Sir Wilfrid Laurier's cast presented a bold and energetic Carrie: The Musical

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Show #  5

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Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School
Carrie: The Musical
Teacher Director: Sonya Schrum    Student Director: Onyx Gentes

St. Pius X High School

Ostracism, humiliation, condemnation – all things with the power to destroy an innocent heart and provoke devastating acts of vengeance. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School’s enthralling production of Carrie: The Musical explored the nightmarish repercussions of mistreatment and what it takes to spur the persecuted to exact retribution.

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Adapted from the Stephen King classic, Carrie: The Musical follows the solitary life of Carrie White, a teenage girl with telekinetic abilities who desires nothing more than to belong. Enduring relentless bullying from her classmates and the oppressive control of a hyper religious mother, Carrie spirals into hysteria and unleashes her wrathful power the night of senior prom. The story is a testament to the excruciating impact of bullying and cautions that while kindness costs nothing, cruelty can cost everything.

In the titular role of Carrie, Madison Washington combined immense acting prowess with powerful vocals to embody emotional turmoil. From begging for her mother’s compassion, to bearing humiliation from her peers, Washington emitted blood-curdling screams and delivered lines with sheer agony. Washington’s voice rose from timid phrasing into anguished belts effortlessly, expressing Carrie’s distress while demonstrating impressive vocal agility. Central to Carrie’s suffering is her mother, Margaret, portrayed by Rachel Trudeau. In “And Eve Was Weak”, Trudeau superbly captured the zealot’s deluded fervour, wildly flipping through a Bible and trying to burn Carrie’s sin away with a candle to her arm. Trudeau’s voice haunted each scene with ominous fragility, conveying her instability as she believed God to have cursed her daughter.

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Throughout Carrie’s suffering, Sue Snell, played by Kylie Radtke, emerges as one of the few students attempting to atone. Radtke’s remorseful line delivery and sincere facial expressions, notably during “Once You See”, poignantly conveyed her desire to make amends. Radtke captured Sue’s kindness with a sweet yet resonant voice and exhibited palpable chemistry with Rayan Moussa’s portrayal of Tommy Ross. Moussa embodied the “dreamer in disguise”, gently delivering lines of poetry and conveying bashful mannerisms despite his popularity. Juxtaposing the couple’s tenderness is the school’s bully, Chris Hargensen. Onyx Gentes excelled at depicting the callous queen bee, commanding the stage with bold physicality and a dynamic voice during “The World According to Chris”. The no-nonsense Ms. Gardner, played by Cassie Sutton, regularly kept Chris in check and fulfilled a maternal role for Carrie.

The technical elements of the production tied the performance together. Executing intricate melodies and techniques like dissonance, the Pit Band crafted an eerie atmosphere during the show’s most disquieting moments. To bring Carrie’s telekinesis to life, the “Effects in Disguise Crew” worked smoothly to slam windows, slide chairs, and seemingly levitate props! In the pivotal scene where Carrie is drenched with blood, the gush was paired with sinister red lighting and smoke, creating floating tendrils of blood above the stage.

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With immense dedication and unwavering energy, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School captured the horror and intensity of Carrie: The Musical for a gripping performance that you can’t unsee.

Josh Neubauer, Critic
St. Pius X High School

Hell hath no fury like a teenage girl scorned, especially one with telekinetic powers. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School proved this to be true in their bloody fantastic production of Carrie: The Musical. With electrifying performances, striking visuals, and a constantly intense atmosphere, the production captured the raw emotion and psychological horror at the heart of the story, offering a creative take on Carrie White’s tragic downfall.

Carrie: The Musical, based on the novel Carrie by Stephen King, follows a bullied high school girl who discovers she has telekinetic powers. As she struggles with relentless torment from her peers and the oppressive control of her religiously fanatic mother, Carrie’s emotions build to a breaking point, leading to one of the most infamous prom nights in history.

Madison Washington delivered a breathtaking performance as Carrie White, capturing both the character’s heartbreaking vulnerability and her terrifying transformation with remarkable depth. Washington’s vocals were both delicate and powerful, soaring through emotional ballads like “I Remember How Those Boys Could Dance” and erupting with raw intensity in “And Eve Was Weak”. Washington’s portrayal was layered and deeply human; showing that Carrie was never just a victim, but a girl grasping for control in a world that refuses to give it to her. As the prom night disaster unfolded, Washington’s portrayal of Carrie shifted from sorrowful to absolutely spine-chilling, making every moment truly unforgettable.

