Heathers The Musical

The Western Australian premiere of Heathers is playing to packed houses at WAAPA. This year’s Final Year Music Theatre students are outstanding in this very black musical based on the 1980s cult film.

Set on a bright and breezy gymnasium set by Kelly Freegon, colourfully lit by Kristie Smith and featuring powerfully 80s costumes in bright hues, designed by Kaitlin Brindley, the look of the show is strikingly juxtaposed with the dark themes of bullying, teen suicide and high school massacres, incidents of date rape, substance abuse and depression.

Central character Veronica Sawyer is beautifully played by Monique Warren, who anchors this show with an expertly nuanced character who sings beautifully and wins the audience’s heart. Dark, mysterious, and we realise really disturbed JD, is well played by Nick Errol.

The title roles - the untouchable, all powerful Heathers, are excellent. Jenna Curran’s Heather Chandler is positively scary, Meg McKibbin’s Heather Duke undergoes an unnerving change, while Daisy Valerio’s sunshiny but scary Heather McNamara eventually wins sympathy with the beautiful song “Lifeboat”.

A very nicely padded Laura Jackson makes a very sweet Martha Dunnstock, and “Kindergarten Boyfriend” is a show highlight. Football Stars, jocks and jerks, Ram Sweeney and Kurt Kelly are played with bad-boy expertise and great camaraderie by David Cuny and Tom Gustard.

Mackenzie Dunn, is outstanding as teacher Ms Fleming, absolutely aces “Shine A Light”, and garners probably the biggest audience response in the show for her big number.

A very strong ensemble creates the people of Sherwood, Ohio and the students of Westerburg High. Excellent portrayals from the adults in the story, Joshua White, Lucy Ross and Thomas New all delivering strong performances, with Cameron Steens and Benjamin Colley shining as Ram and Kurt’s fathers. The students, Bailey Dunnage, Luke Haberecht, Finn Alexander, Chloe Bremner, Kelsey Boyden and Sarah Brideson, all had unique and recognisable characters.

An eight-piece orchestra provides accompaniment from behind a scrim, under the musical direction of David King. The screen that hides them is used from some quirky projections - which add an element of lightness in a dark, albeit very funny show.

Heathers introduces a very promising crop of final year students, who are already delivering impressive performances. It is almost impossible to get a ticket to this show, but if you can steal one - definitely grab the opportunity. Alternatively, book now to see their upcoming production of 42nd Street.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Jon Green