In the final dream sequence of Brian De Palma’s 1976 movie “Carrie,” the arm of the undead Carrie White emerges from the grave in a climactic act of vengeance against classmate Sue Snell.

A similar refusal to die is a characteristic of the stage-musical version of “Carrie,” which famously bombed on Broadway in 1988 and was revived in New York at the MCC Theater in 2012 to tepid reviews.

The much-maligned musical will now drag its blood-soaked self to Los Angeles in a new production that promoters are billing as an “immersive” experience featuring a theater transformed into Ewen High School, the setting for much of the story.

The new staging is set to open at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts on March 18. A spokesman for the production said performances in other cities are planned, but he didn’t elaborate.


“Carrie” was adapted from the original novel by Stephen King by Lawrence Cohen, who penned the screenplay for the 1976 movie. The musical features songs by Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford.

The L.A. production will be directed by Brady Schwind. No casting has been announced.

“Carrie” tells the story of a meek high school student who discovers that she has telekinetic powers. Taunted by mean-girl classmates at school and dominated by her religious mother at home, Carrie eventually unleashes a horrific revenge at the high school prom.

Before it bowed on Broadway 25 years ago, “Carrie” was produced in Britain by the Royal Shakespeare Company. The musical has since become something of a cult item among fans of the novel and movie due to the scarcity of revival productions.


Twitter: @DavidNgLAT