The UTEP Dinner Theatre will open its doors to, “Carrie: the Musical” Friday, Jan. 30, performances will run until Feb. 15, with the exception of two shows that have been cancelled, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12.

UTEP announced that people will soon be able to attend one of the many dinner viewings of this classical horror story performed on stage as a musical.

Since Stephen King first published the story in 1974, three movies of “Carrie” have been produced.

“The story is exactly the same as the original novel by Stephen King. The only difference is the use of music to tell the story,” said Greg Taylor,  director and associate professor of theater.  “All of the ‘creepy’ elements of the films and novel are heightened with the edition of music.”

“Carrie” is the story of a peculiar high school girl, who not only gets harassed and tormented at school by her peers, but is also tormented by her overprotective mother. As the story progresses, Carrie gradually begins to develop telekinetic powers.

“One thing that everyone wants to know about is the scene at the prom,” Taylor said. “This point of the story is such an important part of the plot and it’s the scene most people remember from the films. Rest assured that the scene is in the musical and that it is staged with all the technical wizardry we can employ so that it hopefully lives up to what people expect.”

Taylor recommends that if you haven’t watched the movies or read the novel, to wait to watch the musical and be surprised. .

“I’m sure that when Stephen King first wrote ‘Carrie,’ he turned a few heads, and it has become one of the most iconic horror movies of our day,” said Lauren Peña, freshman English major, who will perform as ‘Carrie’ at the musical. “I feel like this musical follows suit.”

Tickets for UTEP students vary from $17.50, where dinner is  not included, and $34.50 with dinner. The price range also depends upon the date and seating. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com or call the UTEP Ticket Center at 747-5234.

Jesus Lopez may be reached at [email protected].