Director: Mel Martin Musical Director: Kirsty Skomski Choreographer: Stephanie Balsom Producer: Hannah Mooney BlackBox Creative
After a week when the internet was completely overtaken by 80s nostalgia, could there be any show more fitting to see than ‘Heathers: The Musical’?
Based on the cult favourite movie of the same name released in 1989, Heathers tells the tale of Veronica Sawyer (Emily Costello) who infiltrates the most popular and ruthless clique at Westerberg High, the Heathers. Heather Chandler (Sarah Coleman), Heather Duke (Mikayla Williamson) and Heather McNamara (Libby Turner) rule the school with an evil viciousness. Veronica becomes infatuated with the new boy J.D. (Ben Wilson), and what follows is a dive into bullying, drugs, drinking, suicide, depression, and murder.
All the stereotypes were represented amongst the students – the outcast (Cailyn Eccles), the jocks (Patrick Ward and Nick Hall), the young republican (Sherrie Roue-Walker), the hipster dork (Memphis Ward), the new wave girl (Deanna Young), the stoner chick (Jessica Eyeington), the preppy stud (Joseph Morcom), and the beleaguered geek (Jack Turner). The multiple adult roles were played by Nathan Smith, Nick Bourchier and Maria Eaton.
Costello took the role of Veronica in her stride, delivering a solid performance supported by a young and enthusiastic cast. Opposite Costello, Wilson was captivating and creepy and did his story arc justice. One disappointment (in the original creation of the musical) was that there was no opportunity to applaud Wilson for his show-stopping and intense performance of ‘Meant To Be Yours’ that left the audience breathless.
The arrival of the Heathers was met with loud appreciation, and they moved with precision throughout the show. Coleman’s deliberate and exacting movements and nuances were perfect for the role. Williamson was a brilliant sidekick and played the role of Duke convincingly.
In a show where the hard work across the stage was evident it is difficult to single out an individual. However, it would be remiss of me not to do so. The breakout star of the show was Libby Turner. As McNamara, Turner was exceptional. Her solo ‘Lifeboat’ showcased her exquisite voice, her dance training was evident, and her portrayal of McNamara was impeccable. Turner may only be 16, but her stage presence displayed a superb natural talent for the theatre.
Jacinta Parsons took on the role of costume design and her choices were stunning and entirely era appropriate. Nathan Hancock’s lighting design was clever, Kate Booker’s props were excellent, and Phill Miles revolving set was a fantastic way of providing smooth transitions for scene changes.
Kirsty Skomski’s musical direction was great and there were absolutely no issues with enunciation or vocal fitness.
Stephanie Balsom’s choreography was a high energy fusion of dance styles and she was fortunate to have some brilliant dancers amongst the cast.
Mel Martin has a great knack for conveying humour that lifts the audience above the darkness. The fight scene between J.D and the jocks was hilarious, and later the funeral scene was also fun and entertaining. The set up in the Meteor including a revolving stage, a wide proscenium line and occasional use of the aisle gave Martin plenty of room to tell the story. This layout provided ample opportunities for audience members to feel immersed in the show regardless of where they were seated.
Heathers is BlackBox Creative’s seventh production in the past seven years and phenomenally the entire season had sold out prior to the opening night performance. It’s the little things that BlackBox continue to do well – the voiceover prior to the performance complete with trigger warnings and helpline numbers; the printed collateral; and the opportunities they provide for up and coming actors, dancers, vocalists and backstage crew.
Congratulations, BlackBox Creative on the sellout season.
Disclaimer: Heathers was completely sold out before the opening night performance and therefore before this review was written. I had assisted with show marketing but by 4pm on Friday, my marketing hat was retired. Cheers, Yvonne
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