DIRECTOR’S NOTES
Hello, and welcome to North Queensland Opera and Music Theatre’s production of Carrie: The Musical.
For anyone who knows me, you know that this show has been a long time coming. Since the curtain fell on our successful 2023 season of Chess: The Musical, I’ve been working to bring Carrie to life on the NQOMT stage. After several pitches, here we are — and you’re in for a treat.
Carrie began as Stephen King’s debut novel, released in 1974. It was met with critical acclaim and embraced by thriller fans worldwide, establishing King’s name in the genre. The story was quickly adapted into the iconic 1976 film, launching Sissy Spacek’s career and becoming one of the most celebrated horror films of its era. The novel’s cultural legacy eventually inspired a musical adaptation in 1988.
Although the original Broadway production was deemed one of the most infamous flops in theatre history, it developed a loyal cult following that kept its message alive. In 2012, the creative team — Michael Gore, Dean Pitchford, and Lawrence D. Cohen — reimagined the musical with a revised score and book. That’s the version you’re about to see tonight.
Carrie and her story share a parallel with the musical’s history — both undergo transformation, both search for light in dark places, but only one finds peace. When asked, “Why Carrie?” my answer is simple: at its heart, this is a story about bullying — its cruelty, its consequences, and the deep scars it leaves behind. Though extreme, the story resonates with emotional truth. Having personally experienced bullying throughout my school years, I felt a connection to this material that I hope will speak to you as well.
The show’s central question — “What does it cost to be kind?” — is one I hope stays with you long after the curtain call. Despite its heavy themes, Carrie also offers moments of joy, light, and unexpected kindness — reminders that even in the darkest stories, hope still flickers.
Creatively, this show has been incredibly ambitious. From the technical challenges to the storytelling demands, it’s been a huge journey. I’m deeply grateful to my incredible creative team — returning talents Morgan Eldridge and Suzie Searight, and new collaborators Luke Ede, Kesh Aponso, Samantha Carter, Dr Mark Smith, Tiffany Hone, and Bridie Allen — for bringing my wildest ideas to life.
To the cast: your dedication and passion have been extraordinary. The rehearsal period was short and intense, but the work you’ve created is truly exceptional. I’m so proud of you.
And to you, our audience: thank you for supporting local theatre and the arts in Townsville. In challenging times for the creative industries, your presence and support mean the world.
Enjoy the show — and no need for ponchos, I promise.
— Liam Boyd
SYNOPSIS
Carrie: The Musical is a modern reimagining of Stephen King’s classic tale of adolescence, cruelty, and power.
High schooler Carrie White is a social outcast, bullied by classmates and controlled by her fanatically religious mother. After a traumatic incident in the school showers reveals her emerging telekinetic powers, the tension in Carrie’s world begins to mount.
As prom approaches, classmate Sue Snell, wracked with guilt, convinces her boyfriend Tommy Ross to take Carrie in her place. Meanwhile, Chris Hargensen, furious at being banned from the event, plots a vicious prank with her boyfriend Billy.
What begins as a dream night quickly spirals into a nightmare. Humiliated in front of her peers, Carrie’s pain erupts into chaos, leading to a devastating finale that leaves only Sue standing to tell the tale.
