Berkshire on Stage

by Dan Mayer

At the risk of sounding past my prime, it’s always great to see young people today still taking an interest in the arts, and Playhouse Stage Company‘s production of Carrie: The Musical is a great example. It’s a thrilling showcase of talented performers in a classic horror story that continues to chill audiences to the core.

A full page of superlatives could be written about this stunning cast, and it still wouldn’t be enough. The performances are mostly campy and fun, but with serious pathos at the moments when it really counts. Everyone makes the energetic choreography by AshleySimone Kirchner seem smooth and effortless no matter how many bodies are on the stage. The musical numbers sound great, and the training that went into the performances is obvious. All of this is made even more impressive by the fact that most of the cast are still in high school.

Sam Rigney as Carrie White stands out from the crowd with an unforgettable performance in the lead role, both as an actor and a singer. Rigney is very expressive with her hands and posture, and the full range of Carrie’s emotions come through in her eyes and voice. Her first solo song in Act One absolutely blew the audience away.

Molly Rose McGrath as Margaret White is impressive as well, somehow conveying both comforting warmth and bitter cold from the same character. It takes real talent to turn Carrie’s mother into a character the audience can feel sorry for, and McGrath pulls it off. Even so, her scenes with Rigney are no less gut-wrenching to watch.

Stephen King’s original novel is over 50 years old now, but the horror and tragedy of Carrie have never stopped feeling relevant. High school is always full of drama, and most of us have felt like an outcast at some point. The themes of bullying and parental abuse will hit close to home for many as well. Even so, the dialogue by Lawrence D. Cohen and song lyrics by Dean Pitchford strike a balance that keeps the show engaging without getting too weighed down by the darker aspects of the plot.

The technical aspects of the production are strong as well. The lighting by David Heguy and sound design by Ray Stokes wonderfully build the atmosphere of dread that hangs over the show until the blood-curdling climax. The costume design for the entire cast, also by Kirchner, is also exceptional. Every character has their own distinct look, and audiences will feel transported straight back to 1979.

The production does go a little overboard at times. The strobe lights and sound effects are very intense, and the fog machine backstage was so powerful it not only blanketed the entire theater space, but the hallways and concessions area as well. The actors deserve extra kudos for running around the stage in all that humidity.

If you’re a fan of musicals or horror, and are young or just young at heart, Carrie: The Musical is the show you need to see this season. Playhouse Stage Company’s performances are continuing right up to Halloween night, so treat (or trick) yourself to a terrifying good time.

Playhouse Stage Company presents Carrie: The Musical, directed by Chuck Kraus, runs from October 16 – 31, 2026, at The Cohoes Music Hall, 58 Remsen St. in Cohoes, NY. Music by Michael Gore. Lyrics by Dean Pitchford. Book by Lawrence D. Cohen. Based on the novel by Stephen King.

Cast: Sam Rigney as Carrie White, Molly Rose McGrath as Margaret White, Kat Beaulac as Sue Snell, Jonah Wood as Tommy Ross, Evelia Echandy as Chris Hargensen, Vincent LaMorticello as Billy Nolan, Gabi Bazinet Douglas as Miss Gardner, Nick Martiniano as Mr. Stephens, Natalya Palmer as Norma, Maeve deFrancqueville as Frieda, Sophie Geis as Helen / Sue u/s, Mason Calarco as George, Evan Muench as Stokes / Tommy u/s, Mykael Corniel as Freddy, Harper Silvestri as Ruth / Carrie u/s, Italia Garcia as Rhonda / Chris u/s, Jacob Shull as Kenny, Ella Haughton as Tina, Aleks Smith as Rachel, and Aurora Garcia as Josie.

Musical Direction: Brandon Jones. Choreography and Musical Staging: AshleySimone Kirchner. Scenic Design: Benny Pitt. Lighting Design: David Heguy. Costume Design: AshleySimone Kirchner. Properties Design: Gabby Mason. Sound Design: Ray Stokes. Production Manager: Emma Cunningham. Production Stage Manager: Macayla Roberts.

Performance dates are Thursday – Sunday, Oct. 16 – 31. Curtains are Thursdays – Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm & 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm, and a special Midnight Halloween performance on Friday 10/30 at 11:59pm. Tickets are $55, $45 for seniors and military, or $25 for students. Runs approximately 2 hours with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets are available online. Visit https://www.playhousestage.org/ for more information.

Content Advisory from Playhouse Stage Company: Some parents may find this title inappropriate for children, though individual values vary. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness, or stage effects (such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 518-434-0776.