Heathers the Musical Original Cast Members (Off-Broadway and London)
Heathers The Musical is a rock musical with music, lyrics, and a book by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, based on the 1988 film of the same name written by Daniel Waters.
The musical version of “Heathers” maintains the dark themes of the movie, employing humour and music to delve into issues such as peer pressure, bullying, and identity.
In this article, we will spotlight the original casts that made Heathers The Musical a reality in its Off-Broadway and London productions.
Heathers the Musical Off-Broadway
The Off-Broadway production of Heathers The Musical premiered in 2014 at the New World Stages, running from March to August. It was directed by Andy Fickman with choreography by Marguerite Derricks.
Heathers the Musical Original Off-Broadway Cast:
| Character | Actor/Actress |
|---|---|
| Veronica Sawyer | Barrett Wilbert Weed |
| Jason “J.D.” Dean | Ryan McCartan |
| Heather Chandler | Jessica Keenan Wynn |
| Heather Duke | Alice Lee |
| Heather McNamara | Elle McLemore |
Heathers the Musical London
The London production of “Heathers The Musical” opened at The Other Palace in 2018 and later transferred to the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a West End run.
Heathers the Musical Original London Cast:
| Character | Actor/Actress |
|---|---|
| Veronica Sawyer | Carrie Hope Fletcher |
| Jason “J.D.” Dean | Jamie Muscato |
| Heather Chandler | Jodie Steele |
| Heather Duke | T’Shan Williams |
| Heather McNamara | Sophie Isaacs |
Critical Reception for Heathers the Musical
Let’s explore the varied critical responses to both the Off-Broadway and London productions of Heathers The Musical.
Heathers the Musical Off-Broadway:
The Off-Broadway production of Heathers The Musical stirred a mixed bag of responses from critics. A number of reviewers were impressed, particularly by Barrett Wilbert Weed’s performance as Veronica Sawyer, which they found to be exceptional.
However, not all shared this sentiment. Some critics expressed disappointment, feeling that the musical fell short in encapsulating the original film’s unique blend of dark humour and sharp cynicism.
Heathers the Musical London:
The London show of Heathers got mixed reviews. Some people really liked it, especially Carrie Hope Fletcher’s acting as Veronica Sawyer. But, others thought the musical was too polished compared to the original movie.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the musical won over a large fanbase. It enjoyed two successful seasons at the West End, and then made its move to The Other Palace Theatre. The final curtain at this venue was drawn on September 3rd, 2023.
During its run at The Other Palace, a professional recording of the show, known as a ‘pro-shot’, was produced. Initially, it was broadcasted on the Roku TV channel for the US audience. A few months later, it was released in UK cinemas. Currently, it’s available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the UK.
Conclusion
The original cast members from both the Off-Broadway and London productions of Heathers The Musical were key players in the show’s success. Their talent and dedication brought the production to life and created a buzz.
This played a significant role in the musical’s enduring popularity, especially its long-running success in the UK. Their performances remain a testament to the power and impact of live theatre. Thanks to them, Heathers The Musical will long be remembered as a standout production.
