Let me start today's post by writing these four simple words.
I. Love. Rock. Musicals.
I. Love. Rock. Musicals.
The energy of each song, whether it's from a popular production like "School Of Rock" or lesser-known properties like "We Will Rock You", always manages to jazz me up when I need it the most. Rock musicals are like a drug I'm addicted to and can't escape.
Speaking of drugs, rock and roll, and not escaping, today's show of interest is "Heathers: The Musical". Based on the 1989 film of the same name, "Heathers: The Musical" is a show that I haven't seen a production of. I will gladly admit that. However, I have been listening to the soundtrack on repeat for the past few months and it's a dark and crazy but killer production that I would definitely recommend.
The source material, directed by Michael Lehmann, stars Winona Ryder as Veronica Sawyer, a high school girl wanting to fit in with her peers. She desires to become a member of a group of popular girls known as the Heathers, three girls who wear color-coordinating outfits and all have the name Heather. At the same time, she falls in love with bad boy Jason Dean (Christian Slater), who harbors a dark past and an even darker future.
Jason (or JD) is a bit of a psychopath (actually, a bit is an understatement). He doesn't trust society, despises popular people, and wishes to kill those he doesn't like. One by one, his victims fall to their demise in deaths that are made to look like suicides, and he ends up having a grand plan to blow up the entire school during a pep rally.
Yeah, this movie is really quite dark.
The writers of the musical, Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy, have done a really nice job incorporating the teen angst and dark comedy from the original film. All in all, the musical version of "Heathers" stays remarkably true to the source material.
Another plus side to "Heathers" is the cast. Actress Barrett Wilber Weed was cast as Veronica and Ryan McCartan took on the role of JD. Both do a remarkable job with their roles and can truly sing their hearts out. An example of this is their combined vocals on "Dead Girl Walking".
A different song that showcases the musical's heart is "Meant To Be Yours", another tune sung by Veronica and JD.
The first time I listened to "Meant To Be Yours" was the moment I realized how messed up this musical is.
Here's a lyric from that song:
"Then it hit me like a flash/What if high school went away instead/Those assholes are the key/They're keeping you away from me/They've made you blind, messed up your mind/But I can set you free!"
In conclusion, this musical is incredibly screwed up.
However, that seems to be the point of the whole show: to adapt the source material and make it new. I believe that the cast and crew have stayed true to that creed and made a wonderful piece of entertainment.
However, that seems to be the point of the whole show: to adapt the source material and make it new. I believe that the cast and crew have stayed true to that creed and made a wonderful piece of entertainment.
Honey, whatcha waiting for? Welcome to their candy store.
Do you have an opinion on the musical or movie versions of "Heathers? Does the musical live up to the hype? Is it better than the film? Can you tell that I enjoy movie musicals? If so, then feel free to comment down below!
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