BWW Reviews: Dark, Twisty and Hilarious. HEATHERS – THE MUSICAL Is A Fantastic Combination of Comedy And Black Humor

Wednesday 22nd July 2015, 7pm, Hayes Theatre, Potts Point

HEATHERS - THE MUSICAL blends the spirit of the dark and disturbed cult movie with fabulous music and an amazing Australian cast resulting in a must see show. Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy's (Book, Music and Lyrics) adaptation has been bought to the Sydney stage by theatre favourite Trevor Ashley in his directorial debut.

The powerhouse cast has captured the energy, humour and troubled nature of the movie that led the way in depicting high school power struggles, bitchy girls and teen struggles. A deviation from the movie, HEATHERS - THE MUSICAL commences with misfit Veronica Sawyer (Jaz Flowers) explaining the characters that make up Westerberg High, from the nerds, geeks, and social outcasts to meathead jocks and the trio of loved and loathed girls that rule the school. Veronica decides that, to reduce being harassed at school, she must become 'friends' with the feared and worshiped trio that comprises the Heather McNamara (Erin Clare), Heather Duke (Libby Asciak) and "the mythic bitch" Heather Chandler (Lucy Maunder). This alliance comes with the realisation that Veronica must sacrifice the feelings of her childhood friend Martha Dunstock (Lauren McKenna), a combination of the movie's Martha and Betty, as the Heathers set up the harmless, frumpy girl they call "Dumptruck" for embarrassment. The twist comes in the form of the new guy in school, the mysterious, brooding J.D. (Stephen Madsen) who catches Veronica's eye and pushes her to challenge the social order at Westerberg High.

Angela White (costume design), Hayden Tee (makeup design) and Nick Plumnér (Hair Design) have created detailed looks for all of the characters, capturing the iconic looks of the 80's. The power quartet's colour blocked outfits of iconic big shoulder pad blazers, teased hair secured by 'scrunchies', and preppy Mary-Janes with bobby socks signifies the hierarchy from Heather Chandler's more mature form fitted dominant red to more youthful cut of Heather McNamara's submissive yellow and Heather Duke's challenging green, and finally Veronica's slouchier fit blue that verges on black.

O'Keefe and Murphy have drawn on the signature lines from the movie to create songs including Beautiful, Our Love Is God and My Dead Gay Son and have ensured that key phrases have been retained to delight audiences. The lyrics are detailed and clever and capture the language of the era. There is however a sound balance issue resulting in some of the phrases being lost under the band or other singers. The music performed by the unseen band under the direction of Bev Kennedy consists of a blend of powerful rock and more poignant ballads, with a range from moody and serious to hilariously funny.

Jaz Flowers is powerful as Veronica. From her warm, full vocals, that have a range and strength that never appears strained, even on the top notes to her comedic timing and facial expressions, Flowers is incredible. She conveys Veronica's understanding that the alliance with the Heathers is a 'business arrangement' securing her future rather than providing genuine friendship along with her loathing of the things Heather Chandler requires she do to maintain her position. She shows the softness beneath the façade as she seeks to protect Martha and she breaks through to JD whilst being strong enough to convince the audience that she's strong enough to go up against the Heathers and in time, JD.

Maunder provides the perfect counterbalance to Flowers. She captures Heather Chandler's intimidating, dangerous spirit. She manages to convey Chandler's soullessness in her eyes and a distain for everyone she believes is beneath her, from classmates to adults. She captures the acidity of the character with biting dialogue and vocals but still maintaining clarity.

Madsen is delicious as the enigmatic JD. He captures JD's dangerous passion for Veronica and the twisted desire to right the world, removing one evil creature at a time, as he follows his severely damaged moral compass. He proves a worthy match for Flowers in not only his vocals but also his ability to find JD's 'darkness' and a chemistry with Veronica. His movement has a gravitas that makes it understandable that he unwillingly draws attention in the lunchroom where the jocks Ram and Kurt (Vincent Hooper and Jakob Ambrose) decide to pick a fight.

Other standout performances come from Lauren McKenna who plays dual roles of Martha and the hippie Ms Flemming. The characters are markedly different and McKenna transitions between the two repeatedly through the show brilliantly. As Martha, she presents the sweet and sad Kindergarten Boyfriend where the dowdy girl with spectacles, trapped in her youth of pretty pink bows and My Little Pony sweater sings of young love and grown up reality. As the kaftan wearing Ms Flemming, McKenna delivers the the bizarre televised alternative group therapy's Shine a Light with an evangelical preaching energy.

Hooper and Ambrose present the jocks and their fathers with wonderful comedy in both the physicality and the interpretation of the lyrics. Clare delivers Heather McNamara's cry for help, Lifeboat with a quiet desperation and Asciak allows Heather Duke to develop into an even more detestable character as she seeks to gain the power position upon Heather Chandler's death.

Trevor Ashley has created a high energy, well-paced performance that proves that the storyline, originally written in the 80's is still relevant today. Power struggles still occur in schools, bullies still exist and youth are still faced with issues such as eating disorders, needing to conform and the feeling of isolation. Every member of this ensemble appears invested in the story and the performance. From the leads to the supporting cast, each performer demonstrates an understanding of the underlying characters and emotions ensuring that this is more than just the delivering lines and dancing steps, something that some of the bigger performances gracing the market could learn from. Ashley's signature flamboyance is evident but is utilised to ensure that there is a balance between caricature and realness.

HEATHERS - THE MUSICAL is a Must See. Whilst Jaz Flowers, Lucy Maunder, Stephen Madsen and Lauren McKenna already have some impressive credits under the belts, these are names to definitely look out for in future and hopefully Trevor Ashley goes on to produce more musicals. Do whatever it takes to catch this before it closes on the 9th of August 2015.

HEATHERS - THE MUSICAL

Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenkowne Ave, Potts Point

16th July - 9 August 2015

Photos: Kurt Sneddon

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