Carrie: The Musical – NQOMT’s Bold and Haunting Take on a Classic Tale

“You ain’t seen nothin’ yet – it’s gonna be a night we’ll never forget”

NQOMT’s latest production, Carrie: The Musical, directed by Liam Boyd, is a gripping and emotionally charged adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel. With themes of adolescence, cruelty, revenge, and the supernatural, this musical dives deep into the psychological torment of its central character, Carrie White, and the world that isolates her.

Boyd and his production team have assembled a vibrant and youthful cast that brings raw energy and emotional depth to the stage. Leading the charge is Mads Lindgren as Carrie, whose portrayal is both heartbreaking and powerful. Lindgren masterfully captures Carrie’s vulnerability and yearning for acceptance, making her descent into supernatural vengeance all the more tragic.

Opposite Lindgren is Hannah Smith as Margaret White, Carrie’s religiously fanatical mother. Smith’s performance is chilling and complex, revealing a woman shaped by her own traumatic past. The duets between Lindgren and Smith are among the show’s highlights—vocally stunning and emotionally fraught, they offer glimpses of twisted maternal love and control. Their dynamic is a haunting embodiment of the adage “mother knows best,” albeit in the most unsettling way.

Tina Seiferling shines as Mrs. Gardner, the compassionate school coach who offers Carrie a rare moment of adult support. Her conviction and vocal strength add warmth to the otherwise bleak narrative. Ryan Domingue, in dual roles as Mr. Stephens and Rev. Bliss, provides a thoughtful portrayal of well-meaning authority figures whose efforts, though sincere, fall short in preventing the unfolding tragedy.

Jakaya Drysdale returns to the stage with grace and poise as Sue Snell, the moral compass of the story. Her performance is nuanced and sincere, capturing Sue’s internal conflict and desire to make amends. Paired with Sam Taylor’s earnest portrayal of Tommy, the couple brings a touch of innocence and hope to the narrative.

The antagonistic duo of Chris and Billy, played by Sarah Valinoti and Joel Abraham, are delightfully detestable and so much fun to watch. Their cruel scheming is portrayed with just the right amount of theatrical flair, making them easy to loathe and a stark contrast to Carrie’s innocence.

The ensemble cast adds texture and realism to the high school setting, portraying the spectrum of teenage behaviour, from bullies to bystanders, with authenticity. Musical Director Dr. Mark Smith and his orchestra deliver a robust score that underscores the emotional highs and lows of the story. Vocal Director Morgan Eldridge and Choreographer Suzie Searight have clearly prepared the cast well, navigating the musical’s demanding numbers with precision and heart.

As the cast launches into “A Night We’ll Never Forget”, a chilling sense of dread begins to settle over the audience as the lyrics and staging hint at the impending disaster. The juxtaposition of teenage excitement with the audience’s foreknowledge of Carrie’s fate creates a palpable tension in a masterful moment of dramatic irony, watching joy unravel into horror, knowing that this night will indeed be unforgettable but for all the wrong reasons. It’s no easy feat to pull this off in a live performance, yet the cast achieve this with success.

Special mention also to those working behind the scenes: Production Manager Bridie Allen, Tiffany Hone’s costume design and assistants, and Luke Ede’s set design and realisation team, which effectively transport the audience from the classroom to the climactic prom scene, the stage awash in the visually-stunning blood red lighting we come to expect. As Carrie’s telekinetic powers develop, the audience is also treated to some impressive stage magic in the name of the supernatural with credit going to Stage Manager, Samantha Carter, the theatre crew and props team for pulling this off without a hitch.

NQOMT’s Carrie: The Musical is a compelling and haunting theatrical experience with its bold exploration of teenage trauma, societal cruelty, and the devastating consequences of isolation. With strong performances and direction, this production leaves a lasting impression—equal parts chilling and poignant.