Heathers - Musical Review
The cult phenomenon Heathers The Musical, that has been sweeping across the West End since its London premiere at The Other Palace in June, is drawing to an end following its twelve week engagement at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
After reading countless reviews, following endless social media threads, and close friends raving about the show, I decided to see for myself what the fuss was all about.
Based on the 1989 film staring Winona Ryder, Heathers translates on stage as a musical that is full of energy, humour and passionate performances. The production added another credit to Bill Kenwright’s illustrious catalogue of produced musicals, with Paul Taylor-Mills (In The Heights, Side Show and Eugenius) at the forefront of the project.
The production is made up of several British musical performers; Carrie Hope Fletcher, Jodie Steele, Dominic Andersen, Sophie Isaacs, Jamie Muscato, T’Shan Williams and Chris Patrick Chung.
When entering the auditorium excerpts of popular eighties anthems played out to the audience, which immediately set the scene and placed the audience firmly in that decade. The simplistic set design distinguished the location by the curtain reading ‘Westerberg High School’.
Carrie Hope Fletcher carried the show as the antsy teenage protagonist Veronica Sawyer. Commanding the stage with authority and the required drive and determination that is required for the character her voice carried throughout whilst show showing raw emotion and clear thought processes.
Jamie Muscato’s portrayal of the vindictive and menacing Jason Dean (‘JD for short’) was exemplary, along with the complexity of his character as the plot developed ending in an intensive climax. His charm and darkness makes you fall in love with him instantly.
Muscato executed the duet numbers “Freeze You’re Brain”, “I am Damaged” and “Meant to Be Yours” with a gripping performance and for me was the highlight of the evening. A stand out performance, particularly in the duet numbers “Dead Girl Walking”, “Our Love is God” displaying great skill and conviction in the lyrics.
The three prominent figureheads of the story are the Heathers themselves, played by Jodie Steele, T’Shan Williams and Sophie Isaacs. Each providing quirky and unique personality features to the roles. Jodie takes on the role of the helmed Heather Chandler with sublime vocals whilst maintaining the character’s continuous desire to hurt and humiliate others. Sophie Isaacs plays the timid Heather McNamara displaying gentle vocal tones, her solo number “Lifeboat” had me in tears, and the song resonates well in today’s society with mental health issues. The new solo number given to Heather Duke “Never Shut Up Again” gives soul and an attitude to the character.
Dominic Andersen and Chris Chung make the perfect comedy duo providing top class humour as the high school jock teasing and tormenting fellow cast members; the comedy became infectious in their duet number “You’re Welcome” playing up with mannerisms as they attempt to seduce the naïve Veronica. This marked another highlight within the production.
Honourable mentions must go to the secondary principles that multi rolled at times making it difficult to make a connection with the characters. Jenny O’ Leary, John Boydon, Nathan Amzi and ensemble members, Lauren Drew, Charlotte Jaconelli, Olivia Moore, Brandon Lee Sears, John Lumsden, Alex James-Hatton, Merryl Annash. Providing background vocals and energy in the numbers Beautiful" "Shine A Light", "Big Fun" and "Candy Store" .
Heathers: The Musical runs until Saturday 24th November 2018 at The Theatre Royal Haymarket, London. A cast recording is scheduled to be released before the end of the year, just in time for Christmas.