Lorna Courtney (“& Juliet”) and Casey Likes (“Back to the Future: The Musical”) star in the new Off-Broadway show “Heathers: The Musical,” which officially opened at New World Stages.
It also stars McKenzie Kurtz (“The Heart of Rock & Roll” musical), Olivia Hardy, Elizabeth Teeter, Kerry Butler, Erin Morton, Xavier McKinnon, Cade Ostermeyer, Ben Davis, and Cameron Loyal. This stage production is based on the movie that was written by Daniel Waters.
The music, book and lyrics are by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy. It was expertly directed by Andy Fickman.
The cast is able to take us back to September of 1989, where they are high school students attending Westerberg High School in Ohio.
Their academic institution is terrorized by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing junta: three different Heathers (Heather Chandler, Heather Duke, and Heather McNamara), the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio.
Misfit Veronica Sawyer (Lorna Courtney) rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark sexy stranger J.D. (Casey Likes), who plans to put the Heathers in their place — six feet under.
Lorna Courtney is a strong female lead who is able to showcase her tremendous vocal range throughout the show.
McKenzie Kurtz is sassy and hilarious as “mean girl” Heather Chandler, in the same fashion that she was memorable in “The Heart of Rock and Roll.”
Elizabeth Teeter is effervescent as Heather McNamara while Olivia Hardy is just as appealing as the feisty Heather Duke.
Casey Likes commands each scene he is in as J.D. and it is neat to watch him explore the different dimensions of his character…. he can be loving, manipulative, and vindictive all in one. He will never make you see 7-Eleven the same way again… His song “Freeze Your Brain” is quite the earworm.
Tony nominee Kerry Butler is sensational in the dual roles of Ms. Fleming and Veronica’s mom. Erin Morton is a revelation as she pulls off an endearing performance as Martha Dunnstock.
Xavier McKinnon and Cade Ostermeyer provide comic relief as varsity jocks Ram Sweeney and Kurt Kelly respectively and eye candy for the ladies (especially when they are dressed in their blue briefs and white socks).
Tony Honoree Ben Davis and Cameron Loyal portray three different characters (such as educators, coaches, and various parents) each and they both nail their diverse roles.
“‘Heathers: The Musical’ was a fun-fueled and magical musical adventure,” said Dar Dowling, New World Stages attendee.
The Verdict
Overall, “Heathers: The Musical” is lighthearted, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining. This dark comedy is witty and heartfelt as it raises awareness on such serious topics bullying, school violence, peer pressure, and suicidal ideation.
Anybody who has ever been in high school, in love, or in trouble can relate to its theme.
Aside from being a cohesive group effort, each of the main actors is given their own musical number, which gives them the chance to shine individually.
The fight scenes were well-choreographed as well, and the musical score is stirring and resonant.
At this show, the audience was loud and passionate; moreover, it’s the feel-good escapism we all need, especially in these trying times that the world is going through. This uplifting Off-Broadway musical garners four out of five stars.
To learn more about “Heathers: The Musical,” visit its official homepage.
