Carrie (also known as Carrie: The Musical) is a musical with a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore. It is based on Stephen King's novel, and integrates elements from the 1976 film.
The musical focuses on Carrie White, an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers, whose lonely life is dominated by her oppressive religious fanatic mother, Margaret. When she is humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she unleashes chaos on everyone and everything in her path out of vengeance.
Co-produced with the Royal Shakespeare Company, with direction by Terry Hands and choreography by Debbie Allen, the original production of Carrie premiered on Broadway at the Virginia Theatre in April 1988, after completing pre-Broadway tryouts in the United Kingdom at Stratford-upon-Avon's Royal Shakespeare Theatre in February and March of that year. Its original stars included Linzi Hateley as the title character, Sally Ann Triplett as Sue Snell, Charlotte d'Amboise as Chris Hargensen, Gene Anthony Ray as Billy Nolan, and Darlene Love as Miss Lynn Gardner. Barbara Cook played Margaret during the tryouts, but was replaced by Betty Buckley for the Broadway run following Cook's resignation after a technical accident.
The show received mostly negative reviews and closed after 16 previews and five regular performances in Broadway. With a budget of $8 million, it is considered one of the most notable and expensive failures in Broadway theatre history. Its reputation, the story behind its difficult production, and its limited run created a passionate response from fans, with the show gaining a cult following. The original production's legacy continued in several unofficial productions at Emerson College, Gammel Hellerup Gymnasium, and Stagedoor Manor. A 1991 book written by Ken Mandelbaum, which chronicled the history of flop Broadway musicals, was entitled Not Since Carrie, and a 2021 podcast and subsequent 2023 book, Out for Blood, documented its creation and development.
An Off-Broadway revival premiered in 2012 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, with the book and score almost entirely revised by Cohen, Pitchford, and Gore. The show removed most of the exaggerated and playful style from the original and focused on transforming the musical into a psychological-drama. The revival received better reviews than the original production, although some described it as dull. It became the official version of the show, and opened the rights for licensing the following year. The 2015 Off-West End and Los Angeles production followed after the 2012 revival, both receiving positive reviews. "Chapter Thirty-One: A Night to Remember", a second season musical episode of Riverdale centered around the musical and using the revival versions of the songs, aired on The CW in 2018.
Characters Character Description Carrie White The main character, Carrie White is a shy outcast often bullied by her classmates. While showering after gym class, Carrie has her first period, for which the other girls tease her. This event sparks the emergence of Carrie's telekinetic powers, which she ultimately uses for revenge after being cruelly pranked at the prom. Suffering a breakdown after being doused in pig's blood, Carrie sets the school ablaze, killing her entire class and teachers, only to come home to be fatally stabbed by her mother Margaret. Carrie uses her powers to kill Margaret, dying shortly afterwards and comforted by Sue. Margaret White One of the main antagonists. Carrie's overprotective and abusive mother, Margaret is a religious zealot. Although she loves Carrie and wants to protect her from the world, especially from the school, her fanaticism often drives her to isolate and abuse her daughter. After Carrie develops telekinesis and goes to the prom against her wishes, Margaret comes to believe that killing Carrie is a sacrifice and that is the only way to save her from damnation. Carrie uses her powers to stop Margaret's heart in retaliation after being stabbed by her. Sue Snell One of the most popular girls at school, Sue initially teases Carrie like the other girls, but later feels remorse. In an attempt for redemption, she asks her boyfriend, Tommy Ross, to take Carrie to prom instead of her. Sue goes to the prom to see how things go, but when she realizes that Carrie is in trouble, she goes to Miss Lynn Gardner for help. However, Miss Gardner ejects Sue, thinking that she is trying to humiliate Carrie, and she is thus spared from Carrie's subsequent massacre. Sue witnesses Carrie's breakdown and, when she finally finds Carrie, comforts her during her last moments, having forgiven her. Tommy Ross Carrie's version of Prince Charming. At first, Tommy takes no interest in Carrie but takes her to the prom after his girlfriend, Sue, asks him to. Tommy is apprehensive but soon finds himself wanting to become friends with Carrie. Although ignorant of the prank Chris has planned for Carrie, he dies alongside the rest of the students when Carrie takes her revenge at the prom. Chris Hargensen One of the main antagonists. Chris hates Carrie, bullying her at every opportunity. She leads the other girls in throwing tampons at Carrie after she has her first period, and feels no remorse after the fact. After Chris is banned from the prom as punishment for bullying Carrie, she vows revenge. She comes up with the idea of dumping a bucket of pig's blood on Carrie at the prom. Chris dies during Carrie's revenge; in the 2012 off-Broadway revival, she is forced to choke herself to death. Billy Nolan The "not-so-smart" boyfriend of Chris. Although not a student, he plans to take Chris to prom until Chris is forbidden from attending the event. He kills a pig for Chris and harvests its blood in order to prank Carrie. He is killed during Carrie's breakdown. Miss Lynn Gardner Carrie's "Fairy Godmother". She is initially disgusted by the shower incident but soon realizes that Carrie is completely oblivious to her body's changing. She explains menstruation and helps Carrie develop her self-esteem, giving her the courage to accept Tommy's invitation to prom. While pleased to see Carrie happy at the prom, she is still killed in Carrie's destructive rampage. Mr. Stephens Late-30s, this well-intentioned English teacher and guidance counselor struggles to help his students realize their potential. A dedicated educator, he's stretched thin in his duties, woefully underpaid, and a bit overwhelmed as to how to handle the Billy Nolans of the classroom zone. He dies at the hands of Carrie's wrath.
