Heathers: The Musical

Having partially recast the show and returned to Sydney to a bigger stage and audience, I’m thrilled to see that Heathers: The Musicalis still as slick and entertaining as ever.  Production specifics aside, it’s hard for a show like this to flop with thanks to the gritty, intelligent writing of Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphey, favourites in the contemporary musical theatre sphere, and the same guys who brought us the smash hit Legally Blonde The Musical.

Hilary Cole is a recent addition to the Heathers cast, boldly replacing Jaz Flowers in the lead role of Veronica Sawyer. It was a smart and safe choice. Cole was solid and sexy throughout, belting her way through this highly demanding part.

Lucy Maunder remains in charge of her role as Heather Chandler, the head of the pack. Maunder’s comic timing, her charisma and of course that voice that all Australians should know and love by now, has made her an eye-catcher on the stage, despite her’s actually being a surprisingly small role.
The extended run for this production has served other cast members well, and the stand-outs noted last year at the Hayes still apply, stronger than ever. I’m talking primarily of Lauren McKenna, who ‘shine shine shine’d in both of her contrasted roles: over-weight, unpopular student Martha, and bubbly, outlandish teacher Ms Fleming. McKenna’s take on “Kindergarten Boyfriend”is gut-wrenching at best, and serves as the show’s most tender moment. Her bouncy, zany characterisation in the other role is solid proof of her versatility as a young actress.

Vincent Hooper and Jake Ambrose have nailed the high-school jock aesthetic. The two of them, again playing out split-roles, carry the quirky comedy of the show throughout. The crude nature of their key moments is almost too much (with thanks to the writer’s obviously feeling no need to sugar-coat their show’s content!) but the two take full charge of this task, embracing it completely!

Stephen Madsen remains the most ideal casting for broody, troubled teen J.D. He is certainly a talent to look out for in future productions.
The set design is very clever, though there were times where it read as a little tacky on the bigger Playhouse stage; for example the 7/11 scene, which-whether intentionally or otherwise - felt a little too low-budget. Other design aspects are strong and effective, a credit especially to Angela White’s 80’s-authentic and fierce costume design.

If you didn’t make it to the Hayes last year to inevitably be moved by the production in it’s original format and you’re reading this now, it’s a sign. It’s bigger and it’s less intimate this time around, which translates as less edgy and grungy. On the other hand, it’s great to see that director Trevor Ashley’s phenomenal vision and effort has been well recognised, and the show made more available.  Get forth and enjoy Heathers The Musicalbefore it departs Sydney. I promise the die-hard 80’s film cult fans that the show is still “very very”.

Sally Alrich-Smythe