Drama League's Women of Carrie: The Musical Make It Scary Good

By Mike Logothetis
Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

The Wilmington Drama League is kicking off its 2024/25 season with Carrie: The Musical – a show based on Stephen King’s indelible tale of high school bullying gone wrong. If you expect to find mousy females cowering in the shadows of a Maine hamlet, you are sorely mistaken. The women in this production take it to soaring heights.

The musical focuses on Carrie White (Julia Miller) – an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers – whose lonely life is dominated by her oppressive mother, Margaret (Megan Everhart). When she is humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she unleashes chaos on everyone and everything out of vengeance. But that’s skipping ahead and missing the wonderful build-up.

Carrie: The Musical is playing now at
Wilmington Drama League. Photo courtesy of WDL.

Let’s start with the set. Anthony Delnegro has created an open, barren space with more to it than it seems. Working in tandem with the incredible lighting design by Patrick Yarrington, the stage takes on passive and active roles in the production. It’s impressive when Carrie uses her powers to slam shut the windows at home before an approaching storm.

The cast is small, but tight. Director Lauren Vitalo and choreographer Dominic Santos have their actors moving with purpose and in concert. There is dynamism and action throughout the production. It’s not distracting or frivolous but adds to the building tension within the script.

But the stars of the show are the women. Miller has both the acting and singing chops to portray all the facets of Carrie beautifully. She shines in solos “Carrie” and “Why Not Me?” along with showing a physical transformation of Carrie from outcast to prom queen. Everhart is incredibly menacing yet eerily tender as Carrie’s mom Margaret. Her obsessing over Bible verses to lead her daughter along a righteous path is scary. But her voice melds tenderly with Miller’s in duets “And Eve Was Weak” and “Evening Prayers.” This is not an ideal mother-daughter relationship and the audience feels it.

Natalie Ruth’s portrayal of classmate and Carrie sympathizer Sue Snell is excellent. Vitalo starts the show with a spotlight on Ruth and she doesn’t shy away. Her growing concern for the treatment of Carrie is a thread that is revisited as the show progresses. Her subdued vocals in “Once You See” is a highlight. Hayley Hughes plays the delightfully energetic and wicked antagonist Chris Hargensen. Chris is the cool girl who demands respect and a level of popularity above all others. She riles up the seniors at a party with “The World According to Chris.” Jamie Beth Weist plays the voice of reason in the form of gym teacher Miss Gardner. She recognizes Carrie’s differences and tries to give her confidence. The “Unsuspecting Hearts” duet between the two is a wonderful vocal pairing.

Let me not neglect Ricky Sciavicco as BMOC Tommy Ross. Tommy is popular with everyone and even has depth – “Dreamer in Disguise.” Upon his girlfriend Sue’s urging, he takes Carrie to the prom to give her a sense of normalcy and show that people care for her. Boy, does that act of kindness go wrong…

The book is by Lawrence D. Cohen with lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore. It integrates elements from the 1974 King novel and 1976 film adaptation. There is no live orchestra so the actors sing to piped-in music. It doesn’t matter. The synchronization is flawless.

The remainder of the cast is: Lily Abrams, Michael Bly, Lauren Cusick, Allison Graham, Matt Lucatamo, Jane Haracz, Tristan Jenis, Rose Langrehr, Michael McDonald, and Isaac McHugh. They add a solid backdrop when required and move gracefully as scenes progress.

Performances of Carrie: The Musical run from September 13 through 22 on Friday and Saturday nights (8 pm) plus two Sunday matinees (2 pm). Tickets prices are $25 with senior/student tickets $20 and children (12 or younger) $15. Group ticket rates are also available through the box office. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wilmingtondramaleague.org; by contacting the box office at (302)764-1172; or visiting in person at 10 Lea Boulevard. The show runs approximately 2 hours with a 15-minute intermission. Refreshments – including alcohol – are sold at the concessions stand.

The Wilmington Drama League seats 260 patrons, including six wheelchair bays. The theater is equipped with an ADA compliant entrance ramp and bathrooms. “Flex Tickets” are also an option for those who plan to watch several WDL shows, but maybe not all of them. Inquire at the box office.

Don’t let “a curse of blood” keep you away from this production at the Wilmington Drama League. Bring a date and a corsage!

Steve Tague is New Producing Artistic Director at The REP

The contents of this post come from a press release courtesy of The Resident Ensemble Players...

Steve Tague has officially been named the Producing Artistic Director of the Resident Ensemble Players (REP), the professional theatre company in residence at the University of Delaware. Steve has served as the Interim Producing Artistic Director of the REP and Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Delaware for nearly two years.

“I’ve spent a great deal of time in the last two years getting to know the REP’s audience,” says Steve Tague. “It’s been a pleasure. I love hearing about their deep connection to the theatre.”

Steve Tague, new Producing Artistic Director
of The REP. Photo courtesy of The REP.

Steve spent the early part of his life as an actor, performing at regional theatres including Seattle Repertory Theater, A Contemporary Theatre, Great Lakes Theater Festival, Baltimore Center Stage, Walnut Street Theater, the Arden Theater, Sierra Repertory Theater, Delaware Theater Company, and was a founding member of the Resident Ensemble Players’ Acting Company.

Steve joined the faculty at the University of Delaware in 1992 and shifted more of his attention to teaching and directing. As a faculty member, he has taught courses for the PTTP in acting, movement, speech, and voice. As a director, he has directed productions with Delaware Theatre Company, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, and the Resident Ensemble Players since its founding in 2008.