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT ONE IN CARRIE - Carrie
OPEN YOUR HEART AND EVE WAS WEAK THE WORLD ACCORDING TO CHRIS EVENING PRAYERS
DREAMER IN DISGUISE ONCE YOU SEE UNSUSPECTING HEARTS DO ME A FAVOR I REMEMBER HOW THOSE BOYS COULD DANCE
ACT TWO
A NIGHT WE’LL NEVER FORGET YOU SHINE WHY NOT ME STAY HERE INSTEAD WHEN THERE’S NO ONE PROM ARRIVAL
UNSUSPECTING HEARTS (REPRISE)
DREAMER IN DISGUISE (REPRISE) PROM CLIMAX
ALMA MATER THE DESTRUCTION
CARRIE (REPRISE) EPILOGUE
Company
Carrie
Reverend Bliss, Margaret, Carrie & Company
Margaret & Carrie
Chris, Billy, Sue, Tommy & Company
Carrie & Margaret
Tommy
Sue
Ms. Gardner & Carrie
Sue, Chris, Tommy, Billy & Company
Carrie & Margaret
Sue, Tommy, Chris, Billy & Company
Tommy & Sue
Carrie & Company
Margaret & Carrie
Margaret
Tommy, Carrie & Company
Carrie & Ms. Gardner
Tommy & Carrie
Chris, Billy, Carrie, Tommy & Company Company
Carrie & Company
Margaret & Carrie
Sue & Company
CAST
MADS LINDGREN They/Them
Carrie White
Mads is very involved in the Townsville music scene, from vocal directing to performing original music- but this is their first time leading a community production. They are super excited to play Carrie White alongside such an awesome team!
JAKAYA DRYSDALE She/Her
Sue Snell
Jakaya moved to Townsville in 2020 and quickly found her place in the local theatre community. She was thrilled to play Svetlana in NQOMT’s CHESS (2023), joined the ensemble of CHICAGO, and starred as Alice in Townsville Choral Society’s Alice by Heart (2024). Theatre here has truly become her home.
HANNAH SMITH
Margaret White
Hannah returns to the stage with NQOMT as Margaret in Carrie: The Musical. With a background in dance and theatre she’s excited to take on this powerful role. Previous credits include Come From Away (Janice), Cinderella (Gabrielle), and The Addams Family (Ancestor).
SAM TAYLOR
Tommy Ross
Sam is an avid theatre enthusiast and a familiar face on the Townsville stage, having performed in productions such as Kinky Boots, Chess, Chicago, and The Addams Family. Most recently seen charming audiences as Prince Topher in Cinderella, Sam is thrilled to be heading back to high school to take on the role of Tommy Ross.
CAST
SARAH VALINOTI
Chris Hargensen
Sarah is a passionate triple-threat performer with an ATCL Diploma in Musical Theatre (Distinction) from Trinity College London. She’s played many leading roles locally and made her directorial debut with The Addams Family. Thrilled to play the fiery Chris in Carrie, Sarah encourages you to keep supporting the arts.
TINA SEIFERLING
Ms.Gardner
Fresh off her run in NQOMT’s latest production, Come From Away; Tina is delighted to team up with another amazing cast to portray the role of Miss Gardner.
As a fan of horror and Stephen King novels alike, Tina hopes the community embraces the dark and confronting themes as they experience the world through different eyes.
JOEL ABRAHAM
Billy Nolan
Fresh off stealing laughs as Jean-Michel in Cinderella, Joel dives into Carrie as Billy Nolan— the school’s brash bully with a wicked grin. He mixes punch-line timing with back-hand menace, keeping the audience laughing one moment and flinching the next. It’s sharp, rowdy, and pure Joel at full tilt all night.
RYAN DOMINGUE He/Him
Mr. Stephens / Rev. Bliss
Ryan loves horror and attention - so auditioning for this musical was a no-brainer (not to mention he’s a huge Stephen King fan).
Ryan’s been involved in many plays and musicals since moving to Townsville (including 2 other movie adaptations) and can’t wait to bring Carrie to the stage with NQOMT.
PAIGE THOMAS She/Her
Norma
Paige has previously been in NQOMT’s productions of Chess the Musical and Hot Like Fire as well as plays for both Townsville Little Theatre and Contemporary Theatre Research Lab. She’s so excited to be playing a villain for the first time. Everyone has worked so hard and Paige can’t wait for everyone to see how killer this show is!!
LILY PAXTON
Freddie
Lily is a passionate performer with 22 years of dance experience and professional training in Melbourne. Her stage credits include Singin’ in the Rain, Chicago, and The Addams Family. Versatile in jazz, ballet, and contemporary, Lily is excited to bring a quirky character to life in this production.
