Heathers at the Ritz Theatre Company in Haddon Township (Oaklyn), NJ
A venerable show with an important message
I’ve just returned from Heathers at the Ritz Theatre Company of Oaklyn, NJ. I’m writing this out quickly as, due to scheduling, I could only see this show at the end of its run. However, for you, the reader, there are TWO remaining shows this weekend: Saturday, May 25th at 8 PM and Sunday, May 26th at 2 PM.
Let me start by noting that Heathers is, by far, my favorite show out there. It was one of the first shows to stage in South Jersey as mask mandates for actors were lifted during COVID. Additionally, it was the first show I saw in that timeframe, being staged at Cumberland Players in Vineland, NJ (and shortly after in another production in Vineland, more on that later!). On a personal note, as a healthcare worker through COVID with a strong attachment to live theater, seeing Heathers for the first time after a long break provided a catharsis to the stress of the medical stresses of a global pandemic. Along with the intimate setting of a small venue, the relatable message of the show, a solid cast, and the incredible 80’s rock vibe of the music, the connection to the show makes it a recurrent favorite on this writer’s playlists.
So, let’s break down Heathers itself. The show was co-written by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy. Murphy is prolific in TV writing, perhaps best known for his work on Desperate Housewives. He also wrote the book and lyrics for Reefer Madness. Combined, this may speak to his prowess in adapting the original black comedy source material to the stage. O’Keefe has a notable theater background, including Bat Boy and Legally Blonde. His experience with rock musicals shines through with Heathers. The duo brought the original production Off-Broadway in 2014, but it sadly never transferred to the Great White Way.
In a bittersweet way, it’s fitting that decades after the release of the original film, the theatrical adaptation has received a cult following, with its social media presence and its regional productions garnering largely positive reviews. For the way it attacks heavy topics of bullying, mental health, and rape, its lightheartedness doesn’t seem to trivialize the matters. Sure, the score is poppy, but it creates a safe environment to address these dark themes and the finale provides a positive, poignant message. For this writer, it was a reminder of the reality of high school observations (while somewhat exaggerated) that, years removed, are undoubtedly still necessary for discussion. With the development of high school-geared rewrites of the show, one would hope that these can be presented in a fashion to foster engagement with students and effect positive change.
Now, on to this staging. The cast of the Ritz’s production of Heathers was simply incredible. The direction and choreography from Roberta Curless brought them together with great cohesion. While all of the creatives executed great work, there are a few standouts. For this show specifically, intimacy coordination by Sean McGarry as well as fight direction by McGarry and Dominic CIarrocchi aided appropriate storytelling moments vital to the plot. The set design from William Bryant was incredible; fitting the stage and providing a unique theme that not only spoke to the costuming (by Megan Iafolla) but enhanced individual scenes. I won’t give away anything, but I promise that makes sense when you see the show (especially an important scene with JD and Veronica). Of course, this old lighting kid has to note the lighting design (by Jen Donsky with board operator Ryan Lynd). Along with the set design, the lighting was simply excellent. All of the dynamic lighting work also flowed perfectly with the script and truly aided the story, setting the right mood at the right moments.
Moving down the cast list of the main characters, we start with Rachel Grodek as Veronica. She gave quite the performance and had a certain comedic quality which fit perfectly in the Veronica role. Ritz alum Nicky Eldridge gave a stunning performance as JD, moving between sweet and dark with precision. Rivaling their chemistry was that of the Heathers. Katie McQuail (Heather Chandler) shined as the lead Heather, Olivia Manlove (Heather Duke and a former Veronica from the second Vineland Heathers production at The Landis Theater) filled the dynamic role from follower to leader, and Makayla Weselinski (Heather McNamara) stood out in particular with her second-act highlight.
Kurt and Ram (Zach Taylor and Yeshua Irizarry, respectively) had fraternal chemistry and gave such vigor to their roles. Kathryn Pepe Coleman (Martha Dunnstock) gave an emotional performance throughout the show, in particular, with her starring second-act blockbuster. The ever-dynamic role of Ms. Fleming (and Mrs. Sawyer) was filled by Shayna Lorraine Murray, with the power and sass expected of, specifically, the role of Ms. Fleming. The supporting adult male multi-roles were filled by brothers Mark (veteran Ritz alum) and Geoff Gollihur. Their ability to switch seamlessly between characters while maintaining presence and cohesion was not lost on this fan. All other supporting roles were expertly performed and each member of this cast deserves kudos for their execution.
So. to close this out: GO. SEE. HEATHERS. It’s an amazing show with an incredible message, from original creatives with some strong Broadway credentials. This entire cast and crew are some of the best you’ll see in a local production.
If you’re reading this after the weekend of 5/25/24, do yourself a favor and look up the show on Roku. While it doesn’t match the experience of seeing Heathers: The Musical in person, the production value is phenomenal and the message survives.
The Ritz Theatre is at 915 White Horse Pike in Haddon Township (Oaklyn), NJ. Transit access is available from the NJ Transit Route 403 Bus, one of its venerable routes (though not with the best frequency). If you come in from the PATCO, it would be best to bike or rideshare from Collingswood Station (about 1.5 miles, so not recommended for a walk); and Ferry Ave Station is near the 403 bus route.