“Heathers” is so in demand that it’ll probably be sold out by the time I’m done writing this review.
It feels a bit weird getting back into the swing of things following the holiday weekend and that iconic IU win. However, I kicked off my weekend by catching Footlite Musicals’ production of “Heathers.”
Based on the 1989 cult film written by Daniel Waters, “Heathers: The Musical” first debuted Off-Broadway in 2014 and had a New York Revival in 2025.
Directed by Jonna Kauffman, “Heathers” is a dark comedy following Veronica Sawyer, a teenage misfit who hustles her way into a working friendship with the Heathers, Westerberg High’s most popular clique. However, the story quickly takes a dark turn when Veronica is kicked out of the clique, and her budding relationship with the mysterious new kid, J.D., leads to a questionable form of revenge.
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Veronica Sawyer (Emma Fullen) is brilliant in this role. Classy, compassionate and ruthless. She plays both the distressed damsel and the empowered antihero seamlessly, and with a lovely powerhouse voice and perfect comedic timing, “Dead Girl Walking” had the whole theatre literally screaming. I’m not exaggerating.
Jason “J.D.” Dean (Cole Hurt) is the kind of character that, if I met in real life, I’d run very fast in the opposite direction. Even so, within the world of fiction, he’s kind of the ideal boyfriend — loyal, good listener, would literally die for you. Murder and mommy issues aside, I really liked the way Hurt played this character onstage. Typically, you see actors go too far too fast in this role, and it ruins the illusion, but Hurt’s J.D. was charming and resigned till the end.
Those little tender moments between Veronica and J.D. in “Our Love is God,” “Seventeen” and “Meant to be Yours” really do enough to remind you at the end of the day, these characters are misguided kids trying to figure themselves and life out, and, well, they got it wrong.
“Heathers” is a very risqué, pop-y, almost rock-sounding musical. There are a few moments that ebb, but for the most part, the numbers are high caliber, with intense lyrics, sharp choreography and vocals that leave you breathless. “Candy Store” is the song the show is best known for, and led by Heather Chandler (Kennedy Wilson), Heather McNamara (Drew Bryson) and Heather Duke (Courtney Krauter), it’s sassy, jazzy and offensive, and stings in just the right places.
The set is a large, elaborate high school. Designed by Mary Lich, the set is bright, with levels and working doors, stairs and lockers; but for other scenes, the set acts as more of a suggestion. Simple, but effective, Footlite generally has some of the best scene changes I’ve seen in local theatre. Also, a good friend of mine explained that the crew dress up as “characters” in the show to be less noticeable. I didn’t know that till now. Genius.
“Heathers” isn’t a particularly easy show to put on, from the complex, belt-heavy songs, fast-paced, energetic choreography, edgy characters, and of course, numerous deaths. Not to mention, Maria Matters and Cody Wence were in that lighting booth making actual, literal magic happen on stage. The lighting design for “Heathers” was exquisite. It was beautiful; warm and colorful, with some really nice subtle touches that made the hair on my arms rise.
Everyone on that stage took big swings with their characters and movement — and I just know their intimacy director was busy because everything looked wonderful and raunchy and powerful. The costume design was clever and chaotic, and I loved the choreography — both dancing and fighting.
I wasn’t even particularly crazy about the show “Heathers,” but this production was absolutely worth braving the cold on a Thursday night. It’s hilarious and dark, but not recommended for audiences under 14, as there are references and depictions of murder, suicide, homophobia, bullying, sexual violence and adult language.
“Heathers” is onstage at Footlite Musicals, 1847 N. Alabama St., for one more weekend of … Whoops, never mind. I just checked, and every show Jan. 22-25 is SOLD OUT.
I’m sorry. This so rarely happens, but I guess you don’t need me to tell you it was good.
For more information about Footlite Musicals or to view a season schedule, visit footlite.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
