November 20, 2025
By Rachel Scofield
Pickerington High School North Theatre is diving into the emotional heart of a classic story this fall with its production of Carrie: The Musical, running Nov. 20–23 at the PHSN Performing Arts Center.
Based on Stephen King’s iconic novel, the musical blends supernatural thrills with deeply human themes—bullying, belonging, the desire to be seen, and the consequences of cruelty. It’s a story that continues to resonate, especially with young audiences.
“When Carrie premiered, audiences weren’t quite ready to look at the story beyond the blood and horror,” said Director Allen DeCarlo-Boyd. “But beneath all of that—beneath the telekinesis, beneath the tragedy—lies something profoundly human: the desperate need to belong, the pain of isolation, and the devastating consequences of cruelty.”
He added that today’s students face those challenges on multiple fronts.
“In today’s world, those themes feel more urgent than ever. Every day, young people navigate hallways, group chats, and social media feeds that can either uplift or destroy. The conversations this story sparks—about empathy, kindness, and how we treat those who are different—are the same ones we should be having with one another, both on stage and off.”
DeCarlo-Boyd praised the cast and crew for taking on mature, emotionally charged material with honesty and bravery.
“This production is a testament to the courage of young artists willing to step into something raw, vulnerable, and real. The cast and crew are remarkably young, many of them tackling mature material for the first time, and I couldn’t be prouder of the integrity, compassion, and commitment they’ve brought to this process. They’ve shown that theater can be more than entertainment; it can be a mirror, a challenge, and a call to do better.”
Allyson Carroll, who stars in the title role, says the show is especially meaningful in a high school setting.
“The message that Carrie holds is near and dear to my heart, and I think it’s needed now more than ever,” Carroll said. “I think it’s even more meaningful when you see the show performed at a high school by young adults who are seeing—and unfortunately, maybe even experiencing—bullying in real time, especially in a world where you can say whatever you want from behind a screen.”
She said audiences should prepare to experience a myriad of emotions.
“You’ll laugh, scream, and cry—it really is an incredible, thrilling rollercoaster of a show. My castmates, directors, and I have worked so hard to bring this story to life, and I think it’s truly something special.”
Nash Bright, who plays Tommy Ross, echoed that sentiment.
“Even though Carrie was written forever ago, the message still hits hard today. The whole show deals with bullying, feeling like you don’t fit in, and wanting to be accepted—stuff teens are still dealing with every day. Stephen King really nailed what it feels like to be the outsider.”
Bright also praised the power of the musical score and the production’s technical elements.
“The music and lyrics amplify the emotions in the story. Everyone in the Pickerington High School North theatre department has put their whole heart into this show—our cast, crew, everyone. The talent and dedication are unreal. And seriously, watch for the staging and special effects… they make the whole production unforgettable.”
Show times are 7 p.m. Nov. 20–22, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Nov. 23. Tickets can be purchased online at the Panther Box Office for $16, including a $1 processing fee.
Next up for North Theatre will be An Evening of Musical Theatre on Dec. 5, followed by The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon on Dec. 11–14.
