JWU Players Production of Carrie: The Musical

The JWU players sixteenth annual spring musical took place this past weekend, featuring a modern adaptation of the musical Carrie.  A well known story that depicts a bullied high-school girl from an overly religious household that discovers her telekinetic powers.  After two acts chalk full of emotional and thrilling musical numbers, the players were able to leave their audience in awe.  There was no shortage of vocal talent, as well as choreography and expression.  The set and costume design shined throughout the performance, and the special effects were the icing on the cake.  I was able to talk to a few members of the cast and crew before their Saturday night performance, to understand more about this year’s play.  

“Spooky, exhilarating, and fun” were the words that director and President Jacob Olsen used to describe Carrie.  He is a graduating senior, who has been with the players for 4 years.  “One of the most special things about this year’s show was seeing everything come together in our last 2 weeks of rehearsals”, said Olsen.  His favorite part of the club is the sense of family and connection, stating “Because we work on this show for so long… you get to get really close with everybody, and it really does feel like a family by the end of things”.  Angela Savoca, who played Carrie White in this production, also feels a strong sense of connection within the club.  “Having a stronger bond has made the process more fun and enjoyable because at the end of the day we are doing this because it’s so much fun”, Savoca stated.  She was also the makeup designer for this show, and is the social media coordinator for the players.  “Everyone is very respectful and kind… we know we work best as a unit”.  

Another strong consensus between the cast and crew was the lively presentation of the special effects.  Production and warehouse manager Cade Becerra discussed the creative process of effects for the play, “It’s honestly one of the most intricate things we had to… take everything we’ve planned for with the equipment and do it at the same level”.  Becerra, as well as the rest of the production crew, played a large role in bringing the story to life.  He stated; “ Most of my job involves finding creative solutions to items, as well as how to make things look nice and colorful and sound good”.  Rebecca Grabon played Miss Gardner, was the producer for the show, and she is a graduating senior as well.  “It’s more interactive than a lot of our past shows”, said Grabon.  “It explores different themes, and it’s something a lot of people can relate to”. 

The underlying  message throughout the play is something the audience may be familiar with.  “They either have been treated that way or know people that treat others that way”, Abby Maynard stated.  Maynard played the role of Norma, and is also the Editor of the Campus Herald.  Having a club that allows students to put on performances is one aspect of the players she enjoys.  “I love that I'm able to perform because that’s been a big part of my life this whole time, and I'm able to express myself”.  Savoca encourages the themes within the story, stating “I’ve always said if the audience is uncomfortable then we’ve done our jobs as actors… sometimes uncomfortable topics are the topics that need to be discussed”.  

If you are a JWU student interested in the performing arts, the JWU players always have a spot for you.  Grabon notes that meeting people is a large aspect of the environment; “I met most of my friends through the club versus my classes”.  Savoca encourages joining at any time of the year, stating “it doesn’t matter what your major is, it doesn’t matter what year you are”.  Don’t worry about skill level either; “We aren’t professionals, we love theater and we get to share that with everyone and the community which is the best part”, Savoca stated.  I believe Grabon put it best: “It’s cool to do something different”.