A very dark comedy on the terrifying and traumatic teenage years, that has you laughing at things that are no laughing matter while keeping you riveted by the storyline’s tension, and entertained by an excellent musical score and great dance sequences.    

Millicent Sarre is well cast as Veronica Sawyer with a strong voice and the ability to take the audience with her on her emotional rollercoaster.  Nikki Long, Maya Millerand Kelsey McCormack as The Heathers look wonderful, have great stage presence, musical harmony, dance moves and terrifying bitchiness!

Gus Robson’s performance as JD, the brooding romantic newcomer with a troubled past, becomes effectively more sinister as the show progresses. Blake Ascione (Ram Sweeney) and Simon Barnett (Kurt Kelly) as the college “jocks” provide much of the physical comedy element and do it with great comic timing. JD’s fight with Ram and Kurt is a highlight.

Kirsty Burch as Martha Dunnstock brings out the poignancy of her character’s situation, and her solo Kindergarten Boyfriend is very moving.  Sarah-Jane Whiteley as teacher Ms Fleming leading the company in Shine a Light is another highpoint.  In fact there are many great numbers by the full company and soloists – Beautiful, My Dead Gay Son, Lifeboat, Seventeen……

The set design using mobile modules is a stroke of genius. It enables smooth scene changes and doesn’t slow the pace of the action.

Congratulations to the whole ensemble, Director Ben Stefanoff, Musical Director Kristin Stefanoff and Choreographer Ashleigh Rathjen-Robson on a very polished production. This is a high-powered performance at all levels – music, choreography, drama and comedy. 

The exuberant finale and the enthusiastic response from a full house was uplifting. 

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