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Heathers The Musical
Heathers The Musical is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. But before she can get comfortable atop the high school food chain, Veronica falls in love with the dangerously sexy new kid J.D. When Heather Chandler, the Almighty, kicks her out of the group, Veronica decides to bite the bullet and kiss Heather's aerobicized ass... but J.D. has another plan for that bullet.
Brought to you by the award-winning creative team of Kevin Murphy (Reefer Madness, Desperate Housewives), Laurence O'Keefe (Bat Boy, Legally Blonde) and Andy Fickman (Reefer Madness, She's the Man). Heathers The Musical is a hilarious, heartfelt and homicidal new show based on the greatest teen comedy of all time. With its moving love story, laugh-out-loud comedy and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school, Heathers will be New York's most popular new musical. Are you in, or are you out?
Brought to you by the award-winning creative team of Kevin Murphy (Reefer Madness, Desperate Housewives), Laurence O'Keefe (Bat Boy, Legally Blonde) and Andy Fickman (Reefer Madness, She's the Man). Heathers The Musical is a hilarious, heartfelt and homicidal new show based on the greatest teen comedy of all time. With its moving love story, laugh-out-loud comedy and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school, Heathers will be New York's most popular new musical. Are you in, or are you out?
148 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 10, 2019
4 stars I guess? RTC.
June 16, 2020
This musical is so fucking raunchy, relevant, and kinda touching in a creepy way. I'll be performing in this musical at the end of April 2020 with my theatre fam Some Theatre Company. I get to play one of the fathers that sing the bring-down-the-house song, 'My Dead Gay Son!' And, get this, I get to have my first on-stage kiss. And it's with another schlubby dad! AND that part has been cast with my actual best friend since sixth damn real life grade! We used to kiss in high school to fuck with the homophobes! It's like we've been readying ourselves for this for half our liiiiiives!
April 29, 2022
هیچکس:
من، بعد از صدبار گوش دادن به آهنگها و دیدن فیلم: پلات موزیکال ها را میخواند.
هدرز تو ماه گذشته تبدیل به یکی از محبوبترین موزیکالهای زندگیم شده:)
نمیدونم نویسندهی سیوخوردهای سالش چه تصوری داشته که که دبیرستانش پر از قتل و خودکشی و تجاوزه:|
ولی ترکهاش عالین! عالی:دی
ته حرفشم اینه که:
*نوجوونا واقعا حساسن، مراقب رفتارمون باهاشونباشیم. :)
"If You Were Happy Every Day Of Your Life You Wouldn't Be A Human Being."
P.S: me, walking on my own and listening to "Meant to be yours" , suddenly saying it loud: "
-so when the high school gym goes-:
"BOOM!"
-with everyone one inside-:
"Pekhw! Pekhw! Pekhw!"
من، بعد از صدبار گوش دادن به آهنگها و دیدن فیلم: پلات موزیکال ها را میخواند.
هدرز تو ماه گذشته تبدیل به یکی از محبوبترین موزیکالهای زندگیم شده:)
نمیدونم نویسندهی سیوخوردهای سالش چه تصوری داشته که که دبیرستانش پر از قتل و خودکشی و تجاوزه:|
ولی ترکهاش عالین! عالی:دی
ته حرفشم اینه که:
*نوجوونا واقعا حساسن، مراقب رفتارمون باهاشونباشیم. :)
"If You Were Happy Every Day Of Your Life You Wouldn't Be A Human Being."
P.S: me, walking on my own and listening to "Meant to be yours" , suddenly saying it loud: "
-so when the high school gym goes-:
"BOOM!"
-with everyone one inside-:
"Pekhw! Pekhw! Pekhw!"
December 4, 2023
I have never seen the film, but I saw the show at The Other Palace in January 2023. As usual, I listened to the songs on Spotify while reading, which always enhances the experience of reading a musical script. The musical has some really catchy songs (Candy Store, Dead Girl Walking, Never Shup Up Again) and yes, the story is really fucked up. It fascinates me how much of a following Heathers still has with today's teens. (3.5 stars)
January 31, 2022
I've lost count with how many times I've seen this show/listened to the soundtrack/screamed "what's your damage Heather?" to people who breathed in my direction - it has to be up there with my all-time favourite shows.
