Type – Dark comedy, high-school drama, movie-to-stage, cult-classic
If you liked – The original 1988 film Heathers, Spring Awakening, Carrie, Mean Girls
Heathers: A perfect example of an Australian and New Zealand transfer done right. To quote Veronica Sawyer herself… “My god, it’s beautiful”.
Directed by the award-winning Andy Fickman, Heathers the Musical dives into the gritty reality of 80s American high school culture. Veronica Sawyer is a slightly impatient teenager waiting for any excuse to finish high school, while the new kid Jason Dean (JD) is revealed to have a grim outlook on things. The events that play out between these two and their fellow students are dark and twisted in nature, but Heathers the Musical still remains a hugely entertaining and fantastic night at the theatre.
Ben Cracknell’s lighting design brings the show to life with delightfully specific timing cues – the disco section of ‘Dead Gay Son’, is a highlight of the production, it had the opening night audience cheering for the cast who were clearly having a blast. The individual-coloured spotlights for each of the Heathers during the ‘Candy Store’ number are an excellent addition that cleverly reinforce the main red, green, and yellow motif the trio are known for. David Shields’s colourful costumes present a bright, cohesive pallet manner that work hand in hand with Cracknell’s lighting that reinforces the entire production’s poppy and modern appeal.
The brilliance of this Australian and New Zealand production is largely due to a fantastic cast led by Emma Caporaso. In what is (unbelievably) her professional debut, Caporaso delivers killer vocals and hilarious comedic timing with characterisation that is meticulous in the awkward nature that her Sawyer has been constructed.
Conor Beaumont plays a quietly calculated JD but leans into the deliciously maniacal when appropriate. His vocals brilliantly portray the characters’ hurt that lay behind the lyrics, particularly in the Act 1 song ‘Freeze your brain’. 40% advice and 60% lament, Beaumont’s portrayal balances a JD bruised by trauma with attempting to subdue the pain. His chemistry with Caporaso adds a layer of danger as we find out the lengths he will go to for her within his obsession.
Calista Nelmes plays the mythic bitch herself: Heather Chandler. With her jaw-dropping ‘Candy store’ riff doing the rounds on social media at the moment (for good reason), it’s a delight to see her entire performance in person. Confident, sassy, and a powerful presence onstage, Nelmes proves a fantastic leader of the pack who runs a tight ship (often in a deeply hilarious manner).
Amélia Rojas plays Heather Duke, the begrudgingly patient second in command to Chandler, whose thirst to be the no 1 Queen Bee can be sensed from the beginning. Rojas shines in Act II, showcasing her gorgeous vocals that appear effortless while performing Gary Lloyd’s energetic choreography with incredible precision. She makes a particularly moving acting choice towards the end of the piece; there’s a poignant moment between her and Caporaso that stayed with me long after the curtain closed.
Another member of the cast making their professional debut is Abigail Sharp, who plays the terribly misled but kind-hearted Heather McNamara. Her act 2 number ‘Lifeboat’ portrays the fear of a teenager struggling with their conflicting emotions, particularly when they are seen in a position of power. Sharp is a fantastic addition to a trio of powerhouse women knocking the (croquet) ball so far out of the park it’s not even worth thinking about trying to retrieve at this point.
Other key cast highlights include Mel O’Brien, playing Sawyer’s best friend, Martha Dunstock. Portraying the sweet and patient character, O’Brien is delivers a particularly loveable interpretation of the role. Nic Van Lits and David Cuny, on the other hand, prove equally easy to loathe as the dim-witted jocks Kurt and Ram. They bring much humour in their inherently flawed perspectives on nearly everything – never failing to remind us just how stupid the two of them can be. They’re fresh, high-octane and highly engaging – a true testament to the quality of casting that this tour has obtained.
Is HEATHERS THE MUSICAL Worth Seeing in MELBOURNE?
Whether you’re a die hard corn-nut who has been waiting for this tour since it was announced, or new to the world of Heathers and seeking to explore the stage show for the first time – it’s a brilliant night at the theatre. Playing at the Arts Centre till the 9th of May, this production highlights just how much talent (fresh and established) we’re lucky enough to have in Australia and New Zealand.
Tickets and Practical Info for HEATHERS THE MUSICAL in MELBOURNE 🎟️
AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Playhouse, Melbourne, until 9 May Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne Tickets
Adelaide (16-26 July) Her Majesty’s Theatre Tickets
Gold Coast (30 July-9 August) HOTA, Home of the Arts Tickets
Canberra (14-23 August) Canberra Theatre Centre Tickets
Sydney (26-29 August), Coliseum Theatre Tickets
Sydney (1-19 September) Roslyn Packer Theatre Tickets
Perth (30 September-19 October) Regal Theatre Tickets
CAST & CREATIVES
Book, Music & Lyrics: Kevin Murphy & Laurence O’Keefe
Director: Andy Fickman
Choreographer & UK Associate Director: Gary Lloyd
Associate Director & Choreographer: Matt Heyward
Musical Supervisor: Will Joy
Musical Director: Martine Wengrow
Set & Costume Designer: David Shields
Lighting Designer: Ben Cracknell
Sound Designer: Dan Samson
CAST
Veronica Sawyer: Emma Caporaso
Jason “J.D.” Dean: Conor Beaumont
Heather Chandler: Calista Nelmes
Heather Duke: Amélia Rojas
Heather McNamara: Abigail Sharp
Martha Dunnstock: Mel O’Brien
Ms. Fleming / Veronica’s Mom: Zoe Gertz
Kurt Kelly: Nic Van Lits
Ram Sweeney: David Cuny
Ram’s Dad / Big Bud Dean / Coach Ripper: Ellis Dolan
Kurt’s Dad / Veronica’s Dad / Principal Gowan: Brodie Masini
Ensemble: Thalia Osegueda Santos, Hannah Chesser, Jocelyn Scott, Mackenzie Htay, Samuel Henderson, Jack Reason, Aimee Jones, and Scarlett Anthony
