCSU in Danbury, CT, and is currently a music teacher for Brookfield Public Schools.

Karl Hinger of Brookfield plays the adult roles of teacher Mr. Stephens and Rev. Bliss.

The production team includes the director and producer Al Chiappetta in charge of the stark set design that is enhanced well with lighting and effects by Chiappetta. The producer gives a detailed description of collecting the technical elements in his program bio and the telekinesis elements are done well. Costumer Terry Hawley are contemporary high school outfits, with additional costumes by the cast. Dave White’s sound design works in sync with the strong lighting cues.

The off-stage band is conducted by Smith, who plays keyboard 1. Andrew Gadwah covers keyboard 2, the two guitarists are Nicklas Dickerson and Max Caserta, Charles Casimiro plays bass, Samantha Marcial plays cello and Robert Kogut and Eric Wagner cover percussion.

“Carrie” is slightly exhausting, dark and contains profanity. It is presented with one 15 minute intermission. Masks are required in the auditorium.

- trish haldin photography

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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