I bought this from the merch stand at the London show a few weekends back, mainly just for keepsakes. I was surprised by how many essays there were in this edition, which allowed me to geek out even more and learn things I never spotted during the 19th time I saw the show.
And yes, before you ask, Heather Chandler is absolutely my 2022 Halloween costume. How very.
I bought this from the merch stand at the London show a few weekends back, mainly just for keepsakes. I was surprised by how many essays there were in this edition, which allowed me to geek out even more and learn things I never spotted during the 19th time I saw the show.
And yes, before you ask, Heather Chandler is absolutely my 2022 Halloween costume. How very.
March 13, 2022
I may or may not have been that person that spent my winter break reading this, finishing it, then immediately start reading it again from the beginning.
Needless to say that I love this show.
It's incredibly problematic but the music is awesome. I honestly could care less about the story, but Veronica and the Heathers' songs are just amazing. It was also really interesting to read about what the songs were inspired by and the character proggression in the show, which is much different than the movie. If you are a fan of this movie I highly reccomend listening to Heathers and reading the script. And maybe watching a "slime tutorial" or two. ;)
Needless to say that I love this show.
It's incredibly problematic but the music is awesome. I honestly could care less about the story, but Veronica and the Heathers' songs are just amazing. It was also really interesting to read about what the songs were inspired by and the character proggression in the show, which is much different than the movie. If you are a fan of this movie I highly reccomend listening to Heathers and reading the script. And maybe watching a "slime tutorial" or two. ;)
January 3, 2022
The theatre production to absolutely incredible!! Like 110/100! If you get the chance go and see it! The book is the transcript of the show and obviously was never meant to be read on its own, it was meant to be read to then preform, hence why I’d give it a 4/5 (But like honestly go and see the show, amazing! ).
January 3, 2023
The script of my favourite musical. I felt myself singing along and acting out my favourite scenes whilst reading. An excellent story for anyone going through high school, love or just needs some Westerburg spirit.
March 3, 2018
Very fun to see how exactly the songs fit into the musical and the changes that were made compared to the film.
Would love to see this in stage.
Would love to see this in stage.
October 16, 2018
So glad I was able to get my hands on a copy of the script to my all-time favorite off-Broadway show!!!! Seeing as I am complete musical theatre trash, I of course knew the soundtrack by heart, but it was really fun to be able to read the scenes in between all of the songs to get the full effect of the show.
May 31, 2020
Still enjoy the music, but the plot didn’t have as much the same affect 2nd time around!
January 3, 2023
Epitome of “I can fix him.” Songs go hard af tho.
May 9, 2025
‘“, and I’m like “Jesus, I’m on the frickin’ bus again ‘cause all my rides to school are dead.”’
It’s just too good. Heathers is my favourite musical ever. I first went to see it in July of 2022 and the following year I saw it approximately 4 or 5 times. I liked how different it was each time, how you noticed differences in how the characters acted or looked.
Now reading the actual play itself alongside the music and lyrics, it’s rather incredible to see how it has manifested to the stage. It’s also a rather big shame how Heathers: The Musical has finished it’s run at The Other Palace, for the time being at least. I don’t think there’s been a production like it that has evoked so much emotion within me whilst allowing me to feel comfortably passionate about theatre. Heathers feels like home. And, each and every person in that room, be it audience, cast or, crew, is family.
My favourite musical numbers of course has to be Act 2, Scene 1 with, “My Dead Gay Son.” Act 1 Scene 10 is a emotion sucker and personally, makes me feel empty and in awe so it picks up after that which is appreciative and dare I say, it’s actually the best ensemble number in the whole musical. Of course all the musical numbers are great and I don’t really hate any of them which is the beauty of it because I can listen to the soundtrack through start to finish, no skips. I really like “Never Shut Up Again.” In Act 1, despite Duke being a little bitch especially after Chandler’s death, we never take much notice of her. NSUA is her moment to shine, and who doesn’t want that? Although her methods weren’t all up to scratch I understand if I was always being minimised, ridiculed and, silenced by somebody that was my so-called ‘friend.’ Besides NSUA, “You’re Welcome,” has to be my favourite number in Act 1. From script to stage, the choreography is incredible as well as intonation, emphasis and, pitch whilst maintaining moments to freeze and move to and from slo-motion. Act 2 really comes with some strong numbers, especially vocally, with “I say No,” “Lifeboat,” and “Kindergarten Boyfriend.” “Yo Girl/Meant To Be Yours,” is at the pinnacle of that, however.
