K-La Rivera is Carrie

MANILA, Philippines - Atlantis Productions recently opened the first production of the musical Carrie outside US to critical acclaim at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

Carrie, based on the modern classic by Stephen King, with music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore, lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (who wrote the screenplay of the Brian de Palma film), tells the tragic story of a misunderstood high school teenager named Carrie White with extraordinary telekinetic powers.  Terrorized by her oppressive religious fanatic mother and bullied by her classmates, Carrie’s violent rampage of revenge remains one of the most terrifying stories of all time.

Carrie first premiered on Broadway 25 years ago and, after numerous revisions, was recently revived at the MCC Theatre Off-Broadway. Cohen was the guest of honor on opening night and was thrilled with the show.

K-La Rivera, who made her professional stage debut with Atlantis Productions two years ago in In The Heights, has assumed the role of Carrie, which she had to learn in only six days after the original actress had to withdraw from the production due to illness. Award-winning musical theatre actress Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo plays the Bible-bashing mother, Margaret White. Meanwhile, Markki Stroem plays Tommy, Yanah Laurel as Sue, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez as Miss Gardner, Jill Peña as Chris, Mako Alonso as Billy and Jamie Wilson as Mr. Stephens.  Joining them in the ensemble are Garie Concepcion, Johann dela Fuente, Nel Gomez, Lilette Lorenzana, Kim Molina and Bibo Reyes,

Bobby Garcia, who directs Carrie and marks 20 years of directing this year, says, “It has been a dream come true directing Carrie. It is a musical that I have been a fan of for 25 years. We have assembled a fantastic cast and K-La Rivera delivers a phenomenal, once-in-a--lifetime performance that you have to see to believe.”

Carrie features choreography by Cecile Martinez, musical direction by Ceejay Javier, set design by Otto Hernandez, lighting design by Martin Esteva, costume design by Raven Ong, hair and make-up design by Johann dela Fuente, projection design by GA Fallarme, assistant direction by Jamie Wilson and vocal coaching by ManMan Angsico. .

Atlantis Productions was also given special permission by the writers of the musical to release a limited edition four-track EP CD of Carrie featuring the original Manila cast. The CD which features the songs Carrie, Unsuspecting Hearts, You Shine and When There’s No One will be available for sale at the theatre lobby and at Atlantis Productions. The CD is produced by Atlantis Productions, Hit Productions and Curve Entertainment, Inc.

Carrie is made possible with the support of The Philippine STAR, Metrobank and Delta Airlines. Carrie runs until Oct. 6. For exact showdates and tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.