Photo Flash: First Look at the Cast of HEATHERS at Florida Rep Education

The long-awaited Florida Rep Education Conservatory production of "Heathers: The Musical" officially opens May 23 at the Historic Arcade Theatre. The production runs May 23 through May 27 with matinee performances on May 26-27. Priced at $10 with a valid student ID and $20 for adults, general admission tickets are available at http://www.FloridaRepEducation.organd through the box office at 239-332-4488.

Nominated for several accolades, including the 2014 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music and the 2014 Off Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, the show features book, music, and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O'Keefe based on the hit 1988 film written by Daniel Walters. "Heathers" continues to electrify audiences and critics alike for three decades running with its smart and compelling story about navigating a high school dystopia paired with rocking musical numbers that have carved their way into the upper echelons of musical theatre hits. Conservatory audiences will hear songs such as "Candy Store," "Dead Girl Walking," and "Beautiful" sung once again on stage by the familiar student faces of Westerberg High.

This hilarious, heartfelt, and homicidal rock musical tells the story of Westerberg High and the rule of a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing trio: Heather, Heather, and Heather, the most popular but cruelest girls of the school. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark and mysterious new kid, JD, who plans to put the Heathers in their place - six feet under. With its moving love story, laugh-out-loud comedy, and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school, Heathers puts perspective on the high-school experience and what's really important in life.

The production features an all-star line-up of Florida Rep Education Conservatory veterans and familiar faces. The cast is led by Nayda Baez ("School of Rock," Florida Premiere) as the intelligent misfit Veronica Sawyer, Brice Kingsley (Conservatory debut) as the dark and brooding JD, Athena Kelley ("Metamorphoses") as Heather Chandler, Chloe Tsai ("Metamorphoses") as Heather Duke, and Cat Westley ("Metamorphoses") as Heather McNamara.

Education Director Kody C. Jones directs the production. Rosalind Metcalf ("Curious George: The Golden Meatball," Florida Rep Education TYA Tour) music directs with choreography by Megan Leonard (Conservatory debut). Rosalind Metcalf joins this production from New Jersey after many years of music directing for numerous colleges and theatre companies while Megan Leonard's extensive background in dance includes working with the Radio City Rockettes and touring "The Addams Family." Emma Woods("School of Rock," Florida Premiere) serves as assistant director and Christina DeCarlo ("School of Rock," Florida Premiere) is the assistant choreographer.

The design team includes set designer Jordan Moore ("Cabaret," Florida Rep mainstage), lighting designer Andrew McDaniels (Conservatory debut), costume designer Jacquelyn Loy (Conservatory debut), sound designer Josh Schacht ("Cabaret," Florida Rep mainstage), and production stage manager Caycelynn Hoggard ("Snow Me Away Cabaret").

"Heathers: The Musical" is generously sponsored by Marvin & Lynne Birdt.

Florida Rep Education's Conservatory program is designed for young artists who want to pursue theatre. It offers young artists an introduction to the professional world with a real-life regional theatre experience providing a creative outlet that culminates with a short run of public performances.

Florida Repertory Theatre Education performs on tour and in the Historic Arcade Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson and Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep Education online at FloridaRepEducation.org, and by following the Education Department on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat.

Photo Credit: Joe Dafeldecker / Florida Repertory Theatre

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