Avery Frank as Margaret in the Walnut Hills High School production of Carrie the Musical. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Cincinnati, OH- Following their previous productions of Macbeth and the 2022 One Act Festival, The Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department is eager to welcome back audiences with a musical based on the tragic Stephen King novel, Carrie: The Musical.
The show runs February 16-18, 2023 at 7 p.m.
The musical follows Carrie White, a teenage outcast who longs to fit in. At school, she’s bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she’s dominated by her loving but cruelly controlling mother. What none of them know is that Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it. Through a journey and look into the high school experience, Carrie: The Musical asks the question, “what does it cost to be kind?”
Although the book takes place in the 1970s, the show updates the plot to take place in the early 2000s in order to better connect with modern day teenagers.
“While most know Carrie as a horror film, the musical plays very much like a tragedy,” says director Mike Sherman. “There are real, human, recognizable characters to be explored; and it very much speaks to what it is like to be a contemporary teenager growing up in a world of extremism.”
Diana Hutchinson as the titular character in the Walnut Hills High School production of Carrie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Playing the role of Carrie White is senior Diana Hutchinson.“This role challenges me as an actor to expand my view on playing such an iconic role,” says Hutchinson, “and it inspires me to dig deeper and figure out the true nature of the character.”
Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students. They are now available, and can be purchased at: https://sites.google.com/view/whhstheatredepartment/tickets. Please note: Due to some strong language and adult subject matter, this show is recommended for mature audiences age 13 and up.
This production and the entire WHHS Theatre Season is graciously sponsored by the Walnut Hills High School Class of 1964 Performing Arts Fund.
Featuring Diana Hutchinson as Carrie, Avery Frank as Margaret, Katie Berich as Sue, Izzy Lachey as Chris, Sunny Dighe as Tommy, Nate Caudill as Billy, Emma Dalton as Ms. Gardner, Wolf Singer as Mr. Stephens, Josie Leanza as Norma, Maya Busche as Frieda, Lily Clark as Helen, Hadrian Dwyer as George, Andrew Canter as Stokes, Andrew Kelm as Freddy, Sophie Christian as Interrogator 1/Ensemble, Loretta Rubin as Interrogator 2/Ensemble, Lonzo Montgomery as Reverend Bliss/Ensemble, and Winter Cruser, Kyra Doty, AJ Frecker, Tre Hall, Adelaide Linser, James Overton, Lizzy Rebber, Abby Riddle, Jonathan Rubin, Clark Sayre, Riley Soutar, Mya Verticchio, and Anna Rose Wright as Ensemble.
Directed by Mike Sherman
Assistant Directed by Ryan Peerless
Music Director: Steve Goers
Choreographer: Kate Stark
Student Choreographer: Diana Hutchinson
Technical Direction by Helen A. Raymond-Goers
Production Stage Manager- Jameira Jones
Assistant Stage Management- Abbie Kershner and Caroline Lovelace
Costume Designer- Paloma Lanzador
Hair and Makeup Designer- Sci Redding
Lighting Designer- Allison Caulkins
Props Designer- Oran Wilkins
Scenic Designer- Ryan Peerless
Sound Designer- Nyla Shahanavaz and Heather Storm
Head Electrician- Maya Busche
Marketing and Publicity Head- Lizzy Rebber
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 