Spotlight On: Kennedy Morris

 

 

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

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

My name is Kennedy Morris, I play Carrie White, and this is my fourth show with Connecticut Theatre Company. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of this musical 3 times, and I’m grateful to experience a new perspective of the show.

 

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

For Carrie, the bullying she experiences both in high school as well as her home life, are completely out of her control. There is this constant helplessness and confusion she feels wondering “why me.” I believe the supernatural elements of this show allow her both a physical outlet for these emotions, as well as something that finally belongs to solely her, that cannot be bullied away. The show balances these elements wonderfully by using these new emotions and powers to show both hope and overcoming, but also destruction and consequence.

 

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

 

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

Similarly to the lyric that defines Carrie most in my opinion, I believe we all have insecurities about ourselves and the way we are perceived. This story not only touches upon insecurities that are internally felt, but also how internal insecurity can be used to cause external harm towards others through bullying and abuse. Not only are these things relevant in modern day, but have been present in the world since the Carrie novel release in 1974. For this production specifically taking place in modern day, the use of cell phones and social media plays a big part in the spread of the bullying and hatred towards Carrie White. The characters are very quick to hit like, share, laugh, and believe what they see before truly grasping the truth and promotion of this mental and physical abuse towards Carrie.

 

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

Carrie is an overwhelmingly hurt and vulnerable character. Experiencing the hatred she feels from not only everyone but also for others and for herself at points, is not only emotionally demanding but also physically heavy to bear. This entire cast is filled with the most wonderfully kind, humble, talented, and funny people who have so much support for everyone. I would say separating their individual personalities from their characters personality in order to not smile or laugh in a serious moment on stage, was specifically challenging during this rehearsal process.

 

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

SPOILER ALERT: Something that particularly stands out to me is the death of the character Tommy Ross. In both the novel and original movie, the blood bucket falls onto his head, causing his death, and creating an added breaking point for Carrie to cause the destruction of the school. In the musical, the isolation Carrie feels is so overwhelming that in her head, even Tommy laughs at her covered in blood. There is a moment where she tries to convince herself that he didn’t hurt her, but ultimately cannot bring herself to believe that his kindest wasn’t a trick. Therefore, she kills him herself. For Carrie, Tommy, and Sue, this added moment allows for an extra step in their emotional character development, and a different form of sympathy from audiences.

 

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

This production uses choreography to create many moments of foreshadowing to the final destruction sequence. This amplifies the tension beautifully because in creating it so early on, you’re on the edge of your seat each scene, each ensemble moment, waiting for that foreshadowing to finally make its return.

 

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

Carrie would want her past self to know that if you let yourself, you can control your own destiny. Not everyone is going to treat you with the love and respect we all deserve, but what you do with that negativity, is the most important thing. Don’r drop down to their level. If you love and believe in yourself, you can overcome anything. Use that negativity to grow away from the darkness and into your own light. It’s never too late.