Spotlight On: Lilah Pape

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of Carrie. Get to know Lilah Pape who is portraying Chris Hargensen in our production!

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi! My name is Lilah and I’m playing Chris Hargensen in Connecticut Theatre Company’s production of Carrie!

How do you balance the heightened, supernatural elements of the show with the grounded, painful reality of high school bullying?

I think the supernatural parts work best when the characters feel grounded. It’s important for the audience to remember that although Carrie’s abilities are supernatural, the emotions behind her story are very real and tragic. I try to keep Chris especially grounded because to her, bullying Carrie isn’t supernatural or dramatic, she does it simply because she can. Her motivations and emotions are very cruel and very human, and that contrast makes the unrealistic aspects of the show more unsettling.

What is your favorite musical motif or lyric in Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford’s score that helps define your character?

My favorite part of the score for Chris is the solo section at the end of her song, which allows the audience to see a side of her that is otherwise never shown in dialogue. It reminds me that even though there’s no excuse for Chris’ actions, there’s a reason behind them.

How does this production make Carrie feel relevant to modern audiences?

Carrie has always been one of my favorites because it doesn’t give us an easy “good vs. bad” story. It shows how social pressures can influence people’s choices. This production of Carrie does a very good job of emphasizing the themes of isolation and the desire to fit in, with each character having their own motivations and flaws.

What has been the most physically or emotionally demanding part of the rehearsal process for you?

I actually think the most difficult part is how physically AND emotionally connected a majority of the show is, rather than picking just one. A lot of scenes require lots of physical energy while also carrying emotional weight, like the destruction. Finding and maintaining that balance has definitely challenged me as a performer.

What surprised you most about the script and score compared to the original Stephen King novel or the films?

I found it surprising just how much more insight the musical gives us into different characters compared to the original novel. Instead of focusing entirely on the horror aspect, the musical score actually gives a lot of attention to the characters and their relationships, and I think it helps provide deeper emotional context to scenes than what I remember from the films and book.

How does the ensemble use choreography and movement to amplify the tension and horror onstage?

The ensemble is constantly reacting and moving, creating the atmosphere of the school environment that the majority of the show takes place in. Throughout the show the characters’ choreography and interactions are energetic and familiar, and everyone in the cast has put time into building their individual character and their motivations. It plays a huge role in building tension throughout the show, and the choreography that was initially very youthful and energetic quickly becomes bigger and more chaotic, making the familiar high school environment from the beginning feel different.

If your character could give one piece of advice to their younger self, what would it be?

I think Chris would tell her younger self not to let other people’s opinions determine her sense of worth. Chris is so focused on maintaining her social reputation that she ends up constantly hurting other people to protect it. I feel that younger Chris would need to hear that she doesn’t always have to be in control of those around her, and that hurting other people doesn’t necessarily make you feel better.

What do you hope audiences are discussing in the car on their ride home from the theater?