By DANIEL SHOCK
A Seat on the Aisle
One of the joys of parenthood, for me, has been curating my children’s movie education. Heathers has a special place – a raw, darkly funny tale of teenage life that I introduced when they were on the brink of adulthood themselves.
The movie Heathers was released on March 31, 1989 – the same year that I graduated from high school and started college. I don’t know if I have ever been more perfectly positioned to love a movie as I was to love that particular one.
Recently, I made my way to The Phoenix Theatre with my 20-year-old daughter Gloria. We were there to witness a unique blend of past and present: Eclipse’s production of Heathers: The Musical – Laurence O’Keefe’s and Kevin Murphy’s stage adaptation of the film Heathers, which earned two Drama Desk nominations in 2014. As part of the Summer Stock Stage, the Eclipse program has been nurturing young artists since 2017, infusing the Indianapolis theatre scene with refreshing energy and creativity.
In the seemingly average Westerberg High School of 1989, 17-year-old Veronica Sawyer (Taryn Feuer) finds herself navigating the treacherous waters of social hierarchy. Veronica’s old friend, Martha Dunnstock (Kallie Ann Tarkleson), suffers at the hands of the school’s jocks, Ram Sweeney (DaSean McLucas) and Kurt Kelly (Hayden Elefante), while the school is reigned over by the notorious Heathers: the submissive Heather McNamara (Kha’Lea Wainwright), the image-conscious and insecure Heather Duke (Micah Friedman), and the queen bee, Heather Chandler (Isabella Agresta). Veronica’s knack for forgery earns her a place in their inner circle, providing a front-row seat to the harsh realities of teenage life.
The arrival of the enigmatic and rebellious Jason “J.D.” Dean (Charlie Steiner) stirs the pot further. His cryptic remarks and dismissive attitude toward the school’s social structure captivate Veronica. Their relationship intensifies, leading them down a dark path that tests their morality and loyalty. Their actions shake the school to its core, amplifying the complexities of teenage angst and societal pressures.
Jason “J.D.” Dean (played by Charlie Steiner) in a scene with Veronica Sawyer (Taryn Feuer). (Photo by Zach Rosing)
As the school reels from the aftermath of Veronica and J.D.’s choices, the remaining characters grapple with the consequences. The adults, portrayed by Eric J. Olson and Jared McElroy, are largely oblivious to the turmoil, while Ms. Fleming (Emily Ristine), a guidance counselor, tries her best to mediate the escalating tensions. An unexpected shift in power, brewing resentments, and escalating tensions lead to a series of confrontations, revealing hidden layers and ugly truths.
Movie-to-stage adaptions are not a sure thing. Would the dark satire translate to the stage? Could the cast capture the iconic vibe of the original? I need not have worried. I was blown away by the show’s performance. It wasn’t just a faithful adaptation of a beloved film; it was an engaging experience that expanded upon the story and actually improved it.
Taryn Feuer as Veronica and Charlie Steiner as J.D. were fantastic in the lead roles. Feuer’s Veronica was simultaneously vulnerable and determined; her rendition of “Seventeen” and “Dead Girl Walking” were both moving in their longing and resignation. Steiner’s J.D. brought an engaging complexity to his brooding bad boy role, particularly in “Brain Freeze,” effectively embodying the enigmatic rebel.
The three Heathers – Isabella Agresta, Micah Friedman, and Kha’Lea Wainwright – were absolute show stealers. They electrified as soon as they made their entrance … attitudes and costumes were on point! Their performances of “Candy Store,” “Never Shut-Up Again,” and “Lifeboat,” respectively, were some of the brightest spots in the show, delivering on the vicious charm and multifaceted personalities of their characters.
(From left) Veronica Sawyer (played by Taryn Feuer) joins the Heathers – Heather McNamara (Kha’Lea Wainwright), Heather Chandler (Isabella Agresta), and Heather Duke (Micah Friedman). (Photo by Zach Rosing)
The endearing Martha Dunnstock, brought to life by Kallie Ann Tarkleston, was a heartfelt performance that tugged at the heartstrings. Her number, “Kindergarten Boyfriend,” was a standout moment of vulnerability and resilience.
Emily Ristine portrayed the well-meaning but obliviously inappropriate Ms. Fleming with a perfect balance of comedy and sincerity. Hayden Elefante and DaSean McLucas excelled as the detestable jocks Kurt and Ram, bringing the right mix of absurdity and menace. Eric J. Olson and Jared McElroy’s rendition of “My Dead Gay Son” was another moment of comic perfection.
The ensemble, including Cora Lucas, Ben Holland, Elijah Baxter, Olivia Broadwater, and Jane Kaefer, was first rate. Each contributed to success of the whole. I loved watching their faces when they were not the center of attention because they were engaged and contributing at all times.
Heathers: The Musical was a stunning production that lived up to, and perhaps even surpassed, the movie. The cast made it their own. I will not soon forget the experience of this show.
Director Maria Amenàbar Farias, in collaboration with her production team, has created a memorable experience in Heathers: The Musical. Choreographer Sean Blake, Costume Designer Allison Jones, Sound Designer Zach Rosing, Music Director Jericho Hughes, Set Designer Nick Kilgore, and Lighting Designer Tim Dick have all contributed to this compelling rendition. The standout elements were undoubtedly the costuming and the inventive lighting design which showcased the iconic “Heathers Colors.”
(From left) Kurt Kelly (played by Haden Elefante), Veronica Sawyer (Taryn Feuer), and Ram Sweeney (DaSean McLucas). (Photo by Zach Rosing)
Despite its comedy, Heathers: The Musical explores dark themes with a satirical edge, providing a critical commentary on societal norms and human imperfection. As such, it is intended for a mature audience. The show is not a manual for life but rather an artistic representation that illuminates human flaws and invites audiences to reflect on, and even laugh at, our worst instincts and behaviors.
The production contains adult language, substance abuse, suicide, murder, and bullying themes. These elements, while potentially shocking or upsetting, are crucial to the narrative and its thematic exploration. Hence, viewer discretion is advised to ensure that audiences can appreciate this dark comedy’s intended messages while being aware of its challenging content.
Heathers: The Musical is currently running at The Phoenix Theatre, located at 705 N. Illinois St. in downtown Indianapolis. The show’s schedule and tickets purchases are available by contacting the box office at (317) 635-7529 or online at phoenixtheatre.org/buy-tickets.
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