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Kylie Radtke delivered a heartfelt and nuanced portrayal of Sue Snell, the sole survivor and the only student who questioned the cruelty surrounding Carrie. Every moment reflected genuine remorse and a sincere effort to make amends, adding depth to a character who struggles between feelings of guilt and hope. Radtke’s vocals shone in “A Night We’ll Never Forget”, adding a certain intensity to the song that was unmatched. As the tragedy unfolded, Radtke’s presence provided an extra layer of depth to the show, making Sue’s regret and horror all the more devastating in the final moments of the musical. Scenes with Tommy Ross, played by Rayan Moussa, also stood out, highlighting their well-intentioned but ultimately doomed attempt to set things right. Moussa’s ability to shift from being elated to absolutely horrified was impressive and made the tragedy at the end all the more disturbing.

The detailed sets played a crucial role in bringing the eerie atmosphere to life, with the “I Remember How Those Sets Were Built” team delivering standout work. The sets seamlessly transitioned between locations, with Carrie’s unsettling home beautifully contrasting against the more familiar yet equally hostile high school environment.

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Equally impressive, the “You Shine Lighting Crew” was able to use different lighting shifts to heighten the emotional intensity of the musical, especially when switching from the warm glow of Carrie’s home to the harsh, unforgiving brightness of the high school. The prom scene was especially striking, using dramatic changes to mirror the descent from dreamlike joy to utter horror as a blood-soaked Carrie appeared.

This production of Carrie: The Musical was an emotional rollercoaster that could only be described as dark, gripping, and executed with incredible dedication. Blood may have spilled at prom, but the real massacre was how Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School slayed their production.

Chiara Frangione, Lead Critic
St. Pius X High School

When Carrie disobeyed the whims of God, the full moon arose. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School delivered a menacing portrayal of Carrie: The Musical, illuminated under the hues of the bright red moon. The performance was bloody, bold, and palpitating, like the fresh blood spilled on prom night.

Based on Steven King’s novel, this supernatural horror written by Lawrence D. Cohen tackles intense themes of ostracism, religious oppression, and bullying. Carrie: The Musical follows the journey of Carrie, an innocent church girl with telekinesis, as she struggles with maintaining autonomy over her life from her fervently religious and zealous mother, Margaret. Carrie, pushed past the brink of sanity, ultimately crumbles under the pressure of her mother’s abuse and her peers’ bullying.

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Madison Washington, who played Carrie White, embodied the haunting essence of an increasingly unstable girl, with sheepish mannerisms and a meek vocal tone. Washington’s breathy, light vocals during musical numbers, such as “Unsuspecting Hearts”, contrasted nicely with the actor’s raw, horrific screams. This depiction provided a deeper duality to the character and illustrated Washington’s versatility and range as an actor. Impressively, Washington also stayed completely in character even while submerged in gelatinous blood.

The whole cast and crew were exceptional in maintaining the rambunctious energy of high school students. Each actor brought liveliness to the stage through song and dance, and heartbreak was delivered authentically and convincingly by all actors too. Among these talented actors was Rayan Moussa, who played the role of Tommy Ross. Moussa’s smooth, swooning vocals accompanied by emotional acting, illuminated the stage in numbers such as “Dreamer in Disguise”. Another stand-out performance was given by Rachel Trudeau, playing Margaret White. Trudeau consistently portrayed a controlling, sadistic mother, represented by a panicked tone. To break up the intensity during emotional scenes, refreshing comedy was provided by Théo Dupuy playing the role of Stokes, using expressions and line delivery to depict a studious nerd, disinterested in all the high school drama.

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In addition to the engaging acting, the technical elements of the show were nicely executed and set the dark mood in necessary scenes. Emulating this time period, the costumes and makeup were well accomplished. Notably, costumes such as Carrie’s handmade prom dress were intricate and added to the innocence and naivety of her character. During the prom scene, the blood poured on Carrie’s dress was fully washable and skillfully crafted by the “Effects in Disguise” crew. Similarly, the “Prom Night Props Team” mastered the craft of handmade props like the candlestick and pie, adding imagination and artistry to each scene. The musically gifted Pit Band, “A Band We’ll Never Forget” was whimsical and alluring through instrumentation and controlled dynamics, executing a challenging repertoire with a high degree of effectiveness.

As the blood moon set on Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School’s stage, the sunrise emerged, signalling a new day. The riveting rendition of Carrie: The Musical inspired reflection upon the cruelty of life, betrayal, and circumstance.

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Sophia Zandihaghighi, Critic
St. Pius X High School

The power of anger resulting from isolation can lead to bloodshed and sacrifices no one ever anticipates. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School brought the chaos of Carrie: The Musical to life, showcasing the potential devastating impacts of beliefs and poor decisions.

Carrie: The Musical, written by Lawrence D. Cohen, and based on Stephen King’s novel, follows the journey of a high school girl who faces relentless hardships because she is different. The isolation and constant alienation fuel a deep and uncontrollable anger, which eventually erupts in a violent and bloody climax on prom night.

The cast delivered remarkable performances. Every movement, expression, and interaction felt intentional, adding to the realism of the story. The ability to convey emotions not just through dialogue, but through posture, glances, and reactions, brought the high school environment to life. The chemistry among the cast made every conflict, friendship, and betrayal feel believable. Their ability to sing and dance at the same time was stunning.

