Okay...my 4our cents:
Again, I do think there was alot right about this production, and some of what is wrong is quite fixable.
One problem they cannot fix is everyone's familiarity with the original film.
It is classic and has indelible performances and direction. Besty is right to mention the humor in the film, which was attempted onstage here, but fell flat. Comic relief to break tension is a very effective way to heighten suspense, drama and horror. Here it was poorly written, and poorly acted by the students. I am amazed how bad some of them were. None of the "teenage shenanigans" worked and felt terribly forced. Ooh...they're smoking pot! The Spring Awakening choreography didnt work here as it (I think) did quite well in SA. Are there no younger actors out there that can handle this AND look 17? None of their voices were THAT great, so that's not the reason they were hired. Only two actors were completely natural, imo, and that was the kid who played Tommy and Ranson. They actually made me forget the orignal actors...which was a real feat for Ranson.
She was a revelation, and played Carrie very differently than Spacek, who I adore. Her transformation after finding her "power" was something to see and cheer. Her scenes with both Tommy and Margaret were committed to Carrie's journey. At the end of act 1 when Carrie sits back down to eat her cake was my favorite moments of the show. Ranson was phenominal.
I did have some problems with Mazzie as Margaret. Perhaps I'm disappointed that she wasnt Laurie or Buckley...I'm still digesting that. She made some good choices and sang the ballads beautifully. I did feel "Eve was Weak" was weak. She was not freaked out enough that her child was cursed...the worst thing in her world was happening. It barely registered above a catechism class to me. It should be fire and brimstone. Musically, I dont understand if they lowered the key why she couldnt belt out "Amen" better, unless she was just tired. I do assume she was directed this way or she just cant vocally do it that powerfully. Again, perhaps I'm comparing her to Buckley and Laurie too much...but when she calls Carrie "woman", it isnt a compliment...it's a damnation in her eyes. As everyone has said, she must have some crazy zealot in her to kill her kid, who I believed she did love in an effed up way.
Cusak DID have a weird southern accent that was unnecessary and affected. Margaret saying "you're not from around here" is not a reason for her to take on such a weird twang. Other than that I liked her choices as an actress especially when dealing with those "teenagers".
There were definite tempo issues and timing issues with the lighting effects, though I didnt mind the destruction as it was done...it really needs to be cleaned up tho.
PLEASE drop the prom before the prom scene with Tommy and Sue. Totally unnessesary and dragged the show down.
I didnt mind the narration of Sue as a device to tell the story...but not sure it was delivered as well as it couldve been.
"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."
"In Oz, the verb is douchifizzation."
PRS