In 2022, when the REP’s founder Sandy Robbins announced his plans to step down, Steve Tague agreed to serve as an Interim Producing Artistic Director of the REP and Interim Chairperson of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Delaware as a national search for a successor was conducted. After conducting a search, Steve Tague has agreed to throw off the “Interim” in the title and take on the challenges of leading the REP into its next chapter.

“I’m focused on the future of performing arts in the Delaware region,” says Tague. “I’m dedicated to growth for the REP, and our audience and community will be a vital part of that. We’re also introducing two new majors in our department, one in theatre and one in dance. It’s very exciting to serve young and old, and everybody in-between, throughout the region with the beauty of the performing arts.”

ABOUT THE REP
The Resident Ensemble Players (REP) is a professional theatre company in residence on the campus of the University of Delaware. The REP’s mission is to engage audiences throughout the tri-state region and beyond with frequent productions of outstanding classic, modern, and contemporary plays performed in a wide variety of styles that celebrate and demonstrate the range and breadth of an ensemble of nationally respected stage actors. The REP is committed to creating and expanding audiences for live theatre by offering a diversity of productions at low prices that enable and encourage the attendance of everyone in the region, regardless of background or income. The REP performs in the Roselle Center for the Arts, 110 Orchard Road, Newark, Delaware on the main campus of the University of Delaware.

Another Bloody Good Time with Bootless Stageworks

By Mike Logothetis
Theater reviewer Mike Logothetis grew up in North Wilmington, performing in school and local theater productions. He lives in Newark, but you can find him wherever the arts are good.

You’ve Got Red on You is a “Rom-Zom-Com” that follows unfocused Shaun as he deals with his job, girlfriend, mother, and stepfather amid an apocalyptic uprising of zombies in London. It’s a campy musical based on the 2004 film Shaun of the Dead and provides lots of laughs plus gallons of fake blood. (More on the blood later.)

Shaun (Shaun Yates) feels he is at his best while downing pints with his slacker friend Ed (Shawn D. Kline) at their favorite pub [(Drinking) At the Winchester]. But Shaun’s best is not good enough for everyone in his life, save for his mother Barbara (Rosanne DellAversano) and Ed. He garners no respect at work; roommate Pete (Jose Bernard) is tired of his antics; girlfriend Liz (Mariza Esperanza) can’t get past his immaturity; stepfather Phillip (Dale Martin) is always judging him; and Shaun just slides through life without any planning or reasonable measure of success.

But when a zombie apocalypse happens, Shaun takes the lead and formulates a strategy for survival [The Perfect Plan]. Shaun and Ed fight their way through streets full of the undead to pick up Liz and her flatmates Diane (Shayna Greenblatt) and David (Benji Deivert). From there, the survivors travel to Shaun’s mother’s house where they discover Phillip has been bitten and will soon turn into a zombie. After reconciling their differences, Phillip dies on good terms with Shaun…before Shaun must kill him again.

Shaun decides the group needs a safe, familiar place where they can hole up and more easily defend themselves — the Winchester! But the living must hike a mile amongst the walking dead to arrive safely at their destination. Failed actress Diane suggests imitating the gait and mannerisms of the enemy to pass safely through them [Walking With The Dead].

The dance choreography during “Walking With The Dead” was fun and lively. Director Rosanne DellAversano keeps things fresh with this production by adding cool slow-motion (and replay!) action as well as pop culture references. There’s even a clever Queen-inspired scene injected into a zombie-killing spree. Since Shaun and Ed are avid gamers, video game music often accompanies kills when the two are bearing weapons to destroy their enemies. Kudos to the “Enzomble” — Abbey Ketterling, Lauren Knecht, Grayson Martin, and Antoine Martinez-Jones — for their portrayals of undead attackers who die again and again while swimming in pools of blood.

Full disclosure for those in the "Pit Splatter Zone:" This is a messy show with fake blood splattering all around. Bootless Stageworks is not responsible for damage to clothing or any other personal items. It is strongly recommended that you don’t bring purses, bags, or anything else that can’t get wet, dirty, or needs to be left on the floor. Ziplock bags are suggested for cell phones. Bring your own poncho or other covering as Bootless does not offer or sell such items. If you are sitting in the comfortable tiered seats, there’s no need to worry about protecting yourself or your personal items.

Once at the Winchester, our heroes fight amongst themselves while battling invading zombies. There are lots of casualties and subsequent blood splattering. Who will ultimately survive? How will the world look after order is restored? Will Shaun and Liz reconcile or split apart? Come to Bootless and find out!

Standout performances by Yates [Random] and DellAversano [A Mother’s Love] provided vocal highlights. Esperanza’s misty, windswept version of A Break-Up Song was both touching and hysterical, thanks to the props department. The ensemble cast works well together whether as friends or foes.

Live musical accompaniment is provided by The Zombie Lovin’ Band — Joe Eigenbrot, Jim Fazzino, Zack Geffre, and Deb Bialecki — under the direction of James W. Fuerst.

The remaining performance schedule of You’ve Got Red on You is: Friday July 19, and Saturday July 20 at 8:00pm. Tickets start at $30 and patrons can opt to sit in the "Pit Splatter Zone" ($38) or not. 

Note: the theater boasts that "...our blood delivery system guarantees the MOST SPLATTER EVER" for those opting to sit up front. Tickets can be purchased at their website (https://www.bootless.org/red-on-you/) or by calling Bootless Stageworks at 302.887.9300.

 Tickets are also available at the door, subject to availability. There is one 15-minute intermission. Bootless Stageworks offers a full selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus some snacks at its concessions stand. The theater space is in the basement of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church at 1301 N. Broom Street in Wilmington.

After the show, you can rally at your favorite local Trolley Square pub. If only there were a Winchester nearby… :)