Heathers the Musical is Heading to New York in 2025
Exciting news for theatre fans: Heathers the Musical is heading back to New York City in 2025. While it’s still a mystery whether it will play on Broadway or Off-Broadway, anticipation is already building.
Fresh off a successful UK tour, this cult favourite is set to dazzle audiences with its dark humour, catchy songs, and unforgettable characters.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the show, here’s everything you need to know about this much-loved musical as it gears up for its big return to the Big Apple.
Key Takeaways
- Heathers the Musical Returns to New York in 2025: The popular musical, known for its dark humour and catchy songs, is set to return to New York City in 2025, following a successful UK tour.
- Based on the 1989 Cult Film: The musical is inspired by the 1989 film and follows the story of Veronica Sawyer, a high school girl navigating the challenges of fitting in with the popular crowd.
- Talented Creative Team: The show features a talented team, including producers, directors, and choreographers, who have brought the original film’s edgy spirit to the stage.
What is Heathers the Musical About?
Heathers the Musical is based on the 1989 cult film of the same name by Daniel Waters. The story follows Veronica Sawyer, a smart but frustrated teenager at Westerberg High who is tired of being a nobody. To change her social status, Veronica gets involved with the Heathers, a group of the most popular and meanest girls in school.
They are led by the domineering Heather Chandler, with the scheming Heather Duke and the vulnerable Heather McNamara rounding out the group. Together, the Heathers bully and control the school, making life tough for anyone who does not fit their mould, including Veronica’s old friend, Martha Dunnstock.
Veronica’s situation spirals when she meets Jason Dean, also known as J.D., a new student who shares her disdain for high school hierarchy but takes things to a dangerous level. With his dark ideas about justice and revenge, J.D. drags Veronica into a series of shocking events that shake the school to its core.
Full of dark humour, catchy songs, and an iconic 80s aesthetic, the musical explores themes of peer pressure, the desire to fit in, and the consequences of following the wrong crowd.
Heathers the Musical Timeline
Here’s a look at how Heathers the Musical has travelled from its first performance to its upcoming Broadway run:
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Original Premiere | 2013 | Hudson Backstage Theatre, Los Angeles |
| Off-Broadway Run | 2014 | New World Stages, New York City |
| West End Debut | 2018 | Theatre Royal Haymarket, London |
| 1st UK Tour | 2018-2019 | UK & Ireland Tour |
| 2nd West End Run | 2020 | The Other Palace, London |
| 2nd UK Tour | 2021-2022 | UK & Ireland Tour |
| 3rd UK Tour | 2023-2024 | UK & Ireland Tour |
| Return to New York City | 2025 | New York City |
The Team Behind Heathers the Musical
The magic of Heathers the Musical comes from its talented creative team. Paul Taylor-Mills, a producer for the London production, has been involved in various stages of the show, including its official premiere and subsequent revivals.
The book, music, and lyrics are by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, who brought the original film’s edgy spirit to the stage. Andy Fickman directs the show with choreography by Gary Lloyd.
Set design is handled by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell, and sound by Dan Samson. This team has built a production that honours the film while adding its own unique flair.
Who Are the Characters in Heathers the Musical
Here’s a closer look at the main characters in Heathers the Musical and what they bring to the story:
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Veronica Sawyer | The smart but conflicted protagonist who gets caught up in the world of the Heathers, but soon regrets it. |
| Heather Chandler | Heather Chandler is the leader of the Heathers. She’s beautiful, ruthless, and always gets her way, before things take a deadly turn. |
| Heather Duke | The scheming second-in-command, Duke is constantly vying for Chandler’s throne and relishes taking her place. |
| Heather McNamara | The kinder, more naïve Heather who struggles with her own insecurities and goes along to fit in. |
| Jason Dean (J.D.) | Veronica’s rebellious new boyfriend whose dark views on life turn deadly, pushing the plot into dangerous territory. |
| Martha Dunnstock | Known as “Martha Dumptruck,” she’s Veronica’s childhood friend who’s constantly bullied by the Heathers. |
| Kurt Kelly | One of the popular jocks, Kurt enjoys making others’ lives miserable alongside his best mate Ram. |
| Ram Sweeney | Kurt’s partner in crime, Ram is another typical jock who adds to the chaos at Westerberg High. |
Who is Heathers the Musical For
Heathers the Musical is a perfect pick for anyone who enjoys dark comedies, catchy tunes, and a sharp look at high school life. It’s a treat for fans of the original 1989 film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, and it’s just as appealing to those discovering the story for the first time.
With its bold characters, edgy humour, and unforgettable soundtrack, it’s no wonder this show continues to capture audiences’ hearts.
Keep an eye out for more updates on its Broadway run and get ready to dive back into the wild world of Westerberg High when Heathers the Musical returns to New York in 2025!
