Carrie: The Musical finds chilling new relevance in this powerful co-production presented by the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre and QPAC.
Carrie was Stephen King’s first published novel, released in 1974. King famously threw the first few draft pages of the story in the bin. It was his wife, Tabitha, who retrieved them and encouraged him to finish it. As a debut novel, Carrie launched King’s career and changed his life.
At the centre of the story is Carrie White, a shy, awkward teenage girl who is mercilessly bullied at school and controlled by her fanatically religious mother at home. Carrie discovers she has telekinetic powers—the ability to move things with her mind—which become stronger as she grows increasingly distressed.
The musical features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, also the screenwriter of the classic film adaptation. The music and lyrics are by Academy Award winners Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford (of Fame fame).
Director Gavin Mitford has drawn excellent performances from his cast, and QAEMT deserves praise for embracing a musical that boldly deviates from the usual repertoire. The cast clearly revels in stepping back in time, bringing the world of small-town ’70s America vividly to life.
In the title role, Kate Hudson-James gives a moving performance as the tormented Carrie. Her vocals are rich with emotion, capturing the isolation and anguish of a girl trapped in a cruel high school hierarchy that seems determined to break her.
As Margaret White, Olivia Horne gives a haunting performance. With commanding operatic vocals and a chilling stage presence, she evokes shades of a young Glenn Close. She is equal parts terrifying and captivating.
Together, Hudson-James and Horne deliver a powerful rendition of ‘Open Your Heart.’ The song embodies the tangled, heartbreaking dynamic of a mother-daughter bond strained by fear, control, and desperation.
As Sue Snell, Charlie Preston delivers a compelling performance. She is particularly good in the ‘Interrogation Space’ scenes where her guilt and inner conflict are palpable. As the one girl who tries to do the right thing, Sue’s well-meaning actions ultimately contribute to the tragedy, adding layers of complexity to her character.
Preston shares excellent chemistry with Sam Henderson as Tommy. Their duet,‘You Shine,’ is a standout moment; genuine, tender, and filled with hope. Henderson perfectly captures the charm and sincerity of the nice guy, winning over the audience from his first scene. His solo, ‘Dreamer in Disguise,’ showcases his clear, expressive tenor voice and emotional depth.
As Chris, Ella Harding perfectly embodies the quintessential ’70s mean girl. Her solo, ‘The World According to Chris,’ is a biting and energetic ode to the high school social hierarchy, brimming with a ruthless, survival-of-the-fittest attitude. She shares a mischievous, electric chemistry with Croft Phillips as her rebellious boyfriend Billy.
With Sue in emotional turmoil, the role of head mean girl’s sidekick is up for grabs. As Norma, Mateja Sardelis steps confidently into the spotlight, delivering a standout performance among the ensemble of school kids.
As the gym teacher Miss Gardner, Niamh Cadoo-Dagley is utterly convincing. Their solo, ‘Unsuspecting Hearts,’ is especially endearing, capturing the warmth and sincerity of a well-meaning mentor figure. Cadoo-Dagley brings both heart and humour to the role, making Miss Gardner an important presence in Carrie’s world.
Set design by Penny Challen is both clever and effective, with a raised, wheeled platform that transforms fluidly from high school corridors to the claustrophobic confines of the White family home. A recurring serpent motif slithers through the design, evoking biblical imagery of Eve and the snake, symbolising temptation, guilt, and the power struggles that define Carrie’s world.
The telekinetic scenes are expertly staged, adding a convincing supernatural edge to the production. The climactic prom sequence is suitably chaotic and terrifying. When Carrie finally takes her revenge on Chris, a well-timed sound effect heightens the drama—eliciting gasps from the audience, followed quickly by cheers.
Dan Venz’s choreography shines brightest in the high-energy ensemble numbers, while Heidi Loveland’s musical direction brings out the full emotional depth of the score.
Little has changed since the 1970s – bullying and social isolation still plague young people today. Perhaps even more so in an age where the school day no longer ends with the final bell. Despite its supernatural elements, Carrie: The Musical delivers a deeply human message. It urges us to consider: What happens when we fail to truly see one another?
Carrie’s tragic journey is a haunting reminder of the importance of empathy, the danger of blind conformity, and the courage it takes to stand up for what is right.
With the remaining performances of Carrie: The Musical now completely sold out, keep an eye on the QPAC website and the QAEMT socials for any last minute cancellations.
You can support the next generation of professional performers at one of their other events on the 2025 calendar.
Carrie: The Musical is performed by the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre and runs until 10 May at the Cremorne Theatre, QPAC. The season is now sold out.
Ticket link: https://qpac.com.au/whats-on/2025/qcgu-carrie-the-musical
Website: https://www.griffith.edu.au/arts-education-law/queensland-academy-of-excellence-in-musical-theatre
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qaemt.griffithuni/
Recommended for audiences ages 16 years and over due to adult themes.
Photo credits: PIF Productions
