Is Heathers The Musical the event of the year?

We talked to cast members of FYP’s spring show Heathers The Musical to be played on April 14th -16th in Goldstein Auditorium.

Remember that flashmob in Schine last semester?

That was FYP’s announcement for its Spring 2016 show, Heathers The Musical, and they have a cast, a crew, and a pit. They’re already rehearsing and promise to be the best event on this school year and on SU’s history.

Quick background: First Year Players (FYP) is one of the largest student organizations on campus. They put together a Broadway-class musical every spring semester. They’ve done The Wedding Singer (2013), Rent (2014), The Addams Family (2015).

This year they are doing Heathers The Musical, a satirical, dark, and comedic show which guarantees laughter and also some valuable lessons.

The show is set in an Ohio high school in the 1980s, but deals with a lot of current issues like bullying and suicide.

The Tab Syracuse got exclusive access with some of the cast members and got the inside scoop on the show and their experiences. This people are rock stars, you should hear those voices.

Elena Wilson

Elena is well experienced – she has been in productions of Pippin, Chicago, The Mystery of Edwin Rood. This is the first time she’s been in an entirely student run production, from artistic direction all the way to sound and lights. Elena is playing the lead character, Veronica Sawyer.

“I’ve never been so excited to go and being with a group of people in my entire life. I look up to my cast members, to the crew, and the [FYP] staff because they inspire me to be the best version of myself. It is so exciting to be part of something that makes a change.”

Tell us about Veronica.

She thinks she is a badass, but her actions are completely disconnected. Overall, she just wants to fit in. She hates being the one looser and looks for a way out. She represents the high school journey as a whole. She is 100 percent the model of wanting to fit in.

What’s Heathers about?

The show is about being different but coexisting in a way where everyone is happy. It so convoluted, it’s a complete satire which describes different high school clicks. It touches topics everyone is well acquainted with but we do it in a very relatable and humorous way. The message the show sends is universal and that is: respect everyone around you.

A message to SU students

Never be afraid to take a chance. If you have the passion for something give it the time it deserves.

Jack Giampino

Heathers is going to be Jack’s musical theater debut – he’s really excited about it. He’s got some sweet melodies he wants you to hear. Jack thinks the show, despite being in the context of a high school, definitely applies to a college setting because it is about finding your place, something college students are always trying to do.

“Be active and find a niche where you can be yourself and you can enjoy yourself and the people around you.”

What’s the theme of the show?

I think a huge part about it is how people are dynamic creatures and how we can change ourselves to be whatever we want to be and is up to ourselves and other people to accept those changes. Is about accepting how other and we change as people.

Tell us about your character.

I am Ram Sweeney, one of the two jocks of the school. I’m the dumb one of the two. He and his buddy Kurt always go together. I get to have so much fun with the character. He is a bully, not the greatest person, but he is carefree and always looking to have big fun.

The show makes people talk about current issues, right?

Yes. It’s good the show puts people talking about issues like suicide. It’s a huge deal that it opens a space for discussion and awareness.

David Robusto

Another veteran in theater, David, has performed in The Sound of Music, the Wizard of Oz, The Drowsy Chaperone. He’s ready to bring his cool bass tunes to this awesome production.

“Come see our show. It’s going to be incredibly funny and meaningful. It’s a labor of love. We adore doing what we do and I really hope you all enjoy it.”

How would you describe the show?

An exceptionally over the top, quasi love story, filled with teen angst and murder.

How does the show touches sensitive issues?

The show is very satirically heavy but brings awareness to the issues of bullying, bulimia, and suicide by making fun of them. Everyone has their own struggles and the show really portrays that well. It’s very entertaining and the issues it brings to life are prominent for high school as well as college students.

How is the rehearsal process?

It’s a very intense process, but incredibly rewarding. There are teams of people who make sure everything is incredible. You cannot get away with not knowing a dance. Everybody in the show is 100 percent dedicated because it is so selective and you want to do well for your cast mates and for yourself.

A message to the SU students.

If you feel as you are struggling with something, don’t hide behind a mask, there are people in the Syracuse community who really care for you and want to help.

Rachael MacKinnon

Everyone loves the villain. Be ready to see Rachael killing the stage with her high notes as Heather Chandler, the ultimate, evil, popular mean girl. She’s previously performed in Singing in the Rain.

“This is the greatest thing I’ve done in a very long time. It was an instant family… These are my people…everyone loves each other”

Heathers vs. Mean Girls?

[Spoiler alert] Heathers is the original, darker, crazier Mean Girls. Is maniacal, characters are killing each other.

You play Heather Chandler, the bad girl…What’s her deal?

She is the absolute Queen B. She is the richest, most dominant leader of her high school. Picture the Regina George of high school. She is vicious. She would do anything just to stay on top and keep her power.
I secretly wanted this role the whole time because I’ve always played a nice, goody two-shoes girl.

What can we expect?

Expect an amazing show. You’ll be at the edge of your seat all the time. And be ready for a lot of plot twists.

So there you have it. These talented people are preparing an amazing show. This is a must of your SU Bucket List so you definitely don’t want to miss Heathers. The show has everything you want: humor, satire, and a cool message.