Heathers: The Musical at Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne - 2 hours 30 minutes, including interval

Bullying, teenage angst, toxic relationships and murder might hardly seem material conducive to a cult following, but if you think that, you don’t know Heathers.

First came the original 1988 film starring Winona Ryder and then the musical that debuted in 2009, hitting off Broadway in 2014 and the West End in 2018.

It has developed a loyal and dedicated fan base with good reason because it is a mighty imposing, if decidedly darkly comedic, offering. 

Photos by Cameron Grant

And this Australian production is an absolute beauty.

The characters are well drawn, the performances fabulous and the vibe electrifying.

It is something special.

The focus is on a group of students in their final year at Westerberg High School.

Seemingly decent Veronica Sawyer doesn’t like the social hierarchy that sees people like her and her best friend, heavyset Martha Dunnstock, ostracised.

Specifically, they are picked on by the likes of school jocks Ram Sweeney and Kurt Kelly and ignored by the in-girls, known as the Heathers.

The cruel leader of the pack is Heather Chandler. Her acolytes are cheerleader Heather McNamara and bulimic Heather Duke.

Veronica’s fate is set to change when her talent for forgery is noticed by Chandler.

A makeover for Veronica follows, as does her elevation to the Heathers’ inner circle.

Mind you, Veronica remains repulsed by the Heathers and pushes back when asked by Chandler to forge a love letter that will expose Martha to ridicule. 

It is then that she meets a mysterious new kid at the school, chilled Jason “JD” Dean, who turns her head by quoting poetry.

He can handle himself in a fight and the pair quickly gets hot and heavy, before crossing the line when it comes to right royal bitch Heather Chandler.

Veronica’s conscience starts to eat away at her, but JD seems to have a troubling blood lust for vengeance.

As more lives are on the line, Veronica comes to realise that Jason Dean is far from the upstanding citizen she at first believed him to be.

With book, music and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, Heathers: The Musical is based on the film written by Daniel Waters.

With bullying and bad behaviour remaining a major issue in schools, its relevance has not dissipated.

Producers have unearthed new star power in 2024 WAAPA graduate Emma Caporaso, who eats up the stage with her turn as Veronica Sawyer.

Her vocalisation is extraordinary – controlled, melodic and powerful. Her swagger and mannerisms are eloquent, her enthusiasm infectious. She is jaw-droppingly good. A massive future awaits.

Connor Beaumont fits the deranged, too-cool-for-school persona required of JD with distinction. Beaumont plays effortlessly sensitive and deeply traumatised. He is the shiny red apple with a rotten core.

With big vocals, Calista Nelmes has the strut and dismissiveness of Heather Chandler down pat.

As events transpire, Amelia Rojas as Heather Duke fills those uppity shoes most impressively too, when called upon to do so.

There is an endearing vulnerability about Abigail Sharp as Heather McNamara.

Zoe Gertz is a scene stealer as a teacher on a mission, Ms Fleming. Her confidence and conviction come to the fore with audience participation, one of the many highlights of Heathers.

Gertz doubles up as Veronica’s mum, who is less than impressed by the Heathers – Chandler in particular. 

Mel O’Brien is perceptive, owning the role of the hapless Martha Dunnstock.

David Cuny as Ram Sweeney and Nic Van Lits as Kurt Kelly have fun playing best mates, the vacuous jocks.

Ellis Dolan and Brodie Masini each have three parts. The standout is their memorable presence as the jocks no nonsense, and later empathetic, dads.

What really shines throughout the show is the strength and depth of the singing voices. That includes the leads and the talented ensemble.

Musically, Heathers has several catchy, exceptionally well performed numbers. Musical director Martine Wengrow and the band give it their all.

Gary Lloyd’s seamless choreography is most appealing. The transition between scenes is slick. 

David Shields’ set and costume design are colourful and creative.

Crisp lighting and sound design by Ben Cracknell and Dan Samson respectively elevate the overall experience.

So, it is that the cast and crew make light work of a dark subject that serves to add even more weight to Heathers’ cult status.

This is rich and redolent production that needs to be seen. Without hesitation, I would go back for a second helping tomorrow. It is that darn great.

Heathers: The Musical is on at Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne until 9^th May, 2026.