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Madison Washington, in the role of Carrie White, delivered a breathtaking performance. Washington’s powerful vocals held the weight of Carrie’s pain, isolation, and feeling of not being understood. The physical acting was just as compelling, with each movement and expression telling a story, making the transformation from timid outcast to vengeful force even more chilling. The emotional depth in the performance created an unforgettable connection with the audience.

Cassie Sutton’s portrayal of Ms. Gardner brought warmth and authenticity to the stage. More than just a teacher, Ms. Gardner served as a guiding force, a rare figure of kindness in Carrie’s life. The balance between authority and empathy was captured perfectly, making every moment with the character feel mature and complex.

One of the most striking elements of the production was the lighting, provided by the “You Shine Lighting Crew”. Every shift in colour and brightness reflected Carrie’s emotions, creating a visual connection to her struggles. A sudden, powerful flash of light, timed perfectly within a key moment, mirroring the inner thoughts of the characters. The lighting design did not just highlight the drama, it became a part of the storytelling. The Pit Band added another layer of depth to the show. The musicians played flawlessly while each note built upon the story, heightening the emotions. The synchronization between the live music and the action on stage was impressive.

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Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School’s Carrie: The Musical was an emotional experience that left a lasting impact. The show explored the dangers of isolation, the consequences of cruelty, and the desperate need for acceptance. More than just a horror story, Carrie served as a reminder of the importance of kindness and understanding, proving that small actions can shape someone’s entire life.

Sarah Linn, Lead Critic
Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School

Ever wonder how far you can push a good person before they snap? Each person’s limits are different, but Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School’s production of Carrie: The Musical skillfully showed those limits of a certain girl with telekinetic powers.

Based on Stephen King’s book, Carrie: The Musical is the story of an outcast who is mercilessly tormented by her classmates and restricted by her fanatical mother. Carrie wants to be a part of her school, popular with the “in” crowd, but is only ever labelled as the strange girl with the overly religious mother. After an embarrassing incident, a classmate, Sue Snell, seeks to help Carrie have the best night of her life at their high school prom, but Sue’s plan ends in a slaughter when the revenge plot of another student tips Carrie into a violent rampage.

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All hail the scream queen! Madison Washington brought Carrie White to life through her emotional performance and powerful vocals. Washington sang with apparent ease, hitting and holding notes that many people would never be able to reach. Carrie’s emotions of fear, anger, guilt, and loneliness, were all expertly conveyed, along with her joy at the beginning of prom night, when she was finally a part of the crowd. Washington’s raw screams during the prom bloodbath seemed disconcertingly genuine, as did her sobs when she wept in her mother’s arms.

Rachel Trudeau gave a chilling performance as Margaret White, Carrie’s overbearing mother. Trudeau’s tense, harshly-delivered lines and uptight body language conveyed the intensity of the character. Throughout the musical, Trudeau managed to show the dichotomy between Margaret’s stated desire to protect Carrie, and her often-violent actions. When interacting with Washington, Trudeau expertly portrayed the power that Margaret had over her daughter. Trudeau’s last act as Margaret was one that perfectly encapsulated the character, consoling Carrie after the events of prom night, whilst simultaneously preparing to murder her.

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The “You Shine Lighting Crew” added depth and distinction to each scene. Cool-toned spotlights created a contrast between the police’s interrogation of Sue Snell and the events of the play, which took place in the past. The lighting also created a visual differentiation between the high school and Carrie’s home. The dark and old-fashioned house was shown through an expertly curated set, courtesy of the “I Remember How Those Sets Were Built” crew, and contrasted sharply with the rest of the sets. Outlined in red lights, the atmosphere was malevolent whenever Carrie walked through her own front door.

Through passionate acting and detailed technological elements, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School delivered an expert performance of Carrie: The Musical. The masterful production was one that has you consider the impact of needlessly tormenting a person versus the cost of being kind.

About the reviews:

The  Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School production was reviewed by 34 critics representing 7 schools. The critic discussions were mentored by teacher Lindsay Gilmour of Holy Trinity Catholic School and student reviews were edited and selected for publication by teacher Julie Desjardins also of Holy Trinity Catholic High School, who could see only the reviews, not the names or schools of the reviewers.

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Next review: Colonel By Secondary School’s production of Legally Blonde: The Musical .

About the Cappies:

The Citizen and 23 high schools are participating in the Cappies, a Washington, D.C.based program that uses high school critics to review high school theatre. The program is a unique partnership between the Ottawa Citizen, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Two schools from other boards in the region and two private schools have also joined. The Cappies season culminates with an awards Gala in June graciously hosted by the National Arts Centre. Follow Canada’s Capital Cappies on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram @OttawaCappies. 

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