Touchstone Theatre premieres an original show and Northampton Community College Department of Theater presents a production of a cult musical.

Touchstone is staging “America Dreams,” April 18 and April 19, Bethlehem Rose Garden

NCC is presenting “Carrie: The Musical,” April 16 to April 19 on the Bethlehem Township campus.

“America Dreams” is an interactive, site-specific show written by Touchstone ensemble members Jp Jordan, Matt Prideaux, Christopher Shorr and Mary Wright.

In this immersive, theatrical experience, audience members will explore a roaming carnival with the power to transport people inside of America’s dreams.

Set at the turn of the century, a carnival, “Promise Land,” invites attendees to explore five attractions: a mystic’s seance, an inventor’s showcase, a Wild West-inspired puppet revue and an American road trip.

The production, part of Touchstone’s “UnBound Year-Round,” began two years ago for America250.

“We started the process by envisioning what America’s future might look like and dissecting the aspirations Americans have for themselves,” Prideaux says.

“We sought to create a show that addresses the heavy topic of our American identity while also encouraging everyone to come together, despite their differences, and have a conversation with one another, in a fun, light and playful manner,” says Prideaux.

The production is expected to run approximately two and one-half hours.

Attendees are advised to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Chairs will be provided for those who need them. Several portions of the piece will involve standing or moving from location to location.

“America Dreams,” 2 p.m. April 18, 19, Touchstone Theatre, Bethlehem Rose Garden, 725 Eighth Avenue, Bethlehem. Tickets are pay-what-you will. Rain dates: 3:30 p.m. April 25, April 26, Bethlehem Rose Garden. 484-767-2456; http://www.touchstone.org/

Northampton Community College finishes out its theater season with “Carrie: The Musical,” a musical based on Stephen King’s 1974 debut novel “Carrie.”

The book tells the story of Carrie White, a bullied high school girl with telekinetic powers, and her oppressive, religious fanatic mother, Margaret.

When Carrie is humiliated at the prom, she unleashes her powers, causing chaos and destruction.

The musical explores themes of bullying, religious extremism and the consequences of not conforming to societal norms.

Written by Lawrence Cohen, with music by Michael Gore and lyrics by Dean Pitchford, “Carrie: The Musical” has had a legendary, troubled history.

It premiered on Broadway in 1988, where it was a notorious flop. A revised Off-Broadway production in 2012 received mostly positive reviews.

The NCC cast includes Abigail Murphy (Carrie), Christine Breiner (Margaret), Charlotte O’Keefe (Chris), Madisyn Bonilla (Sue), Christopher Tempel (Tommy), Seth Schaeffer (Billy) and Auqinay Jones (Miss Gardner).

Understudies are Angel D’Andria (Carrie), Wren Campbell (Margaret), Gabrielle Drivon (Chris), Maricel Wheatley (Sue) and Tiah Fontno (Miss Gardner).

“Carrie: The Musical,” 7:30 p.m. April 16, 17, 18; 2 p.m. April 19, Lipkin Theater, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. 484-484-3412, https://www.ncctix.org/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com