I'm directing a production of CARRIE the musical and wanted to pick your brains on the stage blood dilemma during "The Destruction" prom/climax scene. I'm sure we all have differing opinions on the musical itself, but it should be mentioned that while I am a fan of this show, the title was selected prior to my being hired on to direct it. (I would typically make sure I had these solutions laid out before choosing a show.)
The 2012 Off-Broadway production was a bit of a letdown, using projections and red lights to represent the blood during Carrie's vocals, then a blackout (replacing Carrie with a body double facing upstage while the real Carrie got drenched with blood offstage for the final scene). The Seattle production dropped a small amount of stage blood on Carrie's head and then she spent most of the scene wiping the blood away from her body mic using a tissue she pulled from her bra.
Talking with my tech director, our initial instinct is to use modified stage blood (made in-house) to be poured over Carrie, who would be standing on a grate built into the floor's platform to keep any puddles from forming which could cause slipping. An ensemble member would sneak Carrie's body mic off of her following her last spoken line (after dancing with Tommy). A wireless handheld microphone on a mic stand would then rise up from the floor (downstage of the grate) to allow Carrie's singing vocals to be picked up for the belting "Destruction" number.
It's not a fool-proof plan, but it's where our brains are starting out. What are your thoughts? Gimme whatcha got. We know Carrie's assumedly flat shoes would need some heavy duty soles to keep her from slipping on the grate. Tell me your better ideas! Thanks in advance! |
