Heathers The Musical

A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE

Heathers The Musical

Full-Length Musical, Dark Comedy  /  9w, 8m plus ensemble

Book, Music & Lyrics by Kevin Murphy & Laurence O’Keefe

Based on the film written by Daniel Waters

Based on the classic 1989 film. Westerberg High is ruled by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing junta: Heather, Heather and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark and sexy stranger J.D., who plans to put the Heathers in their place - six feet under.

Image: 2014 Off-Broadway Production (Chad Batka)

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    9w, 8m plus ensemble
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptations (Stage & Screen)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14 - 18)
Accolades
Accolades
  • Nominee: Two 2014 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Music
    Nominee!: 2014 Off Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical
    Winner! Two 2019 WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical

Details

Summary

Updated version! Materials are based on the 2019 West End production.

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?

Note on Teen Edition: Adapted in collaboration with iTheatrics, this dynamic show is now widely available to be performed by high schools around the world. Note that high school and youth organizations may not produce the standard verison of Heathers; they must apply for Heathers: Teen Edition.

History

Heathers The Musical premiered on September 13, 2010 at Joe’s Pub in New York City, followed by a run at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in Los Angeles in September of 2013. In March 2014, Heathers The Musical returned to New York in an Off-Broadway production at New World Stages, under the direction of Andy Fickman. The show earned the Off Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical and ran through August 4, 2014.

VERONICA SAWYER – (17) Burns to be both cool and kind, but doesn’t yet know how to be both at the same time. Fierce sense of right and wrong, keen sense of ironic humor. Thinks she’s an old soul, but she’s still innocent enough to be blindsided by love or shocked by cruelty. Voice: high belting required, up to A♭. Must have dynamic and stylistic range.
JASON “J.D.” DEAN – (17) Darkly charismatic, compelling, attractive. Charming on the outside, damaged on the inside. Keen smarts, savage wit. Voice: strong, confident belt to at least an A♭, A preferable; wide emotional range.
HEATHER CHANDLER – (17) The richest, hottest, cruelest girl in town. Relishes power and wields it without fear, patience, or mercy. Voice: strong belt to F or higher preferred. Mezzo for chorus. NOTE: In certain choral songs, CHANDLER can switch parts with the other HEATHERS as needed.
HEATHER MCNAMARA – (17) Beautiful, innocent, stupid. Can be mean on command if Heather Chandler orders it, but actually quite vulnerable and fearful. Voice: strong belt to D♭, D preferred. Soprano for chorus. NOTE: In certain choral songs, MCNAMARA and DUKE can switch vocal parts as needed.
HEATHER DUKE – (17) The whipped beta dog of the three Heathers. Deeply insecure. When she finally becomes Queen Bee, she wields power like a bulldozer. Voice: strong belt to C, D preferred. Alto for chorus. NOTE: In certain choral songs, DUKE and MCNAMARA can switch vocal parts as needed.
MARTHA DUNNSTOCK – (17) Nicknamed “Martha Dumptruck,” the opposite of confident and popular. Huge and beautiful soul, optimistic even in the face of rejection. Voice: strong belt to E or F, wide vocal expression.
RAM SWEENEY – (17) Linebacker. Big, insensitive to the feelings of others, ruled by appetites. Voice: strong baritone, belt to G, some falsetto useful. NOTE: In certain songs, RAM and KURT can switch choral assignments if, say, RAM sings higher than KURT.
KURT KELLY – (17) Quarterback and captain. Chiseled, rude, entitled, cocky. He’s the brains in the friendship with Ram. Voice: tenor, strong belt to A♭ or A, some falsetto. NOTE: In certain songs, KURT and RAM can switch choral assignments if, say, RAM sings higher than KURT.
RAM’S DAD / BIG BUD DEAN / COACH RIPPER – (40-45)
    RAM’S DAD: Former football player turned suburban dad, has never outgrown his high school glory days. Hates weakness, but capable of soul-searching when tragedy strikes.
    BIG BUD DEAN: J.D.’s single dad. Big jolly personality that barely conceals the enormous rage bubbling just below the surface. Quite possibly a serial bomber.
    COACH RIPPER: Stalwart, man’s man; quick to defend his players.
    Voice: baritone/tenor, power Country/Gospel belt to A♭, higher welcome. NOTE: Sometimes this actor has played PRINCIPAL GOWAN instead of BIG BUD / COACH.
MS. FLEMING / VERONICA’S MOM – (45-50)
   MS. FLEMING: Aging hippie teacher, still yearning for the day the Age of Aquarius reaches Ohio. Resentful of today’s entitled youth, protective of the underdogs. Despite a penchant for self-promotion, genuinely cares about the students in her charge.
   VERONICA’S MOM: Easygoing, distant, yet capable of laying down the law.
   Voice: great belt up to C, higher always welcome.
KURT’S DAD / VERONICA’S DAD / PRINCIPAL GOWAN – (30-45)
   KURT’S DAD: Straight-laced, very conservative, also former football player. A simple guy, not book smart, you’d be happy to share a beer with him.
   VERONICA’S DAD: Easygoing and distant.
   PRINCIPAL GOWAN: Rumpled, burned out, hates conflict.
   Voice: strong baritone/tenor, power Country/Gospel belt to G, even higher better. NOTE: Sometimes this actor has played BIG BUD/COACH instead of PRINCIPAL GOWAN.
BOY 1: BELEAGUERED GEEK – (16-18) An embittered social outcast. Voice: baritone (up to F#) or tenor (up to A).
BOY 2: PREPPY STUD – (16-18) Straightlaced, ambitious, blow-dried. Dreams of being even richer than his parents. Voice: bass (up to E) or baritone (up to G#).
BOY 3: HIPSTER DORK – (16-18) Thinks he’s Ducky from Pretty in Pink. Voice: baritone (up to F#) or tenor (up to A).
GIRL 1: NEW WAVE GIRL – (16-18) She wants her MTV and dresses accordingly. Voice: belt to at least C# (a soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).
GIRL 2: STONER CHICK – (16-18) Smokes outside with the freaks in between classes. Her future’s so bright she’s gotta wear shades to hide her bloodshot eyes. Voice: belt to at least C# (a soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).
GIRL 3: YOUNG REPUBLICANETTE – (16-18) A tennis-playing, perky Student Council type. Voice: belt to at least C# (soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).

