Heathers deemed "the perfect show" for King's Players

The King’s Players Theatre Company will present Heathers: The Musical, January 29 - February 1, 2020, 8-10 p.m. at the Joanne & Peter Kenny Theatre.

The production, produced by Kelsey Joyce and co-directed/co-choreographed by Caleb Ajao and Natalie Chevalier, is based on the 1989 movie starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. It tells the story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit, who vows revenge on Westerberg High’s clique “The Heathers” after being kicked out over dating the new kid, J.D.

Joyce, a third-year King’s student with a Major in Criminology and a Double Minor in Psychology and Political Science, believes “Heathers” is the perfect show for the King’s Players to produce.

“It’s an ambitious production that simultaneously has a very intimate feeling for the audience. I attribute a lot of that to the subject matter since it tackles so many difficult topics and the audience becomes really engaged,” says Joyce.

Joyce hopes that people will be drawn to the production from seeing the cult film and off-Broadway musical, as well as the satire and humour, which is suited to teenagers and adults alike. In addition, Joyce says “the characters are all iconic in their own ways, and I think people will be curious to see how students play the parts and the different spins that the team has decided to take.”

Approximately 45 people are involved in the production, including cast, production team, band and backstage crew. The team behind the production includes Nikki Nolet (Assistant Director), Nick Busch (Band Director), Orlena Bray (Music Director), Helena Ma (Stage Manager/Assistant Music Director), and Rachel Friesen (Assistant Stage Manager). “Everyone involved in this show specifically wanted to do Heathers and that passion has carried through into every aspect of this production,” says Joyce.

“The people you meet through campus theatre can quickly become some of your closest friends. There’s something really wonderful about putting all this time and dedication into a piece of art, seeing it unfold in front of your eyes, and getting to share that with friends and family,” says Joyce, who calls being a part of King’s Players one of the most influential parts of her time at King’s.

Many of the King’s Players have been involved with the club for several years. Both co-directors were involved with last year’s production of Catch Me If You Can. Ajao was the lead while Chevalier was the choreographer. “Students typically join the club for the shows and stay for the people and the environment!” says Joyce.

Tickets are $15 for students/seniors/alumni and $20 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite (www.heatherskp.eventbrite.ca ) and coming soon at the King’s Connection.

For more information, please visit: https://www.kings.uwo.ca/about-kings/visitor-info/calendar-of-events/kings-players-theatre-company-presents-heathers-the-musical/