Heathers The Musical will run from August 13 to August 23 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
(445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, Florida). The play is based on the classic 1989 film. Westerberg High is
ruled by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing trio of Heathers, (Lindsey Wells, Jillian
Gizzi, and Caroline Drage ) the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit
Veronica Sawyer (Nicole Visco) rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark
and sexy stranger J.D., (Thomas Sanders) who plans to put the Heathers in their place.
The dress rehearsal I attended was delayed by about an hour as microphone headsets were adjusted and other tech issues were resolved. All the actors sat on stage waiting to rehearse the one large group number in the show. I recognized actress Ally Gursky who performed as Veronica’s childhood friend, Martha Dunnstock who became the butt of the Heathers ruthless jokes. Although not popular, Martha breathed hope into the otherwise sinister student body.
The musical numbers were fun and lively although not particularly memorable. During a sound check, Nicole was asked to sing and someone on the crew shouted out, “Little Mermaid”! She began singing as Ariel and I wondered if she played the Disney Character by day. The Heathers were as ruthless as their fashion tastes. When they first entered the entire student body moved in slow motion to watch their bold strutting. The set was painted in colors that were as bright as the Heathers red, yellow and green suits and skirts. Murdered students would return to haunt Veronica bathed in a green spotlight.
High school students might do anything for their first love but Veronica’s boyfriend goes too far for an all consuming love. Veronica finally regains her morals after becoming as ruthless and mean as the Heathers.
Show runs August 13 to August 23 at various times.
Tickets start at $15.73
Ticket prices include 6.5% sales tax
Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater in The Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, Florida