CARRIE: The Musical Brings A Cult Horror Classic To Oceanside’s Sunshine Brooks Theatre October 17-31
Rarely produced musical based on Stephen King’s novel runs Oct. 17–31 & anchors Oceanside Theatre Company’s Fall fundraising campaign
Oceanside, CA — Stephen King’s famously troubled teenager Carrie White will arrive in Oceanside just in time for Halloween when Oceanside Theatre Company presents Carrie: The Musical, Oct. 17–31 at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater. Carrie is also a centerpiece of OTC’s Annual Fund campaign, which supports stage productions like Carrie and year-round arts and cultural programming at the Brooks. Tickets and information are available at OceansideTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at 760-433-8900.
Based on King’s 1974 novel, the musical follows an isolated teenage girl struggling to find acceptance among her classmates while living under the control of her deeply religious mother. The story’s familiar mix of adolescent cruelty, family conflict and supernatural revenge has been adapted into multiple films, but its musical incarnation is produced far less frequently.
At OTC, Producing Artistic Director Kevin “Blax” Burroughs is directing and choreographing an immersive production designed to draw the audience into Carrie’s increasingly unsettling world. “One of the first dreams I had when I became Artistic Director at OTC was to put on this show,” Burroughs said. “Carrie is a love letter to the horror genre and one of my favorite stage musicals. We want audiences to experience something here that they won’t forget.”
Returning OTC performer Sophia LaRosh stars as Carrie White, opposite Sandy Campbell as her mother, Margaret White. The professional cast includes both returning performers and artists making their OTC debuts.
The production also arrives at an important moment for Oceanside Theatre Company. Following the recent revitalization of the Sunshine Brooks Theater, OTC is building on the community’s investment in the historic venue while navigating an increasingly uncertain funding environment for nonprofit arts organizations.
“Fundraising is key to a nonprofit arts organization’s stability and one of the most challenging elements of building a successful, sustainable company. It requires donors’ faith in the organization’s vision, direction, leadership and stewardship,” said Christopher Williams, founder and first artistic director of Oceanside Theatre Company. “As arts funding from grants and government sources continues to diminish and economic pressures grow, community support is more vital than ever. OTC’s supporters have championed the company through difficult times over the past 15 years. Donors’ swift initial response to this year’s Annual Fund demonstrates their continued commitment to OTC, strengthening the bond between patrons and the arts with every donation and every ticket purchase.”
Carrie is a centerpiece of OTC’s fall Annual Fund campaign, providing an example of the artistic work made possible through community support. The fund sustains theatrical productions, live music, visual arts, cultural programming and youth education presented at the Brooks throughout the year.
“Grants and other traditional sources of arts funding have become less predictable, making community support more important than ever,” said Leann Garms, President of Oceanside Theatre Company’s Board of Directors.
Ticket sales cover only a portion of the costs of producing live theatre and sustaining year-round arts programming at the Brooks. OTC invites patrons who want to play a role beyond attending the show to support the company’s Annual Fund. Tax-deductible contributions can be made at givebutter.com/FundOTC or through OTC’s website at OceansideTheatre.org/donate.
“Before the curtain goes up, our artists and crew have poured weeks of talent, skill and heart into this production,” Garms said. “When you buy a ticket, make a gift, or do both, you become part of what makes productions like Carrie — and year-round arts programming at the Brooks — possible.”
ABOUT CARRIE: THE MUSICAL
Carrie: The Musical was conceived by Lawrence D. Cohen, with music by Michael Gore and lyrics by Dean Pitchford.
The OTC cast also features Adelaida Maria Martinez as Sue Snell, Mikaela Holmes as Chris Hargensen, Joshua Powers as Tommy Ross, Ryan Dylan Wargnier as Billy Nolan, Autumn Manson as Miss Gardner, Jason Evan Lee as Mr. Stephens, Rosa Sherlinee as Norma, Oliva Barnes as Frieda, Isabella Fernandes as Helen, Ethan Roach as George, Enrique Arana as Stokes and Cooper Ogden as Freddy, with Naomi Berg and Olivia Yee as onstage swings.
The creative team is led by Burroughs, with Musical Director and Sound Designer Benjamin Goniea, Associate Director Mariana Minger, Associate Choreographer Chloe Chenfeld, Stage Manager Tracie Nunn, Costume Designer Zoe Trautmann, Scenic Designer and Painter Reiko Huffman, Lighting Designer Mashun Tucker, Props/Set Dressing and Special Effects Designer Tori Jones, Projection Designer Tyler Tafolla, Intimacy Director Alex Stahl and Carpenter Geronimo Omabtang.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Carrie: The Musical | October 17–31, 2026
Sunshine Brooks Theater | 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
- Tickets: $20–$50
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 8 p.m. — Opening Night
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 3 p.m. — Military Matinee (Free with military ID)
- Friday, Oct. 23, 8 p.m. — Student Night
- Saturday, Oct. 24, 3 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 25, 3 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 26, 8 p.m. — Industry Night [VERIFY BEFORE DISTRIBUTION]
- Friday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m. — Closing Night
Tickets and information: OceansideTheatre.org | 760-433-8900
Annual Fund: Supporters can help sustain theatre, music, youth education and year-round arts and cultural programming at the Brooks with a tax-deductible contribution at givebutter.com/FundOTC or OceansideTheatre.org/donate.
ABOUT OCEANSIDE THEATRE COMPANY Oceanside Theatre Company is the resident company of the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside and a cornerstone of the Oceanside California Cultural District. OTC presents professional theatre, live music and visual arts, along with year-round educational programs, youth programming and community cultural events.
OceansideTheatre.org | @oceansidetheatrecompany
CONTENT ADVISORY: Carrie: The Musical includes flashing lights, sudden loud sounds, haze, adult language, simulated sexual situations, bullying, religious extremism, simulated blood, physical abuse and death.
Oceanside Theatre Company | 217 N. Coast Highway, 219 N. Coast Highway, | Oceanside, CA 92054 US
