Photo Flash: Teens Tackle Topical Social Issues in HEATHERS THE MUSICAL: High School Edition At Drama Learning Center

Drama Learning Center's professional training company for emerging young artists will present Heathers the Musical: High School Edition in a run that begins tonight. Adapted from the cult classic 1980's film by the same name, Heathers follows the social rise and fall of teenage misfit Veronica Sawyer in a fictional suburban Ohio town. On the heels of a growing romance with social outsider JD and her dismissal from the high school clique known as "The Heathers," things in Sherwood, Ohio take a decidedly dark turn.

Heathers brings together the creative forces behind Legally Blonde and Reefer Madness (Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy) for the music, lyrics, and book. The musical played Off-Broadway at New World Stages from March to August 2014. Licensing house Samuel French recently adapted the edgy and contemporary musical to be more appropriate for high school performers and audiences. "Through the lens of dark comedy, Heathers challenges us to think about the very real issues that teens are facing today with increased frequency: bullying, peer pressure, teen suicide, gun violence, and the struggle for acceptance," says director Stephanie Lynn Williams. She continues, "Producing this show with students in this age group provides an opportunity to create a dialogue with them about these issues, and what they can do to help create a world where we see these problems decrease instead of fester and grow. What seemed like an over-the-top story in the late 80's is now the very real world in which they live. Heathers shines a light on the importance of paying attention to the teenage experience, and what that means for this generation."

Drama Learning Center's Professional Training Company, TYA (Teaching Young Artists), presents its Winter production of Heathers the Musical - High School Edition from January 12-21, 2018 at Drama Learning Center in Columbia. A select program available by audition only, the TYA program allows students to work in a professional theatre environment as they learn about all aspects of theatrical work. TYA has a strong history of bringing cutting-edge titles to local audiences. The group has previously mounted area premieres of Cry-Baby, Hands on a Hardbody, First Date, Carrie the Musical, GHOST the Musical, 13, Legally Blonde, and High School Musical. This production continues TYA's long-standing tradition of producing professional contemporary musical theatre.

Heathers the Musical (High School Edition) is presented by permission through special arrangement with Samuel French.

Show Dates & Times:
January 12-13, 19-20 at 7:30 PM
January 14 & 21 at 2:00 PM

Production Staff:

Director: Stephanie Lynn Williams

Music Director: Tiffany Underwood Holmes

Production Stage Manager: Jason Quackenbush

Lighting Design: Lynn Joslin

Costume Design: Jackie Rebok

Properties Design: Carrie Loughry

Featuring TYA Company Members:

Lauren Alberg, Annabelle Anderson, Ayla Bailey, Nick Brogan, Kendall Broughton, Livi Carey, Chloe Colvin, Mia Ehrlich, Ceoli Jacoby, Elyse Johnson, Sydney Lowry, Laura McHale, Lauren McKenna, Ellie Parks, Ava Pirie, Mark Quackenbush, Leah Reineck, Sarah Rubin, Samuel Russel, Nya Stevens, Bryan Thompson, Amanda Tossman, Grace Tyson, Julia Totis, Raj Ukondwa, Eli Vogel, Tristan Webster, John Woods III, and Amelia Yasuda

Tickets:
On sale at www.dramalearningcenter.com or by calling 410-997-9392.

$18 in advance
$20 at the door

Ellie Parks (center) as Heather Chandler with the ensemble of HEATHERS THE MUSICAL: High School Edition. Photo courtesy of Bruce F Press Photography.

left to right: Leah Reineck as Veronica Sawyer and Mark Quackenbush as JD in HEATHERS THE MUSICAL: High School Edition. Photo courtesy of Bruce F Press Photography.

Leah Reineck (center) as Veronica Sawyer with the ensemble of HEATHERS THE MUSICAL: High School Edition. Photo courtesy of Bruce F Press Photography.

left to right: Nick Brogan, Raj Ukondwa, Bryan Thompson, and John Woods III and the ensemble of HEATHERS THE MUSICAL: High School Edition. Photo courtesy of Bruce F Press Photography.

left to right: Leah Reineck as Veronica Sawyer and Chloe Colvin as Martha Dunnstock in HEATHERS THE MUSICAL: High School Edition. Photo courtesy of Bruce F Press Photography.