In celebration of the brand new Fringe ArtSpace and its groundbreaking performances, Orlando Decoded is running a series of Q&A’s with the artists, theater companies, and upcoming productions you can enjoy during the venue’s first few weeks. Next up, let’s talk with Nick Bazo – the program director for the William Daniel Mills Theatre Company and producer of Carrie: The Musical (playing Feb 3-5). Thank you, Nick, for chatting with us!
Before we get to your upcoming show, can you tell us a little about yourself and your artistic background? Have you performed at previous Orlando Fringe Festivals or events?
“The Daniel Mills Theatre Company grew out of The William Daniel Mills Apprentice program and was founded by Harold and Rosy Mills in honor of their late son Daniel. Under the leadership of Joseph C. Walsh, Roberta Emerson, Nick Bazo, and Anne Hering the program provides elite high school and early college talent around central Florida with professional training through expert master classes and professional paid performance opportunities. This is the first time directly working with Orlando Fringe.”
Tell us about Carrie: The Musical
“Carrie: The Musical is based on the classic Stephen King novel. It will be performed by William Daniel Mills Apprentices and Directed by Joseph C Walsh.”
A Synopsis of Carrie: The Musical
According to the Fringe ArtSpace website:
CARRIE The Musical is a thrilling and engaging retelling of Stephen King’s classic novel Carrie. It tells the story of Carrie White, a teenager from a small town in New England, who is relentlessly bullied at school for being different and is harshly controlled at home by her fanatical mother. It’s gonna be “a night you’ll never forget.“
Set in the present in the small New England town of Chamberlain, Maine, Carrie: The Musical features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (Fame, Terms of Endearment), and lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (Fame, Footloose).
In the world of live theater, what makes your show unique?
“Carrie was one of the quickest shows to flop and close when it first premiered on Broadway- we hope to flip that narrative and hope audiences fall in love with it in a new way.”
If you could make sure my readers remember one important thing about your production, what would it be?
“Be prepared to rethink what you know and what you have heard about Carrie.”
What is the show schedule?
“We are just running one weekend [February 3-5]. So get your tickets!!”
How can my readers buy tickets?
“Through Orlando Fringe www.orlandofringe.org/artspace.”
Do you have any other upcoming productions or projects that you’d like to talk about?
“We will be recruiting for next year’s apprentices (and announcing another production) later this spring.”
Where can my readers find you online or follow you on social media?
“We are on Facebook and Instagram as William Daniel Mills Theatre.”
Carrie: The Musical will run THIS WEEKEND ONLY – Friday, February 3 through Sunday, February 5! Get your tickets on the Fringe ArtSpace website, and stay tuned to Orlando Decoded for more information about upcoming Fringe productions!
