A spin-off of a cult classic film will be introduced to a new generation with the run of “Heathers: The Musical” beginning Friday.
The Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre, or HEART, is presenting the award-winning dark but comedic musical at the East Hawaii Cultural Center in Hilo for three weekends.
Popularity becomes a matter of life and death in “Heathers: The Musical,” written by Daniel Waters, as it follows the turbulent plot similar to the 1989 movie with the addition of more humor, singing, dancing and satire.
The relatively new musical was first produced in Los Angeles in 2013 before it played off-Broadway in 2014 and in London in 2018.
“The show, much like the iconic film it is based on, is known for its sharp satire on high school life, social hierarchies and teenage angst,” said Larry Reitzer, the show’s director. “It cleverly tackles the trials of high school life, navigating themes of popularity, bullying, teen suicide, and murder with sharp wit, punchy songs and an unforgettable story.”
In HEART’s production, Veronica Sawyer, played by Aleah Kay, is unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three popular, beautiful and cruel Heathers — played by Meili Aspen, Jessica Smith and Zoi Nakamura.
Things become complicated when she meets J.D., played by Jason Aiwohi-Tomlin, the mysterious new kid who takes revenge to the next level — about six feet under.
“The musical takes audiences on a wild, twisted ride, propelled by witty songs, fun dance numbers and a unique, biting, and darkly comedic script that is an irreverent, satirical look at the perils of fitting in, the pressures of adolescence, and the fine line between normalcy and chaos,” Reitzer said.
“We wanted to step up our choreography and performances after ‘Chicago,’ so I’m excited to show audiences all of our hard work,” he added. “There is so much going on, and it’s our biggest set yet, so it will be a great time.”
Rounding out the main cast are Maya Polloi as Martha, Pomai Longakit at Ms. Fleming, Chris Kocian as Ram Sweeny and Dane Dupre as Kurt Kelly.
Nick Souza and Reitzer are producing the show with stage manager Tiari Fa‘agataand and Kevin Maeda as production supervisor.
The crew also is stacked with talent with musical direction by Damien Stack, vocal direction and digital orchestra design by Josh Payne, choreography by Aiwohi-Tomlin and Nakamura, scene design by Bob McWhirk, costumes by Mahina Bell, lighting by Tori Matsumoto and sound by Jordan Ancheta.
“Heathers” involves sensitive subject matter, so parental guidance is suggested, with an age recommendation of 14 years old and older.
The show also will have loud noises including gunshots, flashing lights, fog and strong language.
The show will open on the second floor of the East Hawaii Cultural Center on Friday and will run for the next two weekends until Sunday, Oct. 6. Performances will begin at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays.
After “Heathers” closes, Reitzer and HEART will be preparing for the auditions for its next show, which will have a much different tone.
Auditions for Arthur Miller’s “From Under the Bridge” will be from 6 p.m to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, and Thursday, Nov. 9, at EHCC in Hilo.
For more information about HEART and to purchase tickets, visit hearthilo.org/tickets.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