Moreover, I feel as though the characters are very well written even the ensemble — there’s an opportunity for connection between everyone. Heathers truly displays what it feels like to be a teenager, especially a teenage girl, in the most wacky and bizarre yet mundane sort-of way.
It’s just too good. Heathers is my favourite musical ever. I first went to see it in July of 2022 and the following year I saw it approximately 4 or 5 times. I liked how different it was each time, how you noticed differences in how the characters acted or looked.
Now reading the actual play itself alongside the music and lyrics, it’s rather incredible to see how it has manifested to the stage. It’s also a rather big shame how Heathers: The Musical has finished it’s run at The Other Palace, for the time being at least. I don’t think there’s been a production like it that has evoked so much emotion within me whilst allowing me to feel comfortably passionate about theatre. Heathers feels like home. And, each and every person in that room, be it audience, cast or, crew, is family.
My favourite musical numbers of course has to be Act 2, Scene 1 with, “My Dead Gay Son.” Act 1 Scene 10 is a emotion sucker and personally, makes me feel empty and in awe so it picks up after that which is appreciative and dare I say, it’s actually the best ensemble number in the whole musical. Of course all the musical numbers are great and I don’t really hate any of them which is the beauty of it because I can listen to the soundtrack through start to finish, no skips. I really like “Never Shut Up Again.” In Act 1, despite Duke being a little bitch especially after Chandler’s death, we never take much notice of her. NSUA is her moment to shine, and who doesn’t want that? Although her methods weren’t all up to scratch I understand if I was always being minimised, ridiculed and, silenced by somebody that was my so-called ‘friend.’ Besides NSUA, “You’re Welcome,” has to be my favourite number in Act 1. From script to stage, the choreography is incredible as well as intonation, emphasis and, pitch whilst maintaining moments to freeze and move to and from slo-motion. Act 2 really comes with some strong numbers, especially vocally, with “I say No,” “Lifeboat,” and “Kindergarten Boyfriend.” “Yo Girl/Meant To Be Yours,” is at the pinnacle of that, however.
Moreover, I feel as though the characters are very well written even the ensemble — there’s an opportunity for connection between everyone. Heathers truly displays what it feels like to be a teenager, especially a teenage girl, in the most wacky and bizarre yet mundane sort-of way.
February 10, 2018
I am a child of the 80's and love Heathers the movie. My daughter is now in love with the musical, and it is INCREDIBLE! Great job Laurence, paying homage to the original but making such amazing songs. My favorite... I love my dead gay son!
November 1, 2021
Due to COVID restrictions, travelling to the UK to see Heathers in the flesh is not the best option, so instead I chose to read the script. The musical is about the poetic and nerdy Veronica Sawyer who joins a clique lead by three popular girls all named Heather in order to gain "protection" from bullies. When a mysterious loner named J.D. moves to the town, Veronica quickly takes a liking to him. However, when they both get involved in a series of murders masqueraded as suicides, she finds out J.D. is more disturbed than she initially thought. I absolutely adore the songs, and I really like the original film, but I think I had the impression going in that the story would be largely the same, just with the songs adding some more emotional depth. However, I was surprised by how unique and deeper an experience the musical is compared to the film. The film is very emotionally detatched and ironic - that's arguably by design and works very well for that version of the story. In contrast, the musical is very emotional and dives deep into the characters, their motivations, and their relationships with one another. In order to facilitate this, a lot of really substantial changes have been made. This really makes the script feel like a whole new take on the story rather than a 1:1 translation of the film from screen to stage. I also really liked that all songs - You're Welcome, Never Shut Up Again, and I Say No - are in the script, as I really got into the musical by listening to the original West End cast recording. In my addition, a lot of Playbill articles were also included that went into the process of creating the show, the show's philosophy, and deep dives on each song. If you're a fan of the original film and would like to see a different version of the story, or if you're a fan of the songs and haven't had the chance to see the show, I highly recommend reading the script. For example, you could put on the West End cast recording and listen to the songs you've made it to in the script while reading through them.
