Heathers The Musical tickets

By: Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, adapted from the screenplay by Daniel Waters
Songs by: Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe
Director: Andy Fickman
Choreography: Gary Lloyd, with additional choreography by Stephanie Klemons
Cast list: Isabella Esler (as Veronica Sawyer), John Cardoza (as J.D.), Zan Berube (as Heather Chandler), Jackera Davis (as Heather Duke), Ava DeMary (as Heather McNamara), Jeannette Bayardelle (as Ms. Fleming/Veronica’s Mom), Aniya Thompson (as Martha Dunnstock), Chris Marsh Clark (as Ram Sweeney), Cade Ostermeyer (as Kurt Kelly), Adam Bashian (as Ram’s Dad/Big Bud Dean/Coach Ripper), Jimmy Ray Bennett (as Kurt’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Principal Gowan)
Sets: David Shields
Costumes: David Shields and Siena Zoë Allen
Lighting: Ben Cracknell
Sound: Dan Samson
Other info: Music supervision by Will Joy, music direction by Mona Seyed-Bolorforosh, associate direction by Taylor Haven Holt, hair design by Caitlin Molloy, fight direction by Lisa Connell, intimacy coordination by Rebecca Reaney

Heathers is a dark musical comedy that’s, in wonderful and campy ways, partly a satire of high school life. This comes as no surprise looking at the creators, Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, who have created high-octane hits like Legally Blonde, Bat Boy, and Reefer Madness. Like those shows, Heathers showcases young characters contending with the pains of adolescence and growing up. The musical, like the movie, does not shy away from heavier material: suicide, mental health, body image issues, and drug use are all addressed.

Nonetheless, there are many laughs along the way — and hit songs like “Seventeen,” “Lifeboat,” and “Freeze Your Brain.”. A precursor to the film Mean Girls (and its subsequent stage show), Heathers was ahead of its time as a late-80s film that continues to resonate with young audiences today. London Theatre raved, “This musical has the power to tap into all of the tempestuous emotions associated with being a teenager.”

The Heathers musical first premiered in 2013 in Los Angeles before running off Broadway the following year. This new production originated in 2018 in London's West End before going on to have two national tours and an encore engagement in the West End.

What to watch for

• One line from the movie — "I don't patronize bunny rabbits" — was cut from the musical until Winona Ryder saw the show in L.A. and asked that it be added back in. It's remained in every major production since!
• One character, Ms. Fleming, ad-libs a section of the song "Shine a Light" at every performance, and it's different every night.
• In various scenes, the ensemble appears in white robes and 3-D glasses, a direct nod to the costuming in a key scene from the movie.
• One scene takes place in a cow pasture dubbed "Lehmann's Farm," a nod to Heathers film director Michael Lehmann.
• The original film starred Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker, and Penelope Milford.

Important information

• This production uses loud sound effects including gun shots.
• This production uses theatrical haze and smoke.
• Strobe or flashing lights are used in this production.
• Contains strong language and mature themes including murder, suicide, sexual violence and references to eating disorders. Audience discretion is advised.
• Children under 4 years old will not be admitted.
• No weapons permitted on the premises. No outside food or beverages, electric scooters, e-bikes, or battery-powered transportation devices, except when medically necessary.
• All items are subject to inspection. Anything brought into the theatre must fit on your lap or completely under your seat without blocking any aisles. Avoid bringing packages, luggage, and backpacks. Some items must be checked.
• The use of cameras, cell phones, and other recording devices during the show is strictly prohibited by law, except when used for accessibility services.