Los Angeles Times - Recommended
"...However, "Carrie" is a better musical than before, but it's still not a great one. Gore's tunes are pleasant but, barring Carrie and Mom's songs, not very individuated, Pitchford's lyrics are prosaic, at times prolix, and Cohen's book doesn't explore its All Teens Are Alienated theme beyond surface considerations. That will scarcely matter to audiences craving a full-throttle theatrical experience - Cirque du Soleil meets Disneyland, with pig's blood - and musical theater cultists should flock."
Stage Scene LA - Recommended
"...No one knows better than Brady Schwind the long and winding road that has led from a germ of an idea to the spectacularly realized, immersive experience that is Carrie: The Musical "On Stage" at the La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts. Director and each and everyone associated with this electrifying production can be proud indeed of what their patience, persistence, and prodigious talents have wrought."
OC Register - Recommended
"...The resulting tale of teen angst and revenge is powerful, compelling theater at its best. "Carrie the Musical," in its local premiere at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, is a sensational production – yet not because of sensationalism."
TheatreMania - Recommended
"...Carrie The Musical is one of those shows, like Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along or Schwartz's The Baker's Wife, that directors believe they can fix. The difference is that Sondheim and Schwartz's scores offer more insight into larger, more universal themes. Carrie lacks a captivating score and book. However, the spirited performances, inventive staging, and magical tricks at La Mirada delightfully fill the void. This production of Carrie is a scream."
Musicals In LA - Recommended
"...But, as they say, third time's a charm, and director Brady Schwind's immersive vision of Lawrence D. Cohen (book), Dean Pitchford (lyrics), and Michael Gore's (music) musical has resurrected this phoenix from the dead in a way that will thrill audiences and finally give it the life the creators always hoped it would have. Yes, in La Mirada Theatre's production, blood drops, Jesus flies, and an electric cast brings the fires of hell to life in an unforgettable intimately experiential setting.You'll be sorry if you miss it so get your tickets now."
Observations Along the Road - Somewhat Recommended
"...Those are the problems, which are tolerable and correctable. The good was really good - and by this I mean the performances that director Brady Schwind (FB) worked with the actors to create, and the realistic and clever movement driven by choreographer Lee Martino (FB). The creative use of the space, the interaction with the audiences, the complete rethinking of the performance and song and dance and staging was mesmerizing. It didn't bring the horror to you as the promotions have been claiming, but it did make you part of the story and created the "I was there" feeling."
Broadway World - Recommended
"...Carrie The Musical begs to be seen, experienced and savored for the superb work from its phenomenal cast and creative team. The superior staging brings you closer to the action and really allows you to feel for these characters. Bravo!"