Plot 1988 production
Act I
Opening in a high school gym, the gym teacher, Miss Lynn Gardner, is leading her girls' gym class in a strenuous workout ("In"). After class, the girls head to the locker room and have fun teasing a less attractive, plump girl named Carrie White.
The girls start to shower while talking about boys and their plans for the upcoming prom ("Dream On"). Carrie has her first period in the shower and, not understanding what is happening, thinks she is bleeding to death. The other girls taunt her mercilessly until Miss Gardner hears the commotion, and slaps Carrie to end the frenzy, causing her to break a lightbulb overhead with telekinesis. Miss Gardner sends the girls away, and explains menstruation to Carrie before sending her home.
On the way out of the gym, Sue Snell and Chris Hargensen talk about what just happened in the locker room. Sue expresses guilt for tormenting Carrie, but Chris mocks her and continues to insult Carrie. Carrie is hurt by their name-calling and teasing, but dreams of being vindicated and gaining respect from her peers ("Carrie"). Carrie's mother Margaret is fervently praying ("Open Your Heart") when Carrie arrives home. As she recounts the incident, Margaret, believing it to be a sign of sin, condemns Carrie and forces her into the cellar to pray for forgiveness ("And Eve Was Weak").
That night, many of the high school students are at the drive-in theater, including Sue and her boyfriend Tommy Ross and Chris and her boyfriend Billy Nolan. Sue tells Tommy that she is still upset about what she and the other girls did to Carrie in the locker room, while Chris complains about Carrie to Billy ("Don't Waste the Moon"). At home, Carrie and Margaret pray separately, with Carrie seeking comfort and Margaret strength to protect her daughter. Margaret apologizes for hurting Carrie and assures that she loves her unconditionally ("Evening Prayers").
The next day, Miss Gardner orders the girls to apologize to Carrie. Sue complies, but Chris refuses, resulting in her prom ban. Enraged, Chris vows revenge. Miss Gardner encourages Carrie to believe she deserves happiness ("Unsuspecting Hearts").
Feeling remorse, Sue asks Tommy to take Carrie to prom instead of her, and he reluctantly agrees ("Do Me a Favor"). At the same time, Chris asks Billy to help her get revenge on Carrie. Tommy later surprises Carrie at her home, asking her to the prom. After initial hesitation, she accepts. When she tells Margaret ("Invited"), Margaret forbids her to go, insisting men only seek to take advantage of girls, including her own father ("I Remember How Those Boys Could Dance"). Carrie reveals her supernatural powers, declaring to her mother that she is determined to attend the prom.
Act II
While at a pig farm during a storm, Chris, Billy, and several of his friends slaughter a pig to collect its blood for their prank, while Billy warns Chris to think about her actions ("Out for Blood"). Back at the high school, preparations are underway for prom night. Sue is faced with resentment from her peers over Carrie attending the prom, but resolves to do what she feels is right ("It Hurts to be Strong").
Carrie joyfully prepares for prom, using her powers to animate her belongings ("I'm Not Alone"). Margaret tries one more time to convince Carrie not to go to the prom ("Carrie II"), but Carrie doesn't listen and leaves for the prom with Tommy. Alone, Margaret laments her past and plans to save Carrie from damnation by sacrificing her ("When There's No One").
At the gym, prom night begins ("Wotta Night"). The students are impressed by Carrie’s transformation. Miss Gardner, serving as chaperone, encourages her to enjoy the evening ("Unsuspecting Hearts (Reprise)"). Carrie hesitates to dance, but Tommy persuades her ("Heaven"). As the votes for Prom King and Queen are cast, the main cast reflects on the night's emotions. Tommy and Carrie are crowned and celebrated as the students salute them ("Alma Mater").
Billy and Chris reveal their prank, dumping a bucket of pig's blood on Carrie. Shocked and humiliated, Carrie rages and unleashes her telekinetic power, closing off the gym exit and killing everyone present, while sparing a horrified Sue ("The Destruction"). Outside, Carrie is greeted by her mother, as Margeret lures Carrie in and sings her to sleep before stabbing her fatally, believing her daughter will be saved from God's wrath. Carrie retaliates with her powers, killing Margaret, then mourns her actions. Sue, the sole survivor and witness, goes to Carrie and comforts her as she dies. As the show ends, Carrie reaches her hand out to the audience, as the lights fade to black ("Carrie III (Finale)").
2012 production Act I
Sue Snell, haunted by the events of her high school years, recalls the night of May 28 as she and her classmates appear in her memory — her boyfriend Tommy Ross, spoiled bully Chris Hargensen, Chris' delinquent boyfriend Billy Nolan, and social outcast Carrie White — each struggling with insecurity and a longing to belong.