Book, Music, & Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe & Kevin Murphy
The University of Central Arkansas theatre program kicks off its 2024-25 mainstage season with the cult classic “Heathers: The Musical” at the James M. Bridges Black Box Theatre in the Windgate Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.
Performance dates are Nov. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m.
The performance includes mature content, heavy adult language, violence and suicide and is not recommended for children.
UCA students, faculty and staff can receive free tickets at the door or at the Reynolds Performance Hall or Windgate Box Office. General admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased online. Tickets may also be purchased at the Reynolds Box Office or Windgate Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by calling UCA Ticket Central by phone at (501) 450-3265 or toll-free at (866) 810-0012.
Based on the widely acclaimed cult-classic movie (1988), “Heathers: The Musical” is set at the fictional Westerberg High School, where the audience is first introduced to the classic cliques: the jocks, the nerds, the nobodies, and the coveted “Heathers”. Seen through the eyes of high school senior Veronica, as she struggles to survive the teenage nightmare of popularity and sacrifice. This dark comedy has its laugh-out-loud moments, but there is a somber connection while dealing with issues such as attempted suicide, bullying, sexual assault, school violence, homophobia, eating disorders, and mental illness.
“Our production really tries to keep the spirit of the film without being campy or cartoony, giving hints of an alluring and superficial MTV-like world contrasted with a dark, stark, and unsettling reality,” said UCA Professor Chris Fritzges and performance director.