Drama league musical to go off with a bang – quite literally
In an effort for realism in the upcoming season of Heathers: The Musical, a Timaru theatre will see a replica starting pistol fired on stage.
The South Canterbury Drama League production is an adaption of a teen black comedy movie Heathers from 1989. It is about a clique of girls at high school named Heather with the broader theme of the angst teenagers endure wanting to fit in.
Production manager Mark Lowen said using the pistol was all about creating an illusion.
‘‘We’re wanting to create the illusion, so the audience feel they are watching something real.’’
Lowen said the pistol owner could not allow the replica gun to be in anyone else’s possession without the police being notified. Also, the theatre wanted to ensure the sound of gunshots during performances would not alarm neighbours and prompt them to report it to police.
‘‘We don’t want the armed offenders squad turning up in the middle of a show,’’ Lowen said.
‘‘It would add to the excitement, but the musical is exciting enough as it is.’’
He said to get the ‘‘intensity of feeling’’ of the play, it needed to be as realistic as possible.
‘‘It [pistol] is very realistic. It has a hollow barrel and replicates the firing of a bullet.’’
During recent rehearsals the gun had been fired a few times to get the cast used to the sound.
‘‘We have solid concrete walls, so I think it is unlikely to be heard. A car exhaust would probably make more noise.’’
Audiences will be warned of the gunshot.
Heathers: The Musical runs from May 14 to 29 at The Playhouse in Church St, Timaru. Tickets can be purchased through iTicket.