Review: New Line Theatre's Dark and Outstanding HEATHERS

The 1980's were an interesting time for movies with teen comedy/dramas seemingly appearing everywhere, and one of the most intriguing aspects of these pictures was the absence of many adult characters. The late John Hughes was responsible for several "brat pack" films that established a distinct tone for this genre, but it was near the end of this cycle that director Michael Lehmann and screenwriter Daniel Waters put together something that took those established tropes in an entirely different, and decidedly dark, direction with the movie HEATHERS. The musical version had a run Off-Broadway in 2014, and now you can see it in all its pitch black glory with New Line Theatre's amazing production, which opens their 25th season. Not only is it a fantastic and edgy show, but it also marks their first presentation in their new venue, the Marcelle Theater (lovingly designed by Rob Lippert). This is a dazzling and intense show that features a smartly crafted book and score, courtesy of Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy, as well as an excellent cast and expert direction. This is beyond must-see entertainment. This is an accomplishment you absolutely have to check out. You'll be dazzled by its brilliance, and completely floored by the wonderful performances you'll be witness to.

HEATHERS is set in Westerberg High School, and features the cliques and stereotypical characters that most people my age and older had to deal with growing up, although it's not like these issues have disappeared, schools have just become more of a police state in the way they deal with them. But, this is what Veronica Sawyer encounters as she enters her senior year, and she's disgusted by the factions that bully those who are "different", but also envious, in a way, of the power they wield. Jocks, geeks, hipsters, posers, stoners, and the like are all present, but the queens of the establishment are the "Heathers"; Chandler, Duke and McNamara, who rule the roost with an iron fist. No one escapes their wrath, at least until they discover Veronica's talent for forgery, and make her a member of their group.

Anna Skidis basically carries this show as Veronica Sawyer, since it's her point of view we're privy to, and she delivers superlative work throughout. Skidis has been building a portfolio of outstanding performances for the last couple of years, and this is one of her finest to date. We understand precisely why Veronica would want to be associated with the "Heathers" since it keeps them from ridiculing her mercilessly, at least until she forges a note from one of the jocks inviting her childhood friend, Martha Dunnstock, cruelly referred to as "Martha Dumptruck" by the in-crowd, to the prom. Then, she meets and falls for J.D., very nicely portrayed by Evan Fornachon, the son of a demolition expert, who is fed up with the treatment the bullies dish out, and who helps her get revenge on those who would mistreat others, even though he definitely takes it to the extreme.

Sicily Mathenia is evil incarnate as Heather Chandler, and she's joined by Cameisha Cotton as Heather Duke, and Larissa White as Heather McNamara. Each brings something special to the table with their work. Grace Seidel is excellent as the object of their derision, Martha Dunnstock, and she stops the show with a beautiful rendition of "Kindergarten Boyfriend." Omega Jones (Ram Sweeney) and Clayton Humburg (Kurt Kelly) are also quite good as the jocks, and the hilarious "Blue" is another highlight of a show filled with memorable numbers.

The supporting cast is also top notch and features: Brenda Bass (Young Republicanette), Kevin Corpus (Preppy Stud), Colin Dowd (Hipster Dork), Alex Glow (Beleaguered Geek), Victoria Valentine (Stoner Chick), Lindsey Jones (who pulls double duty as hippie teacher Ms. Fleming and Veronica's Mom), and Joel Hackbarth and Chris Kernan (who each play three different adult roles, and absolutely steal the show with the very amusing "My Dead Gay Son").

Directors Scott Miller and Mike Dowdy do positively superb work guiding this cast. They keep the pace uptempo, and the overall mood has just the right mix of humor and violence that worked so uniquely well in the original film. Jeffrey Richard Carter's music direction is also very well done, making this 80's flavored score vivid and tuneful. Robin Michelle Berger's choreography is excellent, making the most of the space, and Rob Lippert has created a clever scenic design that features some cool pull-outs and multiple levels. Sarah Porter provides the shoulder padded tops and scrunchies that are a fixture for that era, and Kenneth Zinkl's lighting scheme neatly captures each moment with elan. Sue Goldford (conductor/piano), D. Mike Bauer (guitar), Andrew Gurney (bass), Twinda Murry (violin), Clancy Newell (percussion), Harrison Rich (reeds), and Patrick Swan (trumpet) are simply terrific as the band.

Don't miss HEATHERS! New Line Theatre celebrates their silver anniversary with a stand out production of this show, and it continues at The Marcelle Theater through October 24, 2015.

Photo credit: Jill Ritter Lindberg

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