School District 71 presents Heathers, the musical – the high school version - March 6 to 10 at Vanier Secondary.
Heathers, the musical is an adaptation of 1980s cult film starring Wynona Ryder.
The film was turned into a stage musical, which sold out in Los Angeles and played off-Broadway in 2014. The musical quickly gained its own cult status, with audiences returning again and again.
Heathers holds a twisted mirror up to teenage society, and while a comedy, deals with heavier issues such as bullying, violence, and suicide. The musical is praised for being true to the original film while benefiting from songs and some of its own original additions to the story.
Heathers, the musical, with its wonderful music, dark humour, and reflection of high school life, was a tremendous hit with teenagers so it wasn’t long before high schools began showing a great deal of interest in producing it. The catch was, however, the show, as written, was not at all appropriate due to the language and content.
The creative team wanted to make this show available to high schools so they found a way to make the necessary adjustments without compromising the strengths of the show. It premiered in 2016.
School District 71 was eager to produce this well-loved show and offer the chance for students to be a part of sharing it with audiences.
What are the students enjoying about the experience?
Piper Frawley says she most enjoys “getting to work with an amazing cast and crew.”
Jasmin Newsom is on the same page, saying her favourite aspect of working on the show is “definitely working with all the amazing people.” She explains that “everyone is so kind and generous and you definitely make lifelong friends.”
Gracie MacLaughlin believes that “many people can relate to the things that are going on in Heathers such as bullying and just trying to survive high school.”
Heathers the musical, will be the third musical collaboration between the three high schools in the Valley, following Seussical at Highland last year and Footloose at Isfeld the year before.
Shows are at 7 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday with an additional matinee March 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the evening shows and $10 for the matinee and are available at Highland, Vanier, Isfeld, and at Benjamin Moore.