Shut up, Heather: Green Wall Studio’s latest production reviewed

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Green Wall Studio’s rendition of Heathers: The Musical is edgy, hilarious and emotional.

The story – with original lyrics, book and music written by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy – juxtaposes 80s nostalgia against a concoction of high school horrors that are timeless.

Green Wall Studio’s performance was directed by Louise McCullough and Jake Salter.

High school senior Veronica Sawyer (Bailey Garwood) is sucked into the alluring popular-girl vortex of the Heathers.

Namely, Heather Chandler (Sophie Fielder), Heather Duke (Jessica Reschke) and Heather McNamara (Emma Gregory).

In the process, however, Veronica is forced to snub her friend Martha Dunnstock, AKA Martha Dumptruck (Jazmin Brooks), change her entire appearance, and complete tasks for the Heathers on command.

To make things interesting, the new kid at school, JD (Jake Salter) is a thing of intrigue for Veronica, and the pair quickly – and dangerously – become an item.

For the production, the company transformed its Joseph Street studio into unassuming Sherwood, Ohio and, in particular, the cut-throat Westerburg High School.

Set design, props and costume helped to achieve this; all were very era-appropriate, although not to the point of being cringe-worthy.

Lighting and set created an exciting dramatisation of the Heathers, especially through their reveal with the opening of double doors, a smoke machine, and spotlights on them, giving them goddess status.

It also reminded audiences of how naive high schoolers are for putting someone on a pedestal, or for letting others put themselves up there.

Difficult themes of rape, suicide, eating disorders, self-harm were addressed tastefully by the cast.

Their comedic timing and chemistry showed a careful balance of humour and heart, lending the performance a real charm.

Also, the decision to interject the choreographed dances with personal reactions from each chorus member showed what high school is really like: everyone experiencing their own struggles and confusion, both separately and together.

Although it was difficult to hear some cast members at times due to microphone issues, everyone delivered their songs with passion.

Garwood, Brooks and Gregory’s voices stood out as strong and emotional.

Overall, Green Wall Studio’s performance was an alarming reminder as to how confusing and treacherous one’s teenage years can be.

In trying to find our way in life, we may all be on different paths, but we are at least united by the chaos this brings.

Also, the show reminded us, nothing is worth losing our identity – not popularity, not fame, not even love.

Those in our life who are worth keeping will celebrate our true selves.

Disclosure: Green Wall Studio gave the author two tickets to Saturday night’s performance.