Theater Review: "Heathers the Musical" by White Rabbit Theatre

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

White Rabbit Theatre is putting on “Heathers the Musical” through September 8 at the lovely Cheney Hall in Manchester. The musical, which is based on the cult classic film by Daniel Waters, has a book, music, and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy.

White Rabbit Theatre is a Glastonbury-based community group for adults 18 and over that produces full-scale productions, fundraisers, and variety shows throughout the year.

Fair warning that “Heathers” is a black comedy set in Ohio in 1989 that involves very dark subject matter, including sexual assault, bullying, school violence and teen suicide.This is a satire with themes that can be hard to take at times.

Director Adam Tortorello notes that the audience simply can’t look away from the dangerous and problematic ordeal that is the high school experience in “Heathers,” “for it is the combination of nostalgia and the exaggerated presentation of high school stereotypes that hooks us, attracting our most primitive instincts. Raunchy and unpleasant at times, yet scarily entertaining.” Tortorello leads the show, WRT's 7th full-stage production.

Assistant Director Jessica Chan’s initial response to the show choice was “trigger warning.” “While our cast and crew by no means take these subjects lightly, what better way to truly merge tragedy and comedy than in a campy, dark, and hilarious tale told through the eyes” of dramatic teenagers. Chan goes on to give us permission to laugh with the cast at “some seriously messed up stuff.” Needless to say, this is not a production for the very young.

Music Director Nick Stanford leads the small band behind keyboard 1 and the musicians play the great score wonderfully. Conductor 2 is Marc Sokolson. There were some early sound issues on opening night that were fixed. Choreographer Chantel Martin (Miss Chantel’s Star Dance Academy in Meriden) adds plenty of high-energy dancing to the big numbers that make them even bigger.

Katie Locascio (pictured above) plays the important role of Veronica Sawyer, the seventeen-year-old who is elevated to Westerburg High’s inner circle of Heathers. The talented actress and singer, who worked with Music Director Clio “CJ” Janis as Columbia/Usherette in Landmark Community Theatre’s “The Rocky Horror Show,” shines in her White Rabbit debut. Greg Wojcik (pictured below) does amazing work with the role of the mysterious, Slurpee-loving Jason “J.D.” Dean in his first WRT show, and wow, can he sing.

The clique of Heathers (pictured below) are embodied by three talented performers. Olivia Ciaffaglione is the devilishly evil Heather Chandler, always appropriately dressed in red. Ms. Ciaffaglione is entering her fourth year as a 7th grade English teacher in Newington. Melissa Rand portrays the bulimic and petty Heather Duke (initially in green) and Laura Roosa (Paulette in "Legally Blonde" with WRT) takes on the weaker Heather McNamara in yellow ("Lifeboat.")

Cwen Williams (pictured below with Giovanni Esposit0 as Ram) slays the role of the plus-sized Martha Dunnstock, especially when she brings down the house in the second act’s "Kindergarten Boyfriend."

The requisite jocks are played by Giovanni Esposito (“Legally Blonde” with Little Theater of Manchester) as Ram Sweeney and Tiernan Shea as Kurt Kelly.

Suzil Von steals all of her scenes in the role of hippie guidance counselor Ms. Fleming (who tries to "Shine a Light" during a televised assembly.)

Daniel Otero plays Big Bud/Kurt's Dad/Coach Ripper and on opening night Jeff Snyder went on as Ram's Dad/Veronica's Dad/Principal Gowan (normally played by Michael King.)

The stereotypically-named characters include Beleaguered Geek (Dan Gorman,) Hipster Dork (Teagan D’Addeo,) Preppy Stud (Adam Pisarski,) New Wave Girl (Alexa Masin,) Stoner Chick (Gillian Snyder) and Young Republicanette (Amanda Starr.)

The hard-working ensemble included Teagan D’Addeo, Emily Gant (Veronica’s mom,) Dan Gorman, Anna Greenwald, Nicholas Hargrave, Linden Markley, Alexa Masin, Adam Pisarski, and Gillian Snyder.

Technical Director Jen Rankin made sure that everything in the venue worked well, with Lighting Designer Lucas Veo and the LTM Executive Director Dwayne Harris. Costume Designer Brendon Rogers dressed the characters according to their high school rank and Props Manager: Lena Felix

Set Designers Chan, Kody Mileski, and Tortorello have put together a planned space that is well-utilized, as are the aisles of the venue.

The musical is presented with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets are available at the door, from a cast member, or at TinyURL.com/WRT-Heathers Remaining performances at Cheney Hall (where there is plenty of parking) are Aug. 31 at 7:30pm, Sept. 1, 8 at 2:00pm and Sept. 5, 6, 7 at 7:30pm.

Photos: Jeff Snyder