BWW Blog: Shelby Ringdahl - Why the New York Regional Premiere of HEATHERS THE MUSICAL Has More Relevance Now Than Ever

Why the New York Regional Premiere of Heathers The Musical Has More Relevance Now Than Ever

(From the perspective of cast member, Shelby Ringdahl)

WWW.WPPAC.COM Oct 14-23 at White Plains PAC

When you think of Heathers the Musical, you think of croquet, powerhouse vocals, and colorful blazers. You think of scrunchies, high waisted jeans, and all things 80's. Let me preface this post by saying the show is filled with moments that will have you falling over laughing, brilliant performances by an insanely talented cast of 22, and a creative team made up of the best of the best. It's definitely a show you don't want to miss, specifically because beneath it all is a message for the masses. While some might say it's easy to get distracted by its twisted plot and songs about male genitalia, the overarching theme of the musical shows the true impact we as humans have on one another. In this show, we see just how evil humans can actually be to one another, and how we are called to be soooooooo much better than this. With all the hate going on in the world right now, it is proven that we, as humans, can be absolutely brutal to one another. We will tear each other down to the bone just to make ourselves feel better (look at the presidential election, for example). But this show hones in on the affects that words and actions can have on the minds of others...especially young people.

In a recent study reported by ABC News, nearly 30 percent of students are either bullies or victims of bullying, and 160,000 kids stay home from school every day because of fear of bullying. I can guarantee that every person reading this has had a moment when someone else made you feel less than you are. I can also guarantee that everyone reading this has also said something they regret or made someone feel inadequate. The more shocking statistic is that suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year according to CDC. With the rise of social media and smart phones, cyber bullying specifically has reached an all time high leading to even more teen suicides, eating disorders, and depression.

Many of these issues are presented right in front of the audience in this show. When the Heathers analyze Veronica, commenting on her bone structure, symmetricality of her face, and her weight, you want to scream: There's more to life that matters! When Heather Duke grabs the pig piñata and compares it to Martha, it makes you physically ache. When JD explains his sick logic is because of the actions of his parents, you just cringe. When Heather McNamara is suicidal because everything in her world is crumbling (alcoholic mother, best friend killed, boyfriend dead, morals driven by hate), and she sings the tragically beautiful song, Lifeboat, you want to weep in pain for her. The harsh truth is that there are real people out there who act, feel and live with similar situations. There is an entire number in this show, The Me Inside of Me, that discusses how all the students could have misjudgEd Heather Chandler, thinking she was just a stuck up snatch, but really she had a lot more going on behind the evil things she did to bring people down. So many times, those people in life that make us feel less about ourselves really have more insecurities and troubles than we could ever know. They bully to bring about an instant gratification of power that is short lived, thus moving on to their next victim. Teens can be evil to each other, and this show is so important because its characters bring to life the affects that kindness or lack there of, can have on the lives of others.

This show has a shock value. It is so twisted, yet brilliant, and it forces the audience into the world of seventeen year-old students who lack love, kindness, and acceptance. Veronica (portrayed beautifully by Kerri George) is our saving grace, our hero, the one trying to do right, and we cheer her through this story, praying she can bring about change to Westerberg High School.

My college professor always said the purpose of theatre is to shine the light on the truths of what it means to be human...the good and the bad. Heathers the Musical "shines the light" (both figuratively and musically in song with full cast choreography) on the issue of bullying and its affects on precious, innocent, impressionable minds. It shows how children must be guided, loved, and taught; otherwise, their lives, morals, and thoughts become corrupt (cue "Children Will Listen"). Through incredible musical numbers, uplifting choreography, dark humor, a gorgeous and talented cast, and brilliant direction, this production will make you want to exude the highest amounts of kindness onto others...but also leave with all the catchy music stuck in your head.

Director, Jeremy Quinn, said it best: "If we can save one life by our work on this show, we've done our job."

Don't miss Heathers the Musical running at White Plains Performance Center, just a quick 30-minute train ride from Grand Central Station. Six shows only! October 14,15,21, and 22 at 8:00 and October 16 and 23 at 2:00. It's a message worth every penny. Tickets Range from $25-$35 visit wppac.com or all 914 328 1600 for more info/tickets!

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