A love letter to heathers, from adelaide
For ten days only, Adelaide theatre fans flocked to Her Majesty’s Theatre for Heathers The Musical. It is a cult classic show that has recently gathered the hearts of many new theatre fans across the world. The show itself has this newfound sense of virality, the young performers in the casts across Australia, UK and America have a community of online followers, their content reaching views in the millions.
And honestly, what is not to love about them! In Australia, for many in the cast, this is their professional debut. And for Adelaide, there was an extra special sense of pride felt in the audience, as homegrown cast members Emma Caporaso (Veronica), Abigail Sharp (Heather Mcnamara) and Scarlett Anthony (Drama Club Queen & Understudy) got to perform on home soil. Whenever this happens, Adelaide knows how to show up!
This was my first time seeing the show and I adored it instantly! Growing up a theatre fan, you listen to the classics like Candy Store for example, but never really know the context in which it sits in a plot until you get to see the full show for the first time. The darker places that the show takes you are approached sincerely, but underlying the show is an exaggerated sense of satire that even amongst the murders and suicide jokes, you are just having a rocking time! In talking to fellow theatre fans, what brought many to tears was Mel O’Brien’s (Martha) Kindergarten Boyfriend, and Sharp’s rendition of Lifeboat.
Throughout the season, Adelaide turned up and turned out! To see the theatre packed out with fans of all ages dressed up and eager was just another reminder about how precious the performing arts is at bringing people together. The unspoken rule to cheer when the Heathers first appeared was never broken. Cheers erupted again when Calista Nelmes (Heather Chandler) hit her Candy Store riff (it's insane!). Another favourite moment for me was Amelia Rojas’ electrifying performance of Never Shut Up Again!
Emma Caporaso as Veronica was honestly a standout performance for me, probably for all time, for. Real! She never missed an opportunity to get a laugh from the audience, oozed this natural confidence, and vocally was strong enough to bring Westerberg High School down. Conor Beaumont as Australia’s J.D, is another performer in the early stages of their career who rocked this psychotic role!
There was genuine, unique buzz about this show that was wonderful to experience. Whilst I might be hanging around in biased circles of thespians, so many Adelaidians who I spoke to had only positive things to rave about. Truly, the question of the month in this city was: “have you seen Heathers?”
So, below are more lovely notes of praise, reflections and Adelaide’s favourite moments from Heathers The Musical. What an absolutely stellar ten days of performances!
~ By Sophie Tsoulos
The energy in that theatre on Tuesday night was nothing short of spectacular! from the very moment that spotlight came up on Veronica, you could just FEEL the energy was heightened in the crowd! and not to mention Scarlett’s take on chandler had the audience in stitches with her whiney bitchiness ahaha!! our Adelaide girlies showed up and showed OUT ~ Sabrina
Seeing all the Adelaide talent shine and EVERY cast member was incredible!! Their voices were just phenomenal and facial expressions on point!! Made me laugh and cry all at once!! ~ Mia
In a time of stunt casting, its reaffirmed the calibre of young Aussie talent! ~ Reo
The audience was SO INTO IT, best energy ~ Lauren
Seeing people clearly love what they do. The serotonin is insane & the fact that there was a night where 3 / 4 Heathers were from Adelaide ~ Jess
When Ms Fleming singles out an audience member to be Steve. The improv is so funny! ~ Kiara
The sheer amount of talent and energy each actor brought to the show made it magical ~ Molly
Just the undeniable proof that theatre in Australia isn't going anywhere ~ Kate
The energy of the cast was just amazing. They were so in sync, I just love the cast ~ Willow
Dead gay son was TOO GOOD! ~ Nathan
EMMA CAPORASO’S insane vocals, perfect comedic timing and great acting choices. I was lucky enough to see opening night in adelaide - best crowd ever - and tuesday with all the adelaide girls!! genuinely a life changing experience, the talent blew my mind and i would’ve gone again if i could’ve everyone was genuinely hilarious and there were so many smaller details in every single scene. the vocals BLEW ME AWAY, can’t even fathom how amazing every single person was. and then they were all so so lovely at stage door as well simply a perfect show and casting ~ Chelsea
I loved seeing such a young talented cast. Gives hope to theatre in Australia ~ Tayla
The dynamic and goofiness between Kurt and Ram! The actors killed it ~ Tara
How many amazing talented cast members are from Adelaide!! ~ Jonathan
I loved how involved and excited the audience was throughout the whole show! ~ Kerry
The infectious energy throughout the crowd the entire show and the cast were phenomenal ~ Brandon
Scarlett Anthony <3 ~ Rebecca
