Maggie and her friend went to see Heathers the Musical last night (10/09), and here is her review...
Before I get into it, let it be known that I have never watched any version of Heathers so this was my first experience and I can confidently say I love Heathers now!
Heathers The Musical delivered a thrilling night of dark humour, catchy tunes, and an all-round high-energy performance. I went into the show blindly, not even knowing what the storyline was about. My friend and I were introduced to Veronica Sawyer, a high school student trying to navigate her way through the savage hierarchy at ‘Westerberg High’ and the Heathers (of course!), a trio that basically run the school.
The lead actress who played Veronica brought so much depth to her character, balancing the role of quick wit with moments of pure vulnerability. The vocals were powerful and showcased a lot of talent in emotional numbers like ‘Seventeen’ and ‘Dead Girl Walking’, we are highly impressed by the range.
The portrayal of JD was electric. The actor really captured the character’s charm, menace, and descent into madness with ease. The mystery of him was carried along for the perfect amount of time in my opinion. It made finding out about his background and story all the more meaningful, not to mention his chemistry with Veronica was undeniable, particularly in their duet “Our Love is God,” which I found invoked both tension and tenderness.
The Heathers themselves were clearly a force to be reckoned with. Heather Chandler was commanding and ruthless, and the performer effortlessly delivered the character’s razor-sharp one-liners. The performers who played Heather Duke and McNamara also brought depth to their characters, particularly in their solos, “Never Shut Up Again” and “Lifeboat,” where they showcased the layers beneath their mean-girl personas.
Adding a much-needed dose of comic relief to the otherwise dark storyline were Kurt and Ram, the high school jocks, portrayed with hilarious bravado. Their over-the-top antics, particularly in the uproarious song "Blue," brought a burst of laughter to the audience. The duo’s exaggerated (toxic) masculinity, cluelessness, and misguided attempts to woo Veronica offer light-hearted moments that contrast with the heavier themes of the show. Their presence injects slapstick humour into the narrative, making the scenes with Kurt and Ram a delightful, laugh-out-loud spectacle.
The set design was simple yet effective, with bright, neon-lit backdrops and props that capture the high school setting. The way the cast changed the stage throughout the show was nothing but impressive. Every change really felt like we were in the location with them, we totally forgot it was a stage! The costumes, especially for the Heathers, are iconic, with the signature colour-coded blazers bringing a sense of familiarity for fans of the original film (yes, audience members came in Heather costumes and it was amazing!). The lighting design also plays a key role in enhancing the mood, particularly in the more intense scenes, where darker tones and shadows heighten the tension, I could literally feel goosebumps anytime the tension rose. The set and music played a huge part in that.
Heathers The Musical was a wild, yet entertaining ride filled with biting humour, memorable performances, and a touch of darkness. It’s a show that kept us on our toes, making us laugh one moment and gasp the next, sometimes with my hand over my mouth. I think fans of the original film will love the faithful adaptation, while newcomers, like myself, will be drawn in by the energy and talent on display. For those looking for a night of theatre that’s equal parts fun and thought-provoking, Heathers The Musical is not to be missed. A must-see for anyone who loves a musical with an edge.
Performances: Tuesday, September 10 to Saturday, September 14
Tickets: From £15*
General bookings: 0844 871 7615*
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Access bookings: 0800 912 6971
Online booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*
