LAUREN SOVISKY
staff writer

Pull out your leg warmers and scrunchies, warm up your vocal chords and prepare to head back to the drama that was high school.
Maybe your high school career wasn’t dramatic enough to transform into a musical, but look back to the glory days of mean girls and first loves as Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre opens its first show of the season Thursday with “Heathers: The Musical.”
Based on the 1988 film “Heathers,” 17-year-old Veronica Sawyer attempts to hike up the social hierarchy at Westerburg High School.
To do so requires befriending the three most beautiful and most popular girls in school: Heather, Heather and Heather.
Popularity comes with a price, from sacrificing your best friend to the wolves to falling for someone you shouldn’t.
“Heathers: The Musical” faces issues of teen suicide, murder, bullying, homophobia and gun violence and contains adult languages and themes.
The cast includes an array of Gannon talent from a variety of majors.
Seamus Clerkin, a sophomore education major, mentioned the adult content within the musical.
“Even though there are adult situations and adult languages present in the musical,” Clerkin said, “the underlying message is to not let other people define who you are. Stand up for others — you are never alone.”
Clerkin will be playing Kurt Kelly, one of the popular jocks within the musical.
Maggie Bahm, a senior theology major, also noted how important this productions message is in today’s world.
“The show is different from the ones I’ve done in the past,” Bahm said.
“It has such an important message. You never know what people are going through or what the circumstances they are in, so you should always strive to treat people with great dignity and kindness.”
Bahm will play the part of Martha Dunnstock , also known as “Martha Dumptruck,” Veronica’s best friend who receives constant bullying from the most popular classmates.
“Heathers: The Musical” opens at 8 p.m. Thursday, with the Patron of the Arts Reception, featuring free food and ‘80s ambience, at 6:30.
Admission is $7 general admission or $5 for Gannon faculty, staff, and students with a current Gannon ID.
For ticket reservations, more information about “Heathers: The Musical” and other upcoming Schuster Theatre productions, visit gannon.edu/Visitors-and-Community/Area-Attractions/Schuster-Theatre/.

LAUREN SOVISKY
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