“Heathers the Musical” by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy and directed by Brad Watkins is playing at Howard Community College, Smith Theatre at the Horowitz Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Columbia, MD until March 17, 2019. The musical is based on the 1989 film of the same name.
“Heathers the Musical” is a reflection of peer bullying and the need for social acceptance in the world of high schoolers. It is also about the violence in our society and the easy accessibility of guns. Interestingly, it takes place in the late 1980’s, and the original movie script was written at that time. It almost seems, sadly, prophetic of the violence and the fear of violence that has pervaded our present-day schools. It is hard to remember that the violence of Columbine took place as recently as 1999. However, “Heathers the Musical,” is a dark comedy. It often makes its points with perverse humor even when bodies are littering the stage.
Although there are some wonderfully experienced actors is the adult roles, the cast is primarily made up of fairly young thespians who are extremely talented. Their characterizations and stage presence belie their age. Their musical ability shows amazing range.
The story revolves around a 17-year-old, Veronica Sawyer (Jo Hollis) who starts off being a little nerdy coed with a small group of similar friends. The popular girls, all named Heather, offer to bring her into their fold, and she agrees. In the meantime, a new kid, Jason JD Dean (Zac Brightbill) has just enrolled. He is good looking, tough and, like many new students, does not fit in at all. However, he connects with our heroine, and they are mutually attracted to each other. (Is Jason’s name a homage to James Dean’s character in Rebel without a Cause?) When things go awry at a party given by football star Ram Sweeney (Marcus Campbell), Veronica has misgivings about her association with the Heathers. After that the plot becomes the antithesis of Grease, the 70’s musical that deals with teenage angst.
Although there are some wonderfully experienced actors is the adult roles, the cast is primarily made up of fairly young thespians who are extremely talented. Their characterizations and stage presence belie their age. Their musical ability shows amazing range.
Hollis as Veronica captures our hearts right from the start. We see the change and growth from her optimistic opening number, along with the cast, “Beautiful” and to the fear in “Dead Girl Walking.”
Brightbill matches that talent. The actor begins to show JD’s darker side in “Freeze Your Brain,” and both Brightbill and Hollis are sensational in their duos, “Our Love is God” and “Seventeen.”
Simone Brown is dynamic as Heather Chandler, the leader of the nasty clique of girls. She has an extraordinary vocal range which is spotlighted in “Candy Story” where she leads the cast. Drew Henry is Heather McNamara, and she brings pathos to the song of contemplated suicide, “Lifeboat”. Heather Duke is expertly portrayed by Madeline Kline. She reveals Duke’s shallowness in the Reprise of “Shine a Light.”
One of the other highlights is the performance by Samantha Shoop who plays Veronica’s misfit and bullied friend, Martha Dunstock. Shoop’s rendition of “Kindergarten Boyfriend” never becomes too sticky sweet. She manages to keep some dark humor into this very sad song about teen crushes and rejection.
Campbell as Ram and his partner in crime, Tommy Whiting, who plays Kurt Kelley, the sadistic football team captain, manage to be comical in the midst of some very horrible events.
Lauren Lowell as Ms. Fleming, the school advisor, is luminous in “Shine a Light”. Stephen Strosnider ad Kurt’s Dad (also Big Bud Dean, and Principal Gowan) and Geraden Ward, Ram’s Dad (also Veronica’s Dad and Coach Ripper) bring down the house with “My Dead Gay Son.” That song epitomizes the gallows humor of the show.
The rest of the Ensemble also are high caliber and include Ana Johns as Stone Chick, Alek Kowalczyk as Beleaguered Geek and Officer Milner, Kameron King as Preppy Stud and Officer McCord, Joe Love as Hipster Dork, Anna Adeltstein as Young Republicanette and Emily Neubauer as New Wave Party Girl.
Directing this often morose musical with so many young actors, some are still in high school, is Brad Watkins. Watkins has done a magnificent job keeping the show from bogging down in its darker moments and making the most of the lighter ones.
He pulls this off with a extremely talented crew. Dustin Merrell’s Musical Direction is flawless. The band behind the stage mixes well with the young voices who are allowed to “belt out” their numbers. Sarah Luckadoo and Jenny Male are responsible for the Choreography and keep everyone in step as is exemplified in the staging of “Shine a Light.” Samina Vieth is the Scenic Designer and along with the Projection Design of Patrick Pagano take us from Westerburg High School, to cemeteries, to cow pastures, to up scale suburban homes and into the nightmares of a 17-year-old girl. The distinctive costumes help the audience keep track of who was who in this large cast. Janine Sunday is the Costume Designer. Also nods go to Kris Thompson’s Lighting Design and Seth Schwartz’ Sound Design. Both help complement the set and projection designs as well as the music.
If you get a chance to see this production this weekend, you should make it a priority. Whether you live in the area or not, it is well worth the trip to the HCC Campus. Although it might be too edgy for some teens, I think older teens will enjoy it, but I suggest that their parents or guardians discuss some of the themes, for instance, suicide, school violence and bullying, before they go.
Running Time: Two Hours and 15 minutes with and Intermission
Advisory: Recommended for mature audience due to violence, language and sexual situations.
“Heathers the Musical” is running until March 17, 2019 at the Smith Theatre at the Horowitz Center Visual and Performing Arts in Columbia MD. For Ticket online.
