“Whether to kill yourself or not is one of the most important decisions a teenager can make.”
If you agree with Miss Fleming, you will definitely want to return to Westerburg High School for “Heathers: The Musical” at the Blue Barn Theatre. Based on the 1989 cult classic film, “Heathers” is the story of Veronica, who is admitted to the school’s most exclusive clique of girls, only to be ostracized and fall in love with a handsome new kid who just happens to be a sociopath. Murder and mayhem ensue.
The black comedy was a box office flop that has since developed a generation of devoted fans. In 2014 the rock musical version took off as a highly successful Off-Broadway hit. The show is a collaboration between Laurence O’Keefe who co-wrote “Legally Blonde: The Musical” and “Reefer Madness: The Musical” writer Kevin Murphy. “Reefer Madness” was a hit for the Blue Barn in 2011. Expect the same for “Heathers” when it receives its regional premier at the Blue Barn this month.
Director Randall T. Stevens acknowledges a firm grasp on the teen angst of “Heathers.” “I know what it’s like to be odd man out in high school,” he laughs. Of course, most teens do, which is why high school is so hated, and why “Heathers” has become so popular. “We know those girls from high school, and I’m sure it’s still the same,” says Stevens. As for the rest of us, “it’s all about fitting in and finding out who you are.”
Stevens grew up on the movie, but most of his talented young cast fell in love with the musical. Over one hundred showed up for auditions. The artistic staff is top notch, including Doran Schmidt as music director, choreography by Nichol Mason Lazenby, lighting by the incomparable Carol Wisner, and costumes by Wesley Pourier. According to Stevens, Pourier was on board from the beginning. “Wesley is keeping the 80’s look to the show. He couldn’t wait to get started.”
Don’t forget to see Film Stream’s collaborative screening of the movie “Heathers” on Monday, May 9 at 7 pm. The movie stars Christian Slater and a sixteen year old Winona Ryder. Those who purchase online tickets in advance of the May 9 screening will automatically be entered to win a pair of passes to see the Blue Barn production.
“Heathers: The Musical” will run at the Blue Barn Theatre, 1106 South 10th Street from May 19 to June 19. Shows are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 and Sundays at 6:00. There will be no shows on Sunday May 22 and Sunday May 29. Tickets are $30 for adults, and $25 for students, seniors (65+), TAG members and groups of ten or more. Tickets can be ordered on line through the Blue Barn’s website, www.bluebarn.org. Questions? Call them at (402) 345-1576 or e-mail them via the website.