'Heathers' might be 30 years old, but it’s the musical we need right now. After the run in 2014 the show had an Off-West End run in 2018 and then transferred to the West End in 2018 for a limited engagement. Being honest, JD and Veronica never really have sex but it is obviously applied. Tickets to Heathers the Musical. The Ambassador Theatre Group. Heathers the Musical is running every evening until Sunday 17 January 2016. So it makes perfect sense for the company to take on the challenge of Heathers: the Musical, ... at least a strong PG-13 rating and is not appropriate for children. Share this Rating. Halfway through, I wondered why O’Keefe and Murphy had bothered remaking Heathers instead of one of the paler, simpler movies it inspired – Mean Girls, for example. 1. All rights reserved. Heathers the Musical review – teenagers safely on the rampage. In the back of one scene a girl is clearly sexually assaulted by another student. Review - Heathers the Musical starring Carrie Hope Fletcher at Theatre Royal Haymarket. It contains sex, lots of violence and faked suicides that are murders committed by the two main characters. Bitchily disdainful … Jodie Steele, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Sophie Isaacs and T’Shan Williams in Heathers the Musical. It was also made when the idea of high-school students shooting people in a school cafeteria seemed absurdly fantastical. Babes in arms Occasionally a theatre many adopt a “babes in arms” policy, where a … Veronica is tricked into murdering 3 people by her psychopathic boyfriend who later sexually abuses her after they break up. I've always had a liking for dark humor. The show is recommended for ages 8+. Click to read in-depth answer. Heathers: The Musical is a rock musical with music, lyrics and book by Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy, based on the 1989 film of the same name written by Daniel Waters. I’d say at LEAST 12+. ", Ignore the reviews that say 10+. This movie is WEIRD, but I love it. Watch it with them. Venues. But, this is a great movie and I think everyone should see it at least once in their teen years. Kids die on stage, but this is treated with a Little Shop of Horrors-esque campiness as opposed to the movie’s gut punch. Wicked: Recommended age for children is 8 and up. What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, 5 Ways Video Games Can Help Kids with Special Needs, Which Side of History? If you wanted the age rating, there is lots of assault (physical and sexual), some drinking and smoking, 2 people try to commit suicide (one gets seriously injured and the other is caught) and 3 people get killed. Shows. When Veronica and her new boyfriend, J.D. / Suck on that straw, get lost in the pain / Happiness comes when everything numbs / Who needs cocaine?”). Plenty of abuse, physical and sexual. Below a surface of up-tempo musical numbers, buoyant energy and candy-colored costumes is a layered commentary about depression in the current age. The reaction Heathers provoked in 1988 was mainly amongst adults rather than the teenage audience it was aimed at. One evening session per day is being run, with tickets available for $49.90 – $89.90 depending on seating preference. The movie is satire extraordinare, married with some of the funnest teenage writing since the aforementioned Lohan classic. Forced kisses are also seen throughout the movie and the main relationship is very toxic. There is A LOT of violence in this movie. Veronica stops her friend Heather Mcnamara from committing suicide even when Heather wasn’t very nice to her. The violence is pretty intense for a teen movie, but the gore never surpasses Star Wars level blood. Bear in mind that many West End (and regional) shows have a minimum age limit, but don’t be put off – there are plenty of great shows even for the very youngest theatre-goer. "Heathers" is certainly on the "Bruges" side of things. There was tons of smoking and drinking but it wasn't that big of a deal. kiss quite a bit as well. But this was made long before that tragedy, and the best way to take "Heathers" is simply with the goal of having a great laugh. With its moving love story, laugh-out-loud comedy and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school, Heathers will be New York's most popular new musical. It’s a little irresistible. Book tickets for the West End Transfer of Heathers the Musical at Theatre Royal Haymarket from 3 September. Waters wrote the note-passing scene because he knew his sisters' friends used to … There is also adult language and simulated gunshots. Movie acting and plot were all amazing, still dark and for older or mature audiences, I watched it when I was 10 and it didn't really disturb me as it didn't have gore, swearing wasn't that bad. Funny movie for teens. London. (Heathers the Musical co-writer Lawrence O’Keefe also co-wrote Legally Blonde the Musical.) Theatre Cedar Rapids will hold auditions for the musical based on the cult classic, Heathers the Musical. Heather McNamara tries to overdose on pills to kill herself. Heathers The Musical is based on the 80s cult movie, Heathers, following the twisted relationship between lead characters Veronica Sawyer and Jason Dean, known to all as JD. I'm 48 years old. Membership. It’s hard