The lights and curtains open to reveal the performers onstage, each sporting a larger-than-life personality, and the audience finds itself leaving UTD’s theatre and stepping foot into Westerburg High School in the year 1989. As the performance commences, another truly magical thing begins: the passions of the artists onstage seep into not only sharing the story with the audience, but also into encouraging the growth of arts on campus. The UTD Theatre is performing “Heathers,” an ’80s musical cult classic, from Oct. 24 to Nov. 2— and through the play, showcasing a little bit of each performer’s own story.
“Heathers” is a dark comedy film turned musical that portrays the trio clique of Heathers — Heather Chandler, Heather Duke and Heather McNamara — in an Ohio high school. Each of them sports a unique personality, but they are all ultimately bound by their names and popularity. The story follows underdog protagonists, like the character Veronica, who aim to bring social change and remove the grip the Heathers hold on the school. Christopher Trevino, theatre assistant professor and director of the musical, described the play as an act of survival both from characters who portray themselves as invincible, like the three main Heathers, and those who seek change, such as Veronica.
Through navigating high school social groups, characters’ weakest moments are highlighted in the musical, bringing up sensitive topics such as suicide, bullying, violence and assault. These themes did not deter the members and directorship of UTD Theatre, but rather spurred them to discuss these topics with the cast and authentically portray them to their audiences.
“We went a little bit further into it,” Trevino said. “We hired a fight choreographer and intimacy director [who] talked to the cast and [helped them talk] about those moments, how do we react to such [moments]. I [wanted] to make sure it was real, it was true.”
The popularity of “Heathers” goes beyond the screen and to the audition room. ATEC junior Kyle Hurst, who is playing the dual parts of Ram’s father and the principal in “Heathers,” said the 275-seat theater room was packed compared to UTD Theatre’s previous auditions, with over 50 students vying for roles. The department welcomed anyone with passion for theatre to audition, from the complete beginner to the aspiring Broadway actor.
Trevino said UTD Theatre provides an opportunity for performers to bring out their unique personalities onstage. For Trevino, this means shining the limelight on who they are as a person, showcasing their strengths as actors and addressing their weaknesses. For students like Hurst, the show allowed them to expand their theater skills and grow their confidence.
“One thing I discovered was that energy from the audience really impacts the actors,” Hurst said. “The audience reaction to a show definitely makes the actors feel better in their performance, and therefore they give a more confident and better performance.”
With “Heathers” being a campy and out of the ordinary musical, Megan Lemonds, a VPAS senior playing the main protagonist Veronica, said she treats developing her character as a collaborative experience.
“I try to take inspiration from personal experiences and input that my directors have. I also try to see how people have originated this character before, but also not to copy it,” Lemonds said. “I [try] to add my own flair to it.”
While the theater space is small, Trevino and Hurst said they work with what they have to create an immersive experience for the audience. For instance, scenes are choreographed to take place on the stage’s steps right next to the audience, so the actors can hook theatergoers into the fantasy world they have stepped into. Trevino said that in his 11 years at UTD Theatre, he has seen the department grow through multiple avenues, including collaborations with other on-campus groups.
“[One of the things we have done] was incorporating dance,” Trevino said. “Making this an opportunity for one big production with dance and theater. [Also] trying to find those key programs and departments within our school that [allow us to] present [titles] that will bring in and help students learn about different cultures.”
For some students, college theater is a stepping stone toward a career in the performing arts. Lemonds said she began working at professional theaters outside of UTD this year and eventually hopes to be in a national tour of a musical. For others, UTD Theatre still provides more than just a show, instead connecting them to their fellow actors in enduring friendships. Hurst said theater opened the curtains to making friends and helped him grow who he was offstage.
“I feel like a lot of people at UTD struggle to find their place on this campus,” Hurst said. “I think theater is the key to finding friends, because there is a nice network of people who are in theater. Being a part of theater helps you with everything in life, such as speaking in front of an audience or speaking skills for job interviews.”
Opening night for “Heathers” was Oct. 24, with upcoming shows running Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. Show tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for young kids and senior citizens. UTD students with a Comet Card receive free admission.
“Our cast and crew [take on] theater as a hobby and have a shared love for this story, and for telling stories,” Lemonds said. “It is really beautiful to see that come to life.”