PUHI — Veronica, a high school senior, stands up to bullying by the football team’s quarterback against her best friend.
The lights go on to the scene from the Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre (HCT) After Dark production, “Heathers The Musical” that opens Thursday at Puhi Theatrical Warehouse at 7 p.m. “Heathers The Musical” will be performed at PTW through Aug. 20 on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
“The show deals with themes that are relevant to teenagers today, and I believe it will resonate with our audiences,” said Jennifer Takenaka, the show’s director who is joined by musical director Nina Saraos. “The music is catchy and fun, and the cast is amazing. I’m excited to be working with such a talented cast and crew on ‘Heathers The Musical,’ and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
Written by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, the team behind the musicals “Legally Blond” and “Reefer Madness,” the HCT After Dark production is a coming-of-age story that deals with common themes like high school politics, peer pressure and fitting in.
It is a darkly comic rock musical, based on the highly-popular 1980s film, and features many of Kaua‘i’s talented theatre community, states a release from HCT.
“Kaua‘i is known for its outstanding theatre productions, and this one is no different,” said Allegra Gaines, the executive director of HCT. “The ‘teen edition’ version of the show has been adapted to be more suitable for younger audiences, but still deals with issues, such as bullying and violence, in a responsible and thoughtful way. It is important to note that parents should use their own discretion in deciding whether the show is appropriate for their children.”
Tickets are available online through the HCT website at www.hctkauai.org, or at the door on the night of the performances.
Director Takenaka, a seasoned director and actress, has directed numerous shows for the Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre. Recently, she directed the “Rocky Horror Show” for the Kaua‘i Community Players.
In addition to directing, Takenaka has starred in many of the HCT productions, including as Fiona in “Shrek the Musical.” HCT said her expertise and experience make her the perfect choice to bring “Heathers The Musical” to life.
The Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre After Dark program is audition-based for youths 15 years and older. The program provides an opportunity for young actors, designers and stage technicians to explore more challenging and mature musical theater themes in a black-box setting.