May 15, 2021
*CW: suicide, gun violence, death, emotional abuse, bullying, homophobia, fat-phobia, sexual assault, eating disorders. (I might be forgetting some but yeah this show deals with A LOT of triggering, taboo stuff. Just in case you didn’t know.)
4.25 stars.
I’m taking off that little bit because as someone who saw and prefers the original version of Heathers the Musical—with ALL of its original songs—i was slightly disappointed to see that my edition was the revised 2019 book, featuring new/replaced songs and dialogue. And don’t get me wrong, those new songs and scenes are good and do improve certain aspects of the story, and the UK cast recording is great (as I had to listen along to those songs as I read).
This version of the book, with all its changes, is obstensibly supposed to be used as the script for any current and future productions, as the rights to the original production have been basically retired. This is so that the musical can maintain and further emphasize its lessons on feminism, suicide, abuse, and rape without actually offending everybody. (Thanks a lot, “Blue”.)
But the OG American libretto is superior.
4.25 stars.
I’m taking off that little bit because as someone who saw and prefers the original version of Heathers the Musical—with ALL of its original songs—i was slightly disappointed to see that my edition was the revised 2019 book, featuring new/replaced songs and dialogue. And don’t get me wrong, those new songs and scenes are good and do improve certain aspects of the story, and the UK cast recording is great (as I had to listen along to those songs as I read).
This version of the book, with all its changes, is obstensibly supposed to be used as the script for any current and future productions, as the rights to the original production have been basically retired. This is so that the musical can maintain and further emphasize its lessons on feminism, suicide, abuse, and rape without actually offending everybody. (Thanks a lot, “Blue”.)
But the OG American libretto is superior.
August 20, 2017
I listened to the Original Cast Recording for Heathers over and over and over and over again. It's been a while since I was so captivated by the cleverness and craft of a musical. The lyrics and the music outstrip the book, but the whole is a sardonic look at teenage angst and self-assertion.
The original eighties movie was a masterpiece of dark comedy. It's a trifle dated now, but the musical version reintroduces much of the sting with its in-your-face politically incorrect humor. The team includes the creators of Legally Blond, Bat Boy, and Reefer Madness--it's no wonder that Heathers shares that tight, fast-paced, ensemble-driven roller-coaster ride through a story that manages to be both morbidly funny and socially and emotionally relevant.
I don't want to give anything away here, but I will say that some changes were made to the original movie's plot to make Heathers more stage worthy. But the alterations are pretty minor, and the choices reflect both a respect for the source material and a strong desire to update its feel for the 21st century.
The original eighties movie was a masterpiece of dark comedy. It's a trifle dated now, but the musical version reintroduces much of the sting with its in-your-face politically incorrect humor. The team includes the creators of Legally Blond, Bat Boy, and Reefer Madness--it's no wonder that Heathers shares that tight, fast-paced, ensemble-driven roller-coaster ride through a story that manages to be both morbidly funny and socially and emotionally relevant.
I don't want to give anything away here, but I will say that some changes were made to the original movie's plot to make Heathers more stage worthy. But the alterations are pretty minor, and the choices reflect both a respect for the source material and a strong desire to update its feel for the 21st century.
November 28, 2022
i love the heathers movie more than life itself and the musical did not disappoint
April 24, 2021
I have problems with "blue"/"you're welcome" and "my dead gay son". But so many of the songs are excellent.
Overall this is a much less cynical work than the film, as the creators note it had to be to make the adaptation to a musical.
Some of it make the story more profound and/or emotionally sattisfing. And more sincere. Other changes do feel a bit fan-fic-y and indulgent.
I think I really like both versions.
Overall this is a much less cynical work than the film, as the creators note it had to be to make the adaptation to a musical.
Some of it make the story more profound and/or emotionally sattisfing. And more sincere. Other changes do feel a bit fan-fic-y and indulgent.
