Northampton Community College Department of Theatre has finished out its season with an enjoyable and satisfyingly creepy production of “Carrie: The Musical” in Lipkin Theater, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.
The production embraced the horror aspect of the musical based on Stephen King’s 1974 novel, with eerie screams, zombies and a lobby decorated with creepy red lights, religious shrines and bone-covered displays.
Carrie’s telekinetics were convincingly portrayed and what production of “Carrie: The Musical” would be complete without a bucket of realistic-looking blood poring down?
Abigail Murphy completely conveyed the awkwardness, pain and loneliness of the bullied Carrie, and transformed sweetly when she dressed for the prom. Murphy has a strong voice that well expressed her frustration and misery.
Christine Breiner convincingly portrayed the religious fanaticism of Carrie’s mother Margaret, while still giving her a touch of maternalism. Her conflict was palpable and her voice soared in her songs.
Charlotte O’Keefe was memorable as Chris, who feels bad for picking on Carrie and tries to make amends with disastrous results. O’Keefe displayed the character’s moral strength and her agony as she dealt with being questioned about what happened.
Madisyn Bonilla was deliciously self-absorbed as Sue, the popular girl who leads the students in bullying Carrie. She was over-the-top as the bad girl and a particularly disturbing scene was when she and Billy put their hands in the blood and then made out.
Christopher Tempel was charming and kind as Tommy, the jock with a heart, who reluctantly agrees to take Carrie to the prom, after O’Keefe’s Chris asks him. Tempel’s Tommy is heartbreakingly gentle with the nervous Carrie, making the ending all the more tragic. He and O’Keefe had a sweet chemistry and their duet was engaging.
Seth Schaeffer was appropriately smarmy as bad boy Billy, who Sue leads around by the nose.
Aguinay Jones and Christina Dunbar add a note of responsibility as teachers who try to stop the bullying and force the students to apologize. Jones, in particular, offers Carrie emotional support.
The ensemble is especially good at recreating the chaos of teenagers trying to make their way through high school. Musical numbers are infused with energy and movement.
Director Jessica Lopez-Barkl humorously made the opening comments in a deadpan sinister voices. Lopez-Barkl used the entire space to good effect, with the students running up and down the stairs, and entering from the lobby.
The set by Brett Oliveira smartly combined the school and Carrie’s cross-filled home. The two- level set cleverly provided a basement in which Carrie was sent for punishment. Oliveira also did lighting which effectively conveyed blood and fire, along with theatrical smoke.
Music director Amanda Haag kept the students on cue and they were aptly accompanied by an off-stage eight-person band conducted by Nick Conti.
For information, call 484-484-3412, or go to www.northampton.edu/about/college-theatre/theatre-season/.