Heathers the musical is scandalously funny

Heathers the Musical arrived at the Melbourne Art Centre this April to kick off an Australia-New Zealand tour. Mojo News went to see if the production was worth it.

Inspired by the iconic 1988 film starring Winona Ryder, the musical tracks Veronica Sawyer’s climb up Westerberg High’s social hierarchy, before escalating into something darker.

It’s a darkly comical analysis of the teenage experience, spanning the desire for security and popularity, mental health issues and learning to balance morality with impulse.

Spearheaded by screenwriter Kevin Murphy and composer Laurence O’Keefe, in collaboration with GMG Productions, it’s the first time in more than 10 years that Melbourne has been graced with the show.

After highly successful runs on Broadway and the West End, there is no doubt that Heathers has taken the title of a cult classic among musical lovers.

But despite a star-studded line-up featuring some of the best talent that Australia’s theatre scene has to offer, I was apprehensive about going. 

After a couple of poor riffs and a whole lot of bad press around New York’s most recent off-Broadway Heathers production, my expectations were low.

I can happily say that I was pleasantly surprised.

The standout performance for the night has to go to Kiwi-born powerhouse Calista Nelmes, for her work as the ‘mythic b——’, Heather Chandler. 

Previously known for her work in RENT, Nelmes embodies the role, delivering a sharp, vocal performance with the perfect dark comedic timing.

At the core of the show, however, are Emma Caporaso (Veronica Sawyer) and Conor Beaumont (Jason ‘JD’ Dean). 

The chemistry between the two was through the roof, breathing fresh and cheeky life into all their performances, but especially in "Seventeen" and "Dead Girl Walking", where Caporaso and Beaumont lean fully into the production’s provocative edge.

Chemistry cannot be mentioned without bringing up the work of Nic Van Lits and David Cuny, as Kurt Kelly and Ram Sweeney.

The two were crowd favourites, ridiculously laughable, whether they were wreaking havoc in Westerberg High’s cafeteria or haunting Veronica Sawyer in their boxers.

Heather Duke and Heather McNamara (respectively Amelia Rojas and Abigail Sharp) nailed each of their solos, "I Will Never Shut Up Again" and "Lifeboat".

And of course, I can’t go without mentioning one of my personal favourites, "My Dead Gay Son", an incredibly lively and entertaining post-intermission pick-up, performed by Brodie Masini and Ellis Dolan.

While the production largely lands, it isn’t without flaws, such as the occasional mic cut or lighting mishap, which momentarily took away from the value of the show.

Pacing occasionally slipped during songs, particularly in "Meant To Be Yours", where timing issues took away from Beaumont’s incredible vocal performance.

Despite minor technical issues, this Melbourne run of Heathers proves why the show is such a classic, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

The production is sticking around Melbourne until May 9, before departing on a Pacific Tour around Australia and New Zealand.