“Heathers: The Musical” is a high-energy black comedy musical based on the 1989 film of the same name, featuring music, lyrics, and book by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy. The show successfully moved from a sold-out Los Angeles tryout to an Off-Broadway run in 2014. It continued to gain popularity, leading to an Off-West End run in 2018, followed by a limited engagement in the West End later that year.
The musical deals with dark subject matter, touching on bullying, teen suicide, sexual assault, and school violence.
Set in Westerberg High School, the story revolves around 17-year-old Veronica Sawyer, who becomes entangled in the manipulative world of the popular clique, the Heathers, led by the domineering Heather Chandler. After Veronica forges a love letter for Heather Chandler, she starts questioning her decisions when the mysterious newcomer, Jason “J.D.” Dean, criticizes her actions. Despite the warning signs, Veronica finds herself drawn to J.D.
As tensions escalate, Veronica eventually distances herself from the Heathers, leading to tragic consequences. She and J.D. concoct a revenge plan, aiming to take down the school’s jocks by staging their deaths as a fictional double-suicide. However, the plan goes awry, resulting in real deaths and leaving Veronica horrified by J.D.’s actions.
“Heathers: The Musical” is a compelling tale that delves into the complexities of teenage life, relationships, and the consequences of one’s actions. The musical’s dark humor and thought-provoking themes have resonated with audiences, making it a memorable theatrical experience.
At the funeral of Ram and Kurt, Veronica is deeply saddened and contemplates their potential for personal growth (“Prom or Hell?”). Amidst the grief, Ram’s Dad confronts Kurt’s Dad for clinging to homophobic beliefs until a surprising moment occurs – they share a kiss, revealing their own hidden love affair. This confession brings a sense of release, and they all pledge to contribute to a more tolerant world (“My Dead Gay Son”).
Feeling that the murders serve a greater purpose, J.D. urges Veronica to target Heather D. next. However, she refuses, and he opens up about witnessing his mother’s tragic suicide during his childhood, which strained his relationship with his father and led to frequent relocations. Veronica gives J.D. an ultimatum: abandon violence and pursue a normal life with her or lose her forever (“Seventeen”).
J.D. agrees, and they reconcile their differences. Meanwhile, Martha confides in Veronica about her suspicion that J.D. is behind the jock’s murders, using Ram’s “love note” as evidence. Unexpectedly, Veronica, influenced by Heather C.’s ghost, admits to forging the note to embarrass Martha, who runs off in tears.