Prepare to be Carried away

BUCKETLOADS of blood, an emotional storyline and a frighteningly good cast are what theatre-goers can expect from Hobart theatre company Bijou Creative’s latest production, Carrie.

The musical is based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel, Carrie, which has also twice been adapted into big-screen films (1976 and 2013), as well as a US television movie.

Producer and director Karen Kluss said the musical format helps to explore the emotions and a variety of themes throughout the well-known thriller.

“There’s something really exciting about being able to combine music, movement and dance with storytelling, and I think there are some really beautiful ways of getting the narrative across through music,” she said.

Kluss said although the story is a thriller, “there is something for everyone in the musical”.

“It’s not what you might expect,’’ she said. “There’s a lot more story to be told than people might expect.”

Emily Dean, who plays the lead role of Carrie, said portraying such a famous character was a big responsibility, not just because of the popularity of the story, but also because it addresses the issue of bullying in schools.

“Carrie’s character is a shy outcast and she often gets bullied,” the 22-year-old said.

“I was quite lucky I was never bullied in school, but I have witnessed bullying and I know it can have a major impact on people.

“I really need to draw on that emotion so people can feel what Carrie is feeling.

“I need to put myself in the shoes of someone who has been bullied and show the emotion of how bullying can affect people and how it can make people feel.”

Dean said she was largely drawn to the part of Carrie because of the fantastic songs she gets to sing.

Getting to play with blood in recreating a seminal scene was another bonus for the young actor. “That part of it is quite fun,” she said.

Carrie opens at the Peacock Theatre in Hobart on February 7 and runs until February 16.

Tickets are $59 for adults, $54 concession, available from www.centertainment.com.au

In a busy year for Bijou Creative, the company will also present Ladies in Black at the Playhouse Theatre in June, and My Fair Lady at the Theatre Royal in October and November.