BWW Blog: Sarah Kleist - HEATHERS the (Feminist) Musical

In recent years, theatre has seen a resurgence of musicals that align with some of the ideals of third wave feminism; HEATHERS by Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy is one of those musicals. I love this show for many reasons; the catchy music, not to mention the hilarious book-but what I love most about this show is its progressive representation of femininity and sexuality. In an era where Donald Trump is the Republican candidate, this show is extremely important.

Heathers tells the story of Veronica Sawyer, a nerd who gets a makeover and joins the most powerful clique in school. When Veronica falls in love with a dangerously "woke" new kid named JD, the whole social structure of the school is affected; and also maybe some lives. While there are too many instances of feminism in HEATHERS to name (and you should just come see White Plains Performing Arts Center's production opening on October 14th) here are three reasons HEATHERS is one of my favorite feminist musicals:

1.) Veronica subverts the "scared virgin" trope.

You've seen it, we've all seen it. Dead Girl Walking is perhaps one of the baddest bitch contemporary musical theatre songs of all time. Between the screlted high G sharp and lyrics like "slap me / pull my hair / touch me there and there and there", Veronica is nothing less than sex positive. With that said, we most often see sex-perienced characters sing this kind of thing; alternatively, one of Veronica's next lines following the song is: "By the way... you were my first."

2.) The Heathers are idealized for their iron will, not their flawlessness.

Though they are fierce, and though we put them on a pedestal, the Heathers are not perfect - and they don't pretend to be. Even our nerdy protagonist Veronica Sawyer looks up to them for their "teflon"-like confidence. These girls are the queens of a kingless kingdom, and Westerberg High School falls to shambles in Act Two when one of them disappears. But contrary to media's representation of "popularity", the Heathers are more than just their looks; they are power.

3.) The girls get to live and learn lessons.

I won't spoil it, but a lot of people die; and the characters left alive are that of the female variety. And not only that, but they get to learn something. Veronica becomes a social justice icon for Westerberg High School and lives happily ever after without a man. Martha and the remaining Heathers learn a little something about body positivity. And Westerberg High School lives in harmony, thanks to the vocal stylings of Mrs. Flemming, who brings the students together in an 11 o'clock number called Shine.

In summary, the female characters of HEATHERS the Musical take charge in every way, shape, and form. Laurence O'Keefe has done an excellent job at creating complex, empowered characters that go far beyond the archetypes of musical theatre. So, honey, whatcha waitin' for? Haul your ass to White Plains Performing Arts Center mid-October for some screlting and progressivism.

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