2014 Off-Broadway Production (Chad Batka)
March 31, 2024. Dear Diary:
This day marks 10 years since Heathers The Musical’s explosive off-Broadway premiere! After a sold-out tryout in Los Angeles, Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe’s stage adaptation of the classic 1989 film solidified its cult status at New World Stages in 2014. The musical went on to play in the West End and on other global stages, earning an even larger devoted fan base over the past decade.
To celebrate the anniversary, explore these 10 fun facts about Heathers The Musical (US/UK)!
1. “Who’s that with Heather?”
While Barrett Wilbert Weed and Ryan McCartan are known for originating the roles of Veronica Sawyer and Jason Dean off-Broadway in 2014, they weren’t the first to sing some of these famous tunes. The show’s first Los Angeles readings in 2009 featured Kristen Bell as Veronica Sawyer. In 2010, Heathers was performed as a star-studded concert at Joe’s Pub in NYC, featuring Annaleigh Ashford and Jeremy Jordan as the show’s damaged duo.
2. “Heather, Heather, Heather and… Someone!”
But they weren’t the last unexpected names to take on these characters. A 2018 concert performance of Heathers at NYC’s 54 Below featured Ingrid Michaelson and Will Chase in the show’s starring roles – as well as Jan Sport, Lagoona Bloo and Rosé from Stephanie’s Child as the Heathers.
Watch Michaelson and Chase sing “17” below!
3. “Your love’s too good to lose.”
Countless talented cast, crew and creative team members joined Heathers The Musical on its journey from the US to the UK, but one man was there through it all – director Andy Fickman! Joining his Reefer Madness (US/UK) collaborator Kevin Murphy for Heathers in the show’s beginning stages, Fickman would go on to direct the show in Los Angeles, New York and in London – including the show’s stage capture, now available to stream on the Roku Channel.
4. “Jesus Christ… I’m bigger than John Lennon!”
Heathers’ 2018 London premiere at The Other Palace was the best-selling show of all time at the off-West End venue, selling 19,000 tickets before its West End transfer. A “homecoming” revival brought the show back to The Other Palace for a limited run in 2023.
2014 Off-Broadway Production (Chad Batka)
5. “Shine a Light!”
The West End production was awarded Best Musical and Best Actress in a Musical (Carrie Hope Fletcher as Veronica) at the 2019 WhatsOnStage Awards. The original off-Broadway production received two Drama Desk nominations (Outstanding Music and Outstanding Actress in a Musical) and two Lucille Lortel nominations (Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical and Outstanding Choreography). How very!
6. “Dad says ‘act your age.’ You heard the man, it’s time to rage!”
Heathers The Musical has a Teen Edition (US/UK)! This version is adjusted for younger Corn Nuts to perform, but is as darkly delicious as the original.
7. “We had the power to change things.”
Heathers has gone through many changes from its off-Broadway debut to its West End premiere, including swapping “Blue” for “You’re Welcome” from the Teen Edition. This song gives Veronica’s character more agency as she faces a dangerous situation: “In ‘Blue,’ Veronica says about three words total,” said Murphy and O’Keefe. “In ‘You’re Welcome’ she gets to articulate her fear and her dilemma, and then she gets to solve her problem and score a victory over her tormentors.” Listen to “You’re Welcome” below!
8. “Move… this my song!”
“You’re Welcome” is not the only new song to appear on the West End cast recording: “Never Shut Up Again” and “I Say No” provide powerful new numbers for the characters of Heather Duke and Veronica. Check out the album for the full updated score!
9. “I’m kinda looking forward to being on TV.”
Heathers The Musical has two connections to the Archie comics. CW show Riverdale, based on the comic series, featured a Heathers musical episode in its third season. The episode’s plot was told through the songs of Heathers, sung by the TV show’s cast members – including KJ Apa, Casey Cott, Camila Mendes, Vanessa Morgan, Madelaine Petsch, Lili Reinhart and Cole Sprouse. Coincidentally, the character of Veronica Lodge, along with Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’s Tom Sawyer, is Veronica Sawyer’s namesake!
10. “We’ll teach the world to love!”
Heathers has traveled beyond the US and UK! Productions have taken place around the world, including Australia, Argentina, Brazil and Ireland. We hope they all have a 7-Eleven.
Visit the Concord Theatricals website to license Heathers The Musical (US/UK) and Heathers The Musical: Teen Edition (US/UK).
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