CAST
RENEE ASTILL She/Her Freida
Originally from Sydney, Renee has always had a passion for musical theatre. Before moving to Townsville, she has performed in several shows with Packemin Productions. After performing in NQOMT’s Chess (2023), she’s thrilled to join this production. Outside of theatre, Renee studies Speech Pathology, enjoys cooking, and cuddling her cat.
ROARK NEWMAN
George
Born and bred in Townsville, Roark is an accomplished performer and Elvis impersonator, appearing in NQOMT’S “Oliver!”, “Titanic”, and “Cinderella”; Burdekin Singers’ “Heathers” as Ram; and Libretto Studios’ “Frozen” as Kristoff. Roark hopes soon-to-be graduates will still attend theirs after seeing this musical!
MIKAYLA SANDERSON She/Her Helen
Mikayla began her theatre journey with NQOMT’s Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat (2017), followed by roles in Beauty and the Beast, Bugsy Malone, Bring It On (Eva), and Shrek Jr. (Gingy). Mikayla is beyond grateful to be part of this outstanding cast and hope you enjoy the show!
MILES
SULLIVAN He/Him Stokes
Miles is thrilled that he has the opportunity be a part of this production of Carrie. Surrounded by like-minded, and very talented, cast-members, he is having the time of his life in this show. Miles hopes that everyone seeing the show enjoys it as much as he does!
PRODUCTION TEAM
LIAM BOYD He/Him Director
Liam holds a Bachelor of Theatre (Drama) from CQU. Directing credits include Chess (2023) and 100 Years of Theatre (2021) with NQOMT. A seasoned performer, he’s appeared in Chess (Kuala Lumpur), The Mikado (Kuala Lumpur), School of Rock, and Jersey Boys.
MORGAN ELDRIDGE She/Her
Vocal Director
Morgan has been involved in musical theatre for over 13 years as a performer and vocal director. Notable roles include Martha (Heathers), Killer Queen (We Will Rock You), and Mary Magdalene (Jesus Christ Superstar), with vocal direction credits including CATS, Chess, and now Carrie: The Musical.
SUZIE SEARIGHT She/Her Choreographer
Suzie is a choreographer, performer, and teacher based in Townsville. She trained at QUT and now runs The Cathedral Dance Program. Her choreography credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Freaky Friday, and Chess, with performance highlights in The Little Mermaid and The Addams Family.
DR. MARK SMITH He/Him Musical Director
Dr Mark Smith is a conductor, composer, educator, and trumpeter. He holds a PhD in Music Composition and is Musical Director of Townsville Brass. His local credits include CATS, Jersey Boys, Beauty and the Beast, Kinky Boots, Singin’ in the Rain, Chicago, and We Will Rock You (2025).
PRODUCTION TEAM
BRIDIE ALLEN She/Her
Production Manager
Bridie has been involved in theatre for over 15 years since her debut in Miss Saigon. Passionate about local arts, she values every role in a production. As Production Manager for Carrie, she embraces the backstage magic that brings stories to life, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and theatrical chaos.
TIFFANY HONE She/Her
Costume Design
Tiffany is a costume-loving, horror-obsessed theatre nerd diving behind the scenes for the first time! Trading the spotlight for stitches, she’s bringing these characters to life and helping turn the director’s wild, chilling vision into a show that’s anything but ordinary.
SAMANTHA CARTER She/Her Stage Manager
With over 30 years in theatre, Sam has worked across props, stage management, and more. Favourite productions include Kinky Boots, Singin’ in the Rain, 9 to 5, and Billy Elliot. A Stephen King fan, she’s thrilled to be part of Carrie and celebrates the magic of behind-the-scenes teamwork.
LUKE EDE
Set Design
Luke is a professional animator, illustrator and production deisgner. He has a degree in Design from NIDA and diploma in 2D Character Animation from VanArts, Canada. Luke recently finished a contract as adesigner on Bluey’s World in Brisbane. He’s a horror buff, so he jumped at the chance to design Carrie.
FULL PRODUCTION CREDITS
NQOMT HISTORY
LIFE MEMBERS
