Walters State’s Department of Music and Drama took a big risk when it decided to take on the dark comedy, “Heathers: The Musical.” The risk pays off for audiences.
This is the last weekend of the production, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The play is based on the 1988 cult classic film, “Heathers.” Fans will be glad to know that the production stays true to the movie. The production is also a tribute to everything we liked about the 80s – shoulder pads, attitudes and big hair. This play is for mature audiences only due to the language and adult situations.
Jessica Witte shines as Veronica, a high school student invited to join a group of mean girls that literally rule the high school, the Heathers. Delaney Quaderer, Dani Tower and Rebekah Frith are so good at being mean that people in front rows might actually be scared of their wrath during a few scenes.
Taylor Talley is cast as J.D. Dean; Matt Byrd plays Ram Sweeney; and Logan McGinnis plays Kurt Kelly. With the play’s strong female voice, it would be easy for these characters to get lost, but they don’t. The acting abilities displayed on the Walters State stage goes far beyond the years of the actors.
One of the reasons director TJ Kent chose this play is that it shows off the voices of many students, and the musical features over 20 songs.
These songs convey key parts of the dialogue. Others convey the inner thoughts of characters. The songs are one of the reasons this play is for mature audiences only.
The student performers never miss a note. The powerful voices of these college students fill the theatre and, at times, leave audience members wanting another verse.
This shouldn’t be a surprise, knowing that Laura Ritter, assistant dean of humanities at the college, is the show’s music director.
The play’s unpredictable ending defies the somewhat rowdy nature of most of the production.
The scene is genuinely touching, tying up many of the plot’s hanging questions and bringing star needed resolution to star characters.
The ending makes this play one of the more emotional ones produced locally in a while. Audience members literally laugh and cry.
This play deals with many issues that have caused teenage angst for generations – the need to fit in, sexuality, thoughts of suicide and violence.
Walters State’s counseling staff will be available after each performance should anyone need to talk about issues brought up in the play.
The cost of the play is $12 for general admission, $10 for senior citizens and $5 for students.
The box office opens one hour in advance of the play.
