Oglethorpe University and Actor’s Express are teaming up to co-produce “Heathers: The Musical,” as part of the professional theatre company’s upcoming 34th season.
The show, based on the 1989 movie starring Winona Ryder, will run from Sept. 29 – Oct. 17 in Oglethorpe’s Conant Performing Arts Center and will feature OU theatre students alongside professional actors in both lead and supporting roles.
“Heathers” is a dark comedy musical that explores issues of bullying, teen suicide, sexual assault and violence in high school. When 17-year-old Veronica is finally assimilated in to the unaffected and vain clique known as “The Heathers,” she realizes that they rule the school through manipulation and bullying. It is mysterious newcomer J.D. that gives Veronica an opportunity to not only take down the Heathers, but to dismantle the cruel social hierarchy of high school altogether.
Raw, edgy and timeless, “Heathers: The Musical,” has found popularity in theatres across the country since it ended its run on Broadway in 2014. Now, with the help of Actor’s Express, Oglethorpe University students not only get to help bring this classic show to life, but they also get to work in a professional environment before they even graduate.
“What’s exciting about the Actor’s Express partnership is that it is a genuine co-production with our students playing key roles in the show,” says Associate Professor of Theatre Matt Huff, “It offers our students a unique and high-impact educational opportunity.”
Students will be auditioning virtually this summer, with casting announcements to come. This will also mark the Conant Performing Arts Center’s first full-capacity shows in over a year — part of a long-awaited return of the performing arts.
“This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for,” says Actor’s Express Artistic Director Freddie Ashley. “As we’ve been so starved to gather in a shared space for over a year, Actor’s Express has decided to roar back with the most ambitious, diverse and exciting season in our thirty-four-year history.”
Oglethorpe has a long tradition of creating opportunities for its theatre students through partnerships with Atlanta’s best theatre companies, including the Alliance Theatre, Horizon Theatre, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, and Georgia Shakespeare.
Single tickets will go on sale on July 6. Be sure to stay tuned for more information as Oglethorpe and Actor’s Express gear up to premiere the show on Sept. 29.
Safety is Actor’s Express and Oglethorpe University’s top priority. Effective immediately, all audience members must be fully vaccinated (2 shots +14 days) and be able to show proof of vaccination before attending Heathers: The Musical. Proof of vaccination will be required to pick up your tickets from the box office.