I think I really like both versions.
January 10, 2022
For people of Generation Z who loved Mean Girls meat the original Mean Girls with Murder, music, psychological characters, and an interesting view of how people exist in society.
As a person who has seen the musical and the movie, the musical that came out second, does a good job of sticking close to the source material and adding interesting things the movie doesn't really talk about and adding more depth through the music.
As a person who has seen the musical and the movie, the musical that came out second, does a good job of sticking close to the source material and adding interesting things the movie doesn't really talk about and adding more depth through the music.
February 20, 2017
I really loved this very much!
It's funny, very smartly written.
I think one thing (maybe strange) I've taken away from the lyrics is in a world that's trying to make us grow up faster and faster, be a rebel and be seventeen forever!
It's funny, very smartly written.
I think one thing (maybe strange) I've taken away from the lyrics is in a world that's trying to make us grow up faster and faster, be a rebel and be seventeen forever!
August 27, 2023
I saw this musical in London in October and LOVED IT SO MUCH. I loved thw characters, the dialogue between them and the language. I'm so happy I was able to purchase this script book outside the theatre. My favorite musical for sure!
August 26, 2016
One of my favorite musicals :) It was nice to read a physical copy of the script while listening to the Broadway recording
August 18, 2024
Ei siitä pääse mihinkään, rakastan Heathersia. Se on yksi lempimusikaaleistani, ja osaan alkuperäisen Off-Broadway -levytyksen ulkoa. Totta kai rakastan teosta myös painetussa muodossa! Musikaalin lukeminen painettuna jättää toki kokemuksesta aika paljon pois, mutta varsinkin dialogin lukeminen oli innostavaa, koska bootlegeistä on usein vaikea saada selvää (ei sillä että minä sellaisia katsoisin, pois se minusta). Tykkäsin myös lukea näyttämöohjeita ja tekijöiden kommentteja teoksestaan. Koen, että tämä oli arvokas lisä omaan fanitukseeni. Kävin viikonloppuna katsomassa Suomen kantaesitysversion Heathersista, joten vertailin myös suomennosta alkuperäistekstiin. Hyvää työtä tehty!
Suurin ongelma tämän nimenomaisen kirjan kohdalla on se, että se noudattaa West Endissä esitettyä versiota, joka ilmeisesti on nykyään se versio, jonka lisenssejä myönnetään uusille produktioille. (Ihan samaa painosta kuin lukemani en tosin Goodreadsista löytänyt.) Vaikka tykkään Never shut up againista ja I say nosta tosi paljon, valitettavasti uudempi versio tuntuu vähän pehmitetyltä. Tuntuu, että Off-Broadwayn rosoisempi versio tavoittaa paremmin elokuvan tummat ja julmat sävyt, ja näyttää millaisia teinit pahimmillaan ovat, kun taas West End-version lyriikat tuntuvat välillä turhan silotelluilta ja oudolta itsesensuurilta.
Suurin ongelma tämän nimenomaisen kirjan kohdalla on se, että se noudattaa West Endissä esitettyä versiota, joka ilmeisesti on nykyään se versio, jonka lisenssejä myönnetään uusille produktioille. (Ihan samaa painosta kuin lukemani en tosin Goodreadsista löytänyt.) Vaikka tykkään Never shut up againista ja I say nosta tosi paljon, valitettavasti uudempi versio tuntuu vähän pehmitetyltä. Tuntuu, että Off-Broadwayn rosoisempi versio tavoittaa paremmin elokuvan tummat ja julmat sävyt, ja näyttää millaisia teinit pahimmillaan ovat, kun taas West End-version lyriikat tuntuvat välillä turhan silotelluilta ja oudolta itsesensuurilta.
December 31, 2019
I went to see Heathers last year when it was in the west end – mainly because one of my favourite actresses (Carrie Hope Fletcher) was in it, but it turned out to be one of the best musicals I’ve seen – and completely not what I expected.
While I was there, I picked up this script as a memento of what I’d seen, and today I spent a fabulous couple of hours reading through the script while listening to the soundtrack. It brought back all the memories of being in that theatre and watching it live – I wish I could go back and do it again!