  • Time Period 1980s
  • Setting Westerberg High School in Sherwood, a small suburban town in Ohio. 1989.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Drugs
    • Gun Shots
    • Intense Adult Themes
    • Strong Language
    • Suicide
    • Violence

Media

“Ingenious, naughty and very funny.” – New York Post

“A rowdy guilty pleasure.” – The New York Times

“Cue the corn nuts — and much-deserved applause. HOW VERY.” – NY Daily News, Read More

“Ingenious, naughty and very funny. Heathers still cliques.” – New York Post, Read More

Heathers The Musical should score with just about everyone.” – Variety, Read More

ON BREAKING CHARACTER

Why Produce Heathers, or We Gotta Do Something to Stop Bad Behavior and Violence Everywhere
by Jeremy Quinn
October 7, 2016

Exploring the Culture of Cult Musicals
by Chris Kam
May 5, 2015

Listen Up, Corn Nuts
by Heathers the Musical
May 6, 2015

A Modest Proposal, or, You Want Me To Adapt What?
by Laurence O'Keefe
May 7, 2015

The Writing Process, or, Does He Have To Pull Out A Magnum In The Lunchroom?
by Kevin Murphy
May 8, 2015

Videos

  • Laurence O'Keefe and Kate Shindle - "Seventeen" youtube thumbnail

    Laurence O'Keefe and Kate Shindle - "Seventeen"

  • Laurence O'Keefe discusses "Seventeen" youtube thumbnail

    Laurence O'Keefe discusses "Seventeen"

  • LIVE FOOTAGE from HEATHERS THE MUSICAL! youtube thumbnail

    LIVE FOOTAGE from HEATHERS THE MUSICAL!

  • HEATHERS: Finding Your Inner Bitch youtube thumbnail

    HEATHERS: Finding Your Inner Bitch

  • Dead Girl Walking In the Recording Studio youtube thumbnail

    Dead Girl Walking In the Recording Studio

More videos +

Photos

  • Heathers The Musical

    Image: 2014 Off-Broadway Production (Chad Batka)

  • Heathers The Musical

    Image: 2014 Off-Broadway Production (Chad Batka)

  • Heathers The Musical

    Image: 2014 Off-Broadway Production (Chad Batka)

