Theatre students to deliver killer comedy in Heathers: The Musical
CQUniversity Bachelor of Theatre students are gearing up for their final production of 2024 - a celebration of best friends, social trends and occasional murder.
And guest director Shaun McCallum says the issues it tackles have never been more current.
Heathers: The Musical will be performed at CQU’s Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in Mackay across 18-20 October 2024.
The original 1988 film starred Winona Ryder, Christian Slater and the late Shannen Doherty. Its characters and themes followed the tradition of John Hughes' 1980s teen brat pack films: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candles.
Heathers: The Musical is a 2014 adaptation, by Laurence O’Keefe, Kevin Murphy and Andy Fickman, and tells the same classic American high school story: brainy and beautiful new girl Veronica is keen to befriend the three Heathers – the hottest clique in the high school. She also befriends the broody new guy, JD.
The Heathers let Veronica into the clique when they discover her talent for copying anyone’s handwriting – a desirable skill when it comes to faking permission notes and slips for being out of class. But as she becomes closer to JD, he has more sinister intentions for Veronica’s talent.
Brisbane-based director Shaun McCallum brings his rich experience as a director, producer, actor and coach to Mackay for the production. His past credits include Spamalot, All Shook Up, We Will Rock You, and Godspell.
“Heathers: The Musical walks a fine line between comedy and drama. The themes are heavy but the experiences that these complex and nuanced characters go through are universal,” Mr McCallum said.
“Although I have produced Heathers before, I haven't worked with these students who bring their own sensibilities, knowledge and lived experiences to the show. That keeps it fresh and exciting.
“What's enticing about this show, and what I believe is the reason the students campaigned so hard to tell this story, is that Heathers sits in that morally grey area. It's an opportunity to play out a revisionist history, to take control back of the traumatic past.
“For most of the cast, high school was not that long ago. Those feelings are still fresh. This contemporary piece of theatre has the unique ability to spread awareness on the hurt, pain and mental and physical anguish the high school experience has on teens.”
Although nearly four decades old, Mr McCallum said the issues Heathers raises are still current.
“We can see is that mental health is on the rise, suicide and self-harm is more prevalent than ever. When theatre works well it holds a mirror up to society, showing the good and the ugly parts. At its best it will leave audiences asking questions, starting conversation and, hopefully, planting seeds of change.”
“I am under no delusions in thinking that this production is going to change the school culture, but we (the cast and production team) have ensured that we're telling as truthful a story as possible.”
CQU Head of Theatre Dr Linda Lorenza highlighted how the production appeals to the next generation of teenagers.
“This show is definitely attracting a youthful audience. Many teens and high school students in the region are excited that we are putting it on,” she said.
Heathers: The Musical is recommended for audiences aged 14 years and over.
Performances will be held 18 - 20 October 2024 with matinee and evening shows. Tickets for Heathers: The Musical can be purchased from the CQCM website
