Freddy is a minor comedic character and one of the high school students in Carrie White’s class and is typically portrayed as part of the popular crowd. In most versions of the musical, he is seen interacting with his classmates, engaging in the bullying of Carrie, and taking part in group numbers like "In" and "The World According to Chris." While not a central figure, Freddy helps establish the toxic high school environment that fuels the story’s tension and ultimate tragedy.

Rehearsing at the Canady Creative Arts Center and performing at The Metropolitcan Theatre in Morgantown, WV, the cast and I had an above-and-beyond experience not only getting to dive deep into a show with a valuable message but to express this to the city folk of Morgantown while utilizing one of its most historic and famous theaters as its backdrop.

Characteristically, Freddy is more of a comedic relief than a vocal performer, which is something that I value in having under my belt to give a wider range. This role helped me utilize more of my speak-singing as opposed to my golden-age vocal background, while also playing a character who could be deemed a villain without himself ever realizing it.

Theatrically, there are a multitude of key pinpoints of this musical that require a heavy amount of insight. Most notably is the prom, which utilizes a heavy amount of technical prowess and choreography to make sure it goes off without a hitch and all actors are completely safe (while giving the impression they are, in fact, not safe).

Carrie: The Musical delivers a powerful message about bullying, trauma, and the devastating effects of cruelty. It highlights how unchecked aggression and social isolation can push individuals to a breaking point, making it a cautionary tale about the consequences of our actions. The show also explores themes of self-acceptance, the dangers of extremism, and the longing for love and belonging. By humanizing both the victims and perpetrators of bullying, it encourages empathy and reflection on how society treats those who are different.

This also opens up the floor to discuss how there are important discussions on mental health and inclusivity, which is already a major discussion in modern day social commentary.