St. Clair College to Present Unique Spin on Cult Classic, “Heathers”
The St. Clair College Music Theatre Performance program is putting on a cult classic for their spring show. The program is set to perform Heathers this April, directed, and choreographed by Melissa Williams with musical direction by John Karr.
The show will feature students from all three years of the Music Theatre Performance program. Staff and students are excited to have fun with the show but also welcome a serious discussion.
“Heathers is a cult classic that continues to resonate with audiences because it’s relatable,” said director and choreographer Melissa Williams. “Most people feel very alienated and isolated in high school. It is an
awkward time where often we are not very kind to each other. The desire to fit in, the desire to be loved, the desire to be accepted, the desire for mercy, these are all themes the play touches on.”
St. Clair has taken a unique step by double-casting the show, allowing two actors to play lead roles, like character Veronica Sawyer, played by both Camryn Winnicky-Lewis and Breanna Nichols in this production.
“At St. Clair College we want to provide as many opportunities for as many students as possible,” said Williams. “By double casting the show, more women in the program can sink their teeth into lead roles. The graduating cast will be performing the last weekend and closing the show, we decided this was a good way to send them off.”
The 2010 musical is based on the 1989 film of the same name, dealing with timeless high school issues like bullying and popularity and combining it with themes of violence, suicide, and mental health (this production does contain strong language and mature themes).
“Everyone deals with mental health whether it’s something they’re going through themselves, a family member or a friend,” said Williams. “It’s with extreme sensitivity and acceptance that I navigate these themes with the performers, and I encourage them to trust me in creating a safe place to explore the depth of their characters.”
Even with somber themes featured in the movie, the musical version puts a fun spin on an otherwise dark story.
“I think it’s really interesting because cult classics are very over-the-top and campy,” said Camryn Winnicky-Lewis, co-cast as Veronica. “The rehearsal process and the songs are really fun, because a lot of the songs are just so obscure and that’s what makes it such a special musical. It’s an enjoyable process.”
Performances are running for two weeks at the Chrysler Theater starting Thursday April 20, until Saturday April 29, with evening and matinee options. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and children. Visit www.chryslertheatre.com for a full list of show times and to purchase tickets.
Heathers the Musical was a Broadway production that will now be available to audiences in Windsor.
“The productions that St. Clair College students put on are on the professional level,” said Kristyn Wiklanski, Artistic Director of the Music Theater Programme. “The people of Windsor who come see this will have the opportunity to see a lot of young upcoming professionals who are just embarking on their careers.”
