Reviewed by Zuzi Fort
They are rowdy. They are quirky. They are charismatic as well as enigmatic and exceedingly addictive. Whether you love them or hate them, you can’t keep your eyes off them. They are “The Heathers”, and they are in town. You can close the windows and bolt the doors, or you can embrace them and experience an explosively gripping ride.
Dark and deliciously decadent, Heathers the Musical is simply first-rate. It delivers unpredictable plot twists, superb toe-tapping-heart-pounding scores, devilishly intriguing narratives, and passionate performances.
Based on the classic cinematic cult Heathers follows Veronica Sawyer, a senior at Westerberg High. As a new arrival, all Veronica desires is to be cool like the clique that terrorizes Westerberg High, the unaffected, inaccessible elitist Heathers. Veronica would kill to be part of the Heaters, and then she does. That is when events unfold and get truly interesting. Fate and teen angst interfere before Veronica begins to enjoy being at the apex of the pecking order. Veronica tumbles head over heels with the perilously sexy new kid J.D., and the rest is (as the saying goes) history. Murder, mayhem, and love make a seriously potent brew.
Now, to be honest, I was just a little apprehensive. I’m not a huge fan of teen drama (perhaps because my teen years are well and truly behind me), swearing and explicit sexual references are not my cup of tea. However, I needn’t have worried. The authors walked the razor-sharp fine line with grace.
The stage and set were simple yet used to move the plot forward. Blocking and set design formed an integral part of the plot and enhanced the overall experience. The lighting plan, staging, costumes and props were justified and fit together like a puzzle.
Each song was unique and had an infectious hook and consummate vitality, reinforcing some undeniably striking tunes. But don’t take my word for it. Eavesdropping on the young and the young at heart members of the audience, I overhead words such as raw, hilarious, raw, scrumptiously dark and the best night I’ve had in years.
Finally, the cast: one-word sums it up. Superb! Naturally, every show has its main characters, but it was the ensemble that made Heathers the Musical the success it is. What really stands out here is how well the entire cast comes together to create an unforgettable theatrical experience. Masterfully directed by Jake Tyler with stunning choreography by Gelina Enriquez, each performer represents an integral part of the production. Let by some outstanding performances by Jerrod Smith as the enigmatic J.D. and Tiegan Denina as the vivacious somewhat vindictive yet vulnerable Veronica it is the tireless energy of the entire cast and crew that make this unique show a life-altering experience.