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A Note from the Head of School...

Carrie: The Musical is a story about the ways in which bullying destroys a community. The show examines the behaviors of and interactions among teenagers in a manner that will motivate powerful and important conversations in our Upper School.

While I am pleased that the issue of bullying is far less prevalent at Sandia Prep than at most high schools, it's an issue that needs to be addressed using a multi-pronged approach. I believe that one of the most important aspects of our theater program is the opportunity it provides to motivate important conversations within our community about topics of import.

Several years ago, when the School presented The Laramie Project, a play thematically centered on the brutal, real-life murder of Matthew Shepard, the show served as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about prejudice and tolerance within our Upper School. And while Carrie includes some intense scenes, such scenes will be staged carefully and with great thought and consideration, as was the case with our production of A Few Good Men two years ago.

It is important to expose our student actors and singers to a wide range of genres, and Michael Gore's music presents vocal challenges that make it quite different from most other shows. We also have an obligation to present a broad range of theater to our Upper School. Additionally, this show recently closed a successful revival in New York, and we are the first high school in the country to secure the rights to its performance.   This is a unique opportunity for our students and our school.

Please note that this show is not appropriate for most middle school students. While it is helpful sometimes to present shows, like Pirates of Penzance, which can be enjoyed by the entire community, staging Carrie: The Musical offers a notable opportunity for our Upper School actors and singers — and for our entire Upper School community.

Sincerely,

B. Steven Albert

Head of School