by Nina Campli, Assistant Student Life & Arts Editor
Next week from October 17 to 21, Drew’s Department of Theater and Dance will be putting on Heathers: the Musical in the Kean Black Box theater. Based off the 1998 cult film Heathers, this musical is a dark comedy that deals with issues of bullying, teen suicide, gun violence and homophobia. The musical focuses on Veronica, played by Emma Barakat (Caspersen ‘18) , a senior at Westerberg High, who is fed up with the social life of highschool. She meets a boy named JD, played by Nate Schwartz (CLA ’16), things begin to go a little crazy and Veronica makes mistakes that will change her whole life. Even if you aren’t a fan of musicals this a show you are going to want to see. Madeleine Blossom (’18), the stage manager, stated, “People should come see this show because Heathers is relatable to everyone. We have all felt like outcasts or outsiders, and this show delves into some deep, important topics that show us that it is okay and in the end everything will be beautiful, if we stay true to who we are.”
The script for Drew’s production has been revamped to include all new songs, and Drew will be the first theater ever to put on this version of the production. How did our Theater Department earn this amazing opportunity? Kevin Murphy, one of the writers for the musical, is a Drew alum! He will be coming to see the show on Friday, October 20 and the whole cast is buzzing with excitement. Kate Fulton-John (’21), an ensemble member, said, “ I didn’t know he was Drew alum until I got here. It was cool to see all the changes being made and watching the show develop especially since I have seen it before. It’s neat knowing that we are being used to test out something new and do something no one’s ever seen before.”
The director, Emily Dzioba (‘18), is honored to have the opportunity to work on Heathers: the Musical and has been working on it since February. She said, “I am super pumped for the show to be here!! We’ve all been working so hard, and I know we all can’t wait to share it with our families, our friends and our community.” She continued, “I will be sad when it’s over though– it’s been a huge part of my life the past few months. I hate saying goodbye,” commenting on the fact that this is the last show that Dzioba will direct as a Drewid because she graduates in the spring. When asked how she felt about this being her last show she stated, “It’s a bittersweet parting. I love directing so much, and this process has been a dream! The collaboration and friendships I’ve made with each member of our team is so personally rewarding.”
You can reserve your tickets at keanboxoffice@drew.edu. It is five dollars for a ticket with student ID, and regular price tickets are ten dollars. All the shows are at 7:30 p.m., and there is an additional Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m.