to determine the age rating on this movie. Help. This musical justifies its existence best when it goes to weird extremes, such as when a bitchily disdainful Heather Chandler (Jodie Steele, who comes close to stealing the show) haunts Veronica after she is killed off. 12 and older In such moments, Heathers nails what made the movie so great, and goes even deeper. To get around this, O’Keefe and co-writer Kevin Murphy largely defang their source material. I’d say it depends on how mature your kid is. First, yes the swearing is frequent but your kid has probably already been exposed to cussing through school. I totally recommend it!! Lastly, I do think a child should have a firm grasp at fantasy and reality. Know your kid and make sure they are mature enough. This has been my #1 favorite movie of all time ever since I saw it multiple times in the theatre as a teenager. Mean Girls had already been turned into a musical. Veronica longs to be cool like the clique of it-girls that runs Westerberg: the unaffected, unattainable Heathers. Children under the age of 5 will not be permitted in the theatre. Talk to your kids. For all of these reasons, Heathers is an unlikely movie to turn into a stage musical. There is shooting, bulimia, forced kissing, suicide (the main character pretends to hang herself, and another blows himself up) drinking (a girl vomits on the carpet, and another has a hangover) smoking, and references to sex but little nudity. Heather Duke has bulimia. Heathers: The Musical is based on the 1988 R-rated film of the same name, in which 17-year-old Veronica Sawyer, desperate to fit in, gets involved with the serial killing Westerburg newbie, Jason “J.D.” Dean. Heathers The Musical is a hilarious, heartfelt and homicidal new show based on the greatest teen comedy of all time. Heavy smoking, drugs and drinking can also be frequently seen. It's fantastic, but modern day has done a number on it. This production of Heathers: the Musical is clever, daring, and just as damaged as its characters. I, and many others, love JD and think he is extremely lovable and misunderstood. This movie is a great dark comedy and a classic I think most people should get around to watching. One of the characters suffers from bulimia and a homophobic slur is used at one point. The musical's official opening date is 25 years to the day since the film's release, making the source material about as old as much of the crowd at a recent weekend press performance. Sign UpToggle navigation. HEATHERS THE MUSICAL AUDITIONS, MAY 6 & 7. Kids are as smart about these things as their parents allow them to be. 2. Real attempts go through but are unsuccessful except for the end where the insane ex of the main character, Veronica, blows himself up. And, quite frankly, okay for kids 10+ provided you ask the question "how mature is my kid? The story is more surreal and savage. If you child can handle swearing the subject of suicide, murder, sex, etc...then you child\teen can watch it. It’s hard to determine the age rating on this movie. You couldn't make this movie today, which sucks. One of the sharpest comedies I've ever seen. On the other end of the spectrum, one of my now favorite films of all time, "In Bruges," completely took you there, mixing laughs with murder and exceptional themes. Or call 020 7206 1174. I watched this movie when I was 11 years old, and I was fine. Heathers is exactly what it says a DARK comedy. I liked this movie. Parents need to know that Heathers is a pitch-black comedy that teens will probably want to see, but it's better for those just exiting high school and up. HOWEVER, if you know how to talk to your kids before showing it to them: DO IT. About and Reviews | Heathers The Musical. Teenage life … Carrie Hope Fletcher as Veronica, centre, in Heathers the Musical. If you and your kid like dark humor, this will be a great movie for you. edging her to do some, uh, highly illegal things. 45. Theatre Royal Haymarket, London. Heathers surprisingly, and thankfully, plays down the 80s setting, opting for a more universal sense of teenage life, with all its bullying and neuroses. Given its colourful design and glittery pop soundtrack, you’d be forgiven for thinking Heathers is a light-hearted coming-of-age, high school comedy, but it’s bloody dark: murder and suicide, bulimia and bullying dominate the Westerberg campus. Too many sex scenes. (If jukebox musicals are for baby boomers, musicals inspired by films are emphatically for their children and grandchildren.). 2. Also know, what age is Heathers the Musical appropriate for? Following two smash hit record breaking London West End seasons, Heathers The Musical embarks on its first national tour. Tickets to Heathers the Musical were provided by QPAC for the purpose of this review. A show should not be hamstrung by its origins; the only thing that matters is whether it works on its own terms, and the answer here is: kind of. Based on the cult classic film of the same name, Heathers is the story of Veronica Sawyer, a senior at the fictional Westerberg High. The film mixes deadly serious themes like suicide (tons of it) and fitting in, but it does it all with a smirk and witty phrase. (The main character convinces two boys to stand in they’re underwear, then shoots them.) Amazing movie. Live at. For so many reasons beyond this movie. Heathers The Musical. And then the ongoing school shootings happened. bwayrose7. Veronica stops her psycho ex, JD, from blowing up the school when she could’ve just watched him kill the student body. Veronica (Winona Ryder) is part of the most popular clique at her high school, but she disapproves of the other girls' cruel behavior. The dark humor is beyond compare. Synopsis. Violence:9/10. As dramatic as I'm making the review sound, it really wasn't that bad at all. Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy’s 2014 off-Broadway hit musical “Heathers: The Musical” will stream Sept. 18-20 at 8 p.m. courtesy of locally-based Virtual Venue Theatricals. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. The music is so generic it falls out of your memory as soon as you leave the theatre, with the exception of two lovely ballads: Seventeen, in which Veronica pleads to be a normal, non-murdering teenager, and Freeze Your Brain, JD’s paean to the frozen slushies that help him numb his feelings (“Freeze your brain! Also, Veronica can be seen in a modest bra from a distance, not exposing anything. If you don’t like dark humor or cannot handle violence don’t watch this. What is Heathers The Musical about? Tue 6 Jul- Sat 10 Jul 2021. After Columbine, this dark comedy isn't as funny. The sex is mostly just implied (“best strip croquet game ever”) and Heather gets raped (still implied) Veronica and JD passionately (and forcefully!) Unlike other sepia-tinted teen movies of the era, Heathers had a cartoonish yet ironic nastiness to it. Theatre Royal Haymarket, London Defanged for darker times, the cult 80s high-school revenge saga homes in on the universal agonies of growing up and outsmarting bullies, Last modified on Thu 26 Mar 2020 12.30 GMT. In my opinion heathers has a nice dark twist to high school life. Veronica is struggling her way through high school as a nobody, desperate for acceptance from the in-crowd, namely the three Heathers and their leader Heather Chandler. If you were looking for an overview of the plot just to determine it, basically, a girl hates her only friends (3 popular girls, all named heather) and meets a psychopath who basically convinced her to kill them and 2 jocks along the way. I do love this film though and would definitely recommend. This film goes to extremes portraying the cruelness of the popular crowd and the rebellion against it. There are two I can think of right off the bat. Your child and or you need to understand that his actions were far to extreme and was just part of the black humor. Heathers: The Musical is based on the 1988 R-rated film of the same name, in which 17-year-old Veronica Sawyer, desperate to fit in, gets involved with … It was a huge turnoff seeing "God Bless America," which had a lot of promise, turn annoying and weak. It could be different with other kids though, just make sure they're mature enough to handle some swearing, sex, smoking, many violent themes like suicide and murder. Maybe reserve this for older teens who can distinguish that it is a satire, and yes CSM, Columbine was at the forefront of my mind, especially Slater's character. However it ends with a positive message. You should watch it. The worst thing was the suicide mentions, one student attempts to kill themselves by overdosing drugs, 2 guys were murdered and it was covered up by the main characters making it look like they killed themselves. Important information Playing at: Theatre Royal Haymarket , Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HT Performance dates: 24 Nov 2018 - 24 Nov 2018 Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including an interval) Age restrictions: Best for age … Use these free activities to help kids explore our planet, learn about global challenges, think of solutions, and take action. It’s a great movie, dark and interesting. She realizes this is bad, breaks up with him, and he tries to kill her but she fakes her death. ... Age guidance Age 14+ - Contains strong language and adult topics. Honestly I laughed a little every time Christian Slater opened his mouth: his devilish J.D. I know she's had her problems but I positively fell in love with Winona Ryder as Veronica, the wide-eyed, vastly beyond her years high schooler caught in the middle of teenage angst, except she has psychopath J.D. well, I'm currently ten and this movie, aside from Mean Girls, is my favorite movie. Gifts. Similarly, you may ask, is Heathers the Musical appropriate? If you ask me, you should only show this to kids who are mature enough to handle violence, suicide, sex, etc.. Heathers is a classic to be enjoyed by teens for many years to come. But Heathers is a very different beast from, say, Dirty Dancing and Legally Blonde, both of which were made into successful musicals. 1 Rise Let’s put on a show—and show ourselves how to live again TV DRAMA In its opening weeks, this fine, sensitive new series about the staging of a high school musical in a struggling town is closer to Friday Night Lights than to Glee. JD uses Veronicas burnt hand to light his own cigarette. For group bookings of 10 or more: Submit a request online. It's "Mean Girls" written by Quentin Tarantino. If your child or you