Heathers: the musical – a shockingly stylish shade of dark comedy
The 1989 black comedy Heathers, starring Winona Ryder, remains a wickedly sharp satire of 80s teen culture, and its recent musical adaptation proves a surprisingly compelling successor to the film’s millennial progeny.
A riot of color and sound
Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy’s bombastic pop-rock score – think Legally Blonde meets high school angst – immediately grabs attention. The production bursts with colour, a visual assault mirroring the film’s chaotic energy, and the audience responded with a chorus of screams during the opening night performance, resembling a genuine pop concert experience.
New veronica, familiar sting
Emma Caporaso delivers a captivating performance as Veronica Sawyer, swapping Ryder’s apathetic cynicism for a warmer, more relatable vulnerability. While this adjustment softens some of the character’s iconic sarcasm, it also diminishes the sharp sting of her eventual redemption. Still, Caporaso’s vocal talent shines through, particularly in soaring numbers like ‘Dead Girl Walking’ and the emotionally resonant ‘Seventeen’.
Standout performances and stagecraft
Calista Nelmes embodies the ‘mythic bitch’ queen bee Heather Chandler with impressive vocal gymnastics, showcasing both her fiery presence as the original character and a campy, darkly humorous portrayal of the ghost. Abigail Sharp’s Heather McNamara delivers a particularly poignant moment with ‘Lifeboat,’ demonstrating a remarkable range – from hesitant whispers to a powerful belt. David Shields’ clever stage design cleverly positions the Heathers above the rest of the cast, visually reinforcing their hierarchical dominance, while the colour-blocked costumes and matching spotlights create a visually striking and immersive environment.
Addressing complex themes
Heathers tackles serious issues with a surprising degree of nuance. The production thoughtfully addresses themes of suicide, bullying, eating disorders, rape culture, and homophobia, acknowledging the significant shifts in societal attitudes since the film’s release. The controversial ‘Blue’ number, a jokey take on date rape, has been replaced with ‘You’re Welcome,’ a more explicit and confronting scene where Veronica faces genuine physical danger. Notably, the musical also incorporates a progressive element, transforming a problematic lyric into a celebration of queerness – “My Dead Gay Son” – a testament to the production’s willingness to evolve.
A shady, but fun, reflection
Despite its occasional missteps, such as the somewhat heavy-handed lyrics in ‘I Say No,’ Heathers the Musical delivers a chaotic, undeniably entertaining experience. The production leans into the film’s inherent absurdity, prioritizing a frenetic energy over a deep exploration of its darker themes. Ultimately, it’s a hammy, joyful spectacle, a perfect distillation of the film's signature whiplash: “Our love is God. Let’s go get a slushie.”