I’ve not watched the film yet, but if you’ve seen the film I’ve heard that the musical is quite different. The songs are so catchy though, it was impossible to read the script without singing along.
Unfortunately, the themes and the language are a bit too ‘grown-up’ for my youth group ages, so it’s not something we’d ever be able to do with them and the script book will go unused, but it will sure bring back some fabulous memories each time I read it!
Posted on: https://emmaloui.se/2019/12/29/kevin-...
While I was there, I picked up this script as a memento of what I’d seen, and today I spent a fabulous couple of hours reading through the script while listening to the soundtrack. It brought back all the memories of being in that theatre and watching it live – I wish I could go back and do it again!
I’ve not watched the film yet, but if you’ve seen the film I’ve heard that the musical is quite different. The songs are so catchy though, it was impossible to read the script without singing along.
Unfortunately, the themes and the language are a bit too ‘grown-up’ for my youth group ages, so it’s not something we’d ever be able to do with them and the script book will go unused, but it will sure bring back some fabulous memories each time I read it!
Posted on: https://emmaloui.se/2019/12/29/kevin-...
August 16, 2018
I'm glad I watched the movie before I read this because I would have had problems otherwise.
However, I'm not quite sure how to rate this.
Let's be real: the plot is really fucked up. The characters are unlikeable and I didn't really laugh, even though it's supposed to be a comedy. I listened to the soundtrack while reading the book and, in my opinion, some songs sound unfinished and chaotic.
Still, there are some songs I love, such as 'Candy Store' and 'Dead Girl Walking'. What I also appreciated was how close the musical adaptation stayed to the original movie. It included so many quotes from it! I also enjoyed the interview snippet of the producers at the end of the book.
I don't really comprehend the cult following Heathers developed over the years but I also can't deny that it fascinates me.
I imagine adapting films into musicals as a hard task but kudos to O'Keefe and Murphy for creating such a dark and interesting piece with (literal) bangers.
However, I'm not quite sure how to rate this.
Let's be real: the plot is really fucked up. The characters are unlikeable and I didn't really laugh, even though it's supposed to be a comedy. I listened to the soundtrack while reading the book and, in my opinion, some songs sound unfinished and chaotic.
Still, there are some songs I love, such as 'Candy Store' and 'Dead Girl Walking'. What I also appreciated was how close the musical adaptation stayed to the original movie. It included so many quotes from it! I also enjoyed the interview snippet of the producers at the end of the book.
I don't really comprehend the cult following Heathers developed over the years but I also can't deny that it fascinates me.
I imagine adapting films into musicals as a hard task but kudos to O'Keefe and Murphy for creating such a dark and interesting piece with (literal) bangers.
July 18, 2018
So I love watching this play and apparently I love reading the script just as much!!! :D
Side note for anyone who listens to the album: you will find that some of the songs have additional lines (talking-wise) and they also have some altered lyrics.
Tip for anyone who hasn’t heard the album: LISTEN TO IT!!! The album is amazing and all of the capital words are lyrics and it’s fun to be able to sing (or hum) along with it :)
Side note for anyone who listens to the album: you will find that some of the songs have additional lines (talking-wise) and they also have some altered lyrics.
Tip for anyone who hasn’t heard the album: LISTEN TO IT!!! The album is amazing and all of the capital words are lyrics and it’s fun to be able to sing (or hum) along with it :)
March 3, 2018
Hmmm,just not quite enough room for the characters to come through.
I know that as a musical they’re choosing songs over other stuff, but it is just too quick for me
Still, it’s pretty brutal, which I loved about the movie, and in the right hands could be amazing.
I know that as a musical they’re choosing songs over other stuff, but it is just too quick for me
Still, it’s pretty brutal, which I loved about the movie, and in the right hands could be amazing.
January 1, 2023
Amo este musical, las canciones son pegadizas y electrizantes. 💜 Lo leí completo porque quiero trabajarlo el año que viene, tiene personajes con un buen desarrollo y una trama inquietante y loquisima. Can’t wait for working w this!
November 26, 2023
I will never understand why people love this musical so much. I will say it has some great songs, but overall it drags so much. I know they have made so rewrites for current productions so I would be interested to see what those are.
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