Music

Music Samples

Act I

1. “Beautiful (Part 1)” – Veronica, Martha, Ram, Kurt, Principal, Coach, Mrs. Fleming, Students
1a. “Beautiful (Part 2)” – Veronica, Chandler, McNamara, Duke, Mrs. Fleming, Principal, Coach, Students
1b. It’s Been Three Weeks – Orchestra
2. “Candy Store” – Chandler, McNamara, Duke, Vernoica, Martha
3. “Fight For Me” – Veronica, Ensemble
3a. Transition to Croquet – Orchestra
3b. “Candy Store Playoff” – Chandler, McNamara, Duke, Offstage Women
4. “Freeze Your Brain” – JD
4a. “Transition to Party” – JD
5. “Big Fun” – Ram, Kurt, Chandler, McNamara, Duke, Veronica, Martha, Ensemble
5a. Piñata of Doom – Orchestra
5b. Where’s the Goddamn Keg – Orchestra
6. “Dead Girl Walking” – Veronica, JD
6a. “Veronica’s Chandler Nightmare – Chandler, Veronica, All Students & Faculty
6aa. Bedtime for Chandler – Orchestra
6b. Death at Dawn – Orchestra
6c. “Pain in My Path” – JD, Veronica
7. “The Me Inside of Me” – Veronica, JD, Chandler, Officer Milner, Officer McCord, Mrs. Fleming, Students, Teachers, etc.
7a. Me Inside of Me Playoff – Orchestra
7b. Transition to Lehmann’s Farm – Orchestra
8. “You’re Welcome” – Veronica, Ram, Kurt, Male Ensemble
8a. Ghost Heather – Orchestra
9. “Never Shut Up Again” – Duke, Veronica, Ram, Kurt, Ensemble
9a. JD Gets Beat – Orchestra
10. “Our Love is God” – JD, Veronica, Kurt, Ram

Act II

10a. Organ Entr’Acte – Orchestra
10b. “Prom or Hell?” – Veronica
11. “My Dead Gay Son” – Ram’s Dad, Kurt’s Dad, Ensemble
11a. Dead Gay Son Playoff – Orchestra
12. “Seventeen” – Veronica, JD
12a. Happily Ever After/Martha Suspects – Orchestra
12b. Places for Assembly – Orchestra
13. “Shine a Light” – Everyone except Martha
13a. Shine a Light Playoff – Orchestra
14. “Lifeboat” – Heather McNamara
14a. “Shine a Light (Reprise)” – Duke, Ensemble
14b. You’re Welcome, McNamara – Orchestra
15. “I Say No” – Veronica, JD, Ensemble
15a. “Hey Yo Westerburg” – Heather McNamara, Students
16. “Kindergarten Boyfriend” – Martha
16a. Transition to Petition – Orchestra
17. “Yo, Girl/Meant To Be Yours” – JD, Heather Chandler, Ram, Kurt, Students
18. “Dead Girl Walking (Reprise)” – Veronica, JD, Student
18a. “We’re All Worth Saving” – Veronica, JD
19. “Finale: Seventeen (Reprise)”– Veronica, Martha, McNamara, Duke, Ensemble
20. Bows – Company
21. Exit Music – Orchestra

  • Musical Style Pop/Rock
  • Vocal DemandsDifficult
  • Orchestra Size Medium
  • Chorus Size Small

Licensing & Materials


  • PLEASE BE ADVISED: There are multiple versions of this title. Before you proceed, please double-check to ensure that you are applying for the version you want. We will not be able to refund rental or shipping fees if you pay for the wrong version. If you’re not sure which version best suits your needs, you may purchase a perusal for each available version.
    Performance rights for this title are currently withdrawn in the UK and Ireland. To be informed as soon as it becomes available in the future, please submit a license application.

Music Rentals

Concord offers a full suite of resources to help you put on the show of a lifetime!
18   Vocal Book
1   Keyboard-Conductor (rehearsal & performance)

1   Reed – Oboe, Clarinet, Tenor Sax & Baritone Sax
1   Trumpet – dbl. Flügelhorn & Piccolo Trumpet (Mutes: Harmon, Straight)
1   Percussion – Drum Kit & Congas
1   Guitar – Electric, Steel Acoustic & Nylon Acoustic
1   Violin
1   Bass – Electric & Upright
18   Vocal Book
1   Keyboard-Conductor (rehearsal & performance)

Authors

Laurence O'Keefe

Larry was a producer of the original LA and NY productions of Heathers (Drama Desk nom for music). With his wife Nell Benjamin, he won the Olivier Award (London’s Tony) for co-writing Legally Blonde: The Musical, which ran 2 1/2 years on the West End and has toured the UK. B ...
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Kevin Murphy

Kevin was a producer of the original LA and NY productions of Heathers (Drama Desk nom for music). He also provided lyrics and co-wrote the book for the stage musical Reefer Madness and was a producer on both the original Los Angeles and Off-Broadway productions. Reefer swept ...
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