Aspen High Students Stage Dark Stephen King Musical This November

Aspen —The Black Box Theatre at 235 High School Road smells like old carpet and nervous energy. It is November, and the light outside is already failing by 4 p.m. Inside, the stage is bare save for a few props that hint at a 1970s setting. This is where Aspen High School students will bring Stephen King’s horror to life.

Make no mistake: this is not a lighthearted holiday show. The school has chosen "Carrie! The Musical" for its next production, and the stakes are higher than usual. Performances begin at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Nov. 8. Caitlin Cremins, who teaches theatre at Aspen High and serves as co-director of education at Theatre Aspen, is directing.

The musical, based on King’s classic novel, follows a teenage outcast who discovers telekinetic powers. It features music by Michael Gore, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen. Cremins noted that the musical format allows the audience to delve into the inner lives of characters in a way the book does not.

The production anchors itself in the 1970s, mirroring the spirit of the 1976 film starring Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie. Yet, the story feels current. Mike Flanagan’s upcoming 2026 TV mini-series brings the narrative to the present, where bullying moves from school hallways to social media. Cremins said the cast trusts their approach despite the changing cultural landscape.

Nayanna Smith leads the 17-student cast as Carrie White. She called the role "an honor," citing its emotional complexity and timeless relevance. Autumn Madsen, who recently moved to the area from Wisconsin, makes her Aspen debut as Carrie’s mother, Margaret White. The rest of the cast includes Natalie Seidl as Sue Snell, Ozley Choquette as Tommy Ross, Logan Novak as Chris Hargensen, Alfred Kaplinski as Billy Nolan, and Brooklyn Nottingham as Ms. Gardner.

Themes of bullying and isolation drive the plot. Cremins observed that the students leaned into these edgy themes, finding the challenge rewarding. In contrast to the story’s tension, the cast has built a supportive community. "Everyone has had an experience where they felt left out," Cremins said. "I think the cast has done a really good job reflecting on those themes and going in the opposite direction. They really take care of each other."

The show is recommended for high school students and older audiences. For folks around here, it’s a chance to see local talent tackle a dark subject with a rock soundtrack. The 1970s set design will transport viewers back in time, even as the themes speak to today.

Read that again: the students are portraying characters dealing with isolation in a supportive cast environment. That contrast is central to the production. Cremins is proud of the group’s ability to navigate difficult material while maintaining camaraderie.

As the performances approach, the community can expect a blend of horror, music, and local talent. The Black Box Theatre will host the events, providing a familiar venue for Aspen residents. The choice of "Carrie" signals a departure from lighter fare, offering something scarier and more intense.

It’s a small production, but it carries weight. The students are ready to perform, and the audience is invited to witness their work. The story of Carrie White is about finding power in weakness, and that message resonates regardless of the era.

The curtain rises on Nov. 7. The lights dim. The music starts. And the outcast steps onto the stage.