Killer of a musical comedy ‘Heathers’ opens.
Genesius Theatre presents “Heathers The Musical” which opens Friday, April 27, and runs through May 6 at Genesius Theatre, 153 N. 10th St., Reading. Book, music and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe.
“Heathers” is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. But before she can get comfortable atop the high school food chain, Veronica falls in love with the dangerously sexy new kid J.D. When Heather Chandler, the Almighty, kicks her out of the group, Veronica decides to bite the bullet and kiss Heather’s aerobicized ass...but J.D. has another plan for that bullet.
“Heathers” is a theatrical experience that substantively resonates with 2018 youth culture, offering a darkly comedic take on some of the very serious challenges that are confronted in high schools to this very day. The musical is highly topical in today’s terrorism climate especially in light of the tragic Parkland High School mass shooting that took place only a month ago. “Heathers” deals with the very serious issues of bullying, homophobia and high school cliques that were prevalent in 1989, and are still rocking our world today!
“Heathers” is a hilarious, heartfelt, and homicidal new show based on the greatest teen comedy of all time. With its moving love story, laugh-out-loud comedy, and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school, Heathers The Musical has now become a cult classic, like the 1989 film it’s based on!
“This show...evokes a pre“Hunger Games” era when fantasies about teenage revenge could be smaller and didn’t have to involve apocalyptic maneuvers. In a way, this latest incarnation of “Heathers” is to the 1980s what “Grease” was to the 1950s (when it was first staged in the 1970s).” — Ben Brantley, The New York Times.
The Genesius production is directed by Genesius Artistic Director, L J Fecho, music directed by Dara Himes, choreographed by Jericho Joy, with a set design by Zack Spadaccia, light design by Spencer Moss Fecho, costume design by Cathy Miller, hair/makeup design by, Kim Siegel of United Artist Salon and sound design by Albert Garcia of Eko Entertainment, LLC. The set is constructed by John Bigos, Mike Maiers and Betty Gerstner, with scenic art by Marjory Ewald. The show is stage managed by our teen stage manager, Kelsey Malone.
The Genesius production features Mamie Covell, in the classic Winona Ryder film role as Veronica Sawyer and Alex Weaver, in the Christian Slater role of J. D. The Heathers are Caitlin Whelan as Heather Chandler, Cecilia Cooper as Heather McNamara, and Yarilin Chimelis as Heather Duke. Ryan Cunningham portrays Ram, Daniel W. Graf portrays Kurt, and Chloe Ferreri portrays Martha Dunnstock. The adults are portrayed by Simmon Fecho as Miss Flemming, Carl Wolfe as Coach Ripper, and Jeffrey Jones and Principal Gowan.
Show opens Friday, April 27, and runs April 28, 29, May 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Show Times are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s at 3:00 p.m. Ticket cost is Student $17.50, Senior
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