by Kevin Warner, professor, Department of Theatre and Dance
Honors College students Phoebe Atkins and Mac Wiggs have landed lead roles in the upcoming Department of Theatre and Dance production of Carrie: The Musical. Atkins is a junior theatre performance major and Chancellor’s Scholar. Wiggs is a first-year interdisciplinary studies/theatre education major.
Adapted from Stephen King's novel Carrie and Brian DePalma's 1976 film of the same name, the show focuses on an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers whose lonely life is dominated by an oppressive religious fanatic mother. When she is humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she unleashes chaos on everyone and everything in her path. The show (like the movie) is of particular interest to younger audiences because of Carrie's outsider status, her desire to appear normal, and the show's themes of bullying/othering. Atkins plays the gym teacher “Miss Gardner” in the show, a character who initially befriends Carrie. Wiggs plays “Sue Snell,” the protagonist of the story and the only survivor of Carrie’s final revenge.
According to Atkins, one of the most exciting parts of her Honors education is the availability to participate in co-curricular opportunities in theatre. “This show is important in gaining experience from the perspective of an actor. Beyond this perspective, however, lies the opportunity for observation and understanding of the many people who are working on this musical in different roles, allowing myself and other students to build relationships with peers and professors who focus in different areas of the craft.” Wiggs adds, “I’m able to apply the things I have learned in my classes throughout all aspects of my work on the show.”
Photo above features Honors College students Mac Wiggs (left) and Phoebe Atkins (right) in the upcoming Department of Theatre and Dance production of Carrie: The Musical. Photo submitted.
Performances are April 24 – 27 at 7:00 p.m. and April 28 at 2:00 p.m. in Valborg Theatre. Tickets, just $10 for students, are available by contacting the Schaefer Center Box Office. Because of mature themes, viewer discretion is advised.
