SRU Theatre brings “Heathers” from silver screen to the stage
Madison Wick, a freshman theatre major from Grove City, Keyera Zarembinski, a junior theatre major from Linesville, and Bailey Smoot, a sophomore dual exercise science and theatre major from New Castle star as the “ultimate clique” in Slippery Rock University’s production of “Heathers: The Musical,” opening March 2 in the University Union.
March 1, 2018
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - By her senior year, Veronica Sawyer is exhausted from the bullying that consumes her high school. The tormenting is ruthless, and the school has succumbed to a brutal social hierarchy that is enforced by the oppressors. All she wants is to rise above the drama.
At the top of the school's "food chain" are the Heathers: Heather McNamara, the weak-willed head cheerleader; Heather Duke, a bulimic, personality-lacking head of the yearbook committee; and Heather Chandler, the "mythic bitch queen" of the school. They are the ultimate clique - the most beautiful and popular girls who are admired by the entire student body, through either fear or fame.
When Veronica is adopted into the group after helping the Heathers avoid detention, she instantly acquires special status. She's now part of the most popular clique at her high school. But there is a problem, she disapproves of the other girls' cruel behavior. When Veronica and her boyfriend, J.D., confront clique leader Heather Chandler and accidentally poison her, they make it appear a suicide. Soon Veronica realizes that J.D. is intentionally killing students he does not like. She races to stop J.D. while also clashing with the clique's new leader, Heather Duke.
Three decades after actors Winona Ryder and Christian Slater brought the production to movie theaters, Slippery Rock University's Theatre Department will bring the cult classic to the stage in "Heathers: The Musical."
Written by Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy, the SRU production will open at 7:30 p.m., March 2 in the University Union. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., March 3, 5-8 and 2 p.m., March 4.
"The play is a very dark comedy in which (J.D.] helps Veronica take revenge," said David Skeele, SRU professor of theatre and the musical's director "It begins to go too far and Veronica realizes that it's not the answer she was looking for and has to find a new way to navigate the whole situation."
The production's representation of a brutal high school is geared toward a mature audience, but according to Skeele, it has the potential to "cheerfully offend everyone." The musical explores themes including teen suicide, school violence, bullying, sexuality and body shaming.
Yet despite the severity of the events that take place on stage, the musical is delivered with a healthy dose of humor and comedy.
"There is a certain kind of joy that a college actor gets when they play someone who is going through things that are familiar and relevant to their lives," said Skeele.
Skeele, who has directed more than 40 shows during his tenure at SRU, said the auditions for "Heathers: The Musical" were impressive. "Students came into the auditions knowing every song and every moment; they were very prepared.
"It's a professional-caliber show, with an ace choreographer, vocal and musical directors. It is an amazing experience for a student actor."
The "Heathers: The Musical" cast includes:
-Cassie Blitz, a sophomore theatre major from New Kensington, as Veronica Sawyer.
-Zack Malinak, a senior dual communication and theatre major from Conway, as Jason "J.D." Dean.
-Keyera Zarembinski, a junior theatre major from Linesville, as Heather Chandler.
-Madison Wick, a freshman theatre major from Grove City, as Heather McNamara.
-Bailey Smoot, a sophomore dual exercise science major from New Castle, as Heather Duke.
-Kiersten Hope, a sophomore theatre major from Vero Beach, Florida, as Martha Dunnstock.
-Anthony Sansonetti, a sophomore theatre major from Pittsburgh, as Ram Sweeny.
-Noah Welter, a junior communication major from Freedom, as Kurt Kelly.
-Steven Macdonald, a theatre major from Pittsburgh, as Big Bud Dean.
-Antoine Stribling, a freshman secondary education: English major from Pittsburgh as Coach Ripper/Ram's Dad.
-Jared Lewis, a senior theatre major from Pittsburgh, as Kurt's Dad/Veronica's Dad/Principal Gowan.
-Kristina Streno, a junior theatre major from Eighty Four, as Ms. Fleming/Veronica's Mom.
-Erik Warmbein, a sophomore history major from Pittsburgh, as Boy 1: Beleaguered Geek.
-Frantzi Schaub, a junior theatre major from Slippery Rock, as Boy 2: Preppy Stud.
-Jacob Craig, a senior dual theatre and philosophy major from Monroeville, as Boy 3: Hipster Dork.
-Laura Shope, a sophomore mathematics major from Venetia, as Girl 1: New Wave Girl
-Victoria Homschek, a senior dual dance and theatre major from Aliquippa, as Girl 2: Stoner Chick.
-Hayley Johnson, a freshman theatre major from Erie, as Girl 3: Young Republican..
- Riley Smith a sophomore dual dance and business major from Monroeville, as Girl 4: Majorette
Tickets, priced at $12 for students and $15 for the general public, are available for purchase at the door. A March 3 "Community Night" performance will offer all seats for $12.
MEDIA CONTACT: Autumn Harth | 724.738.2091 | ash1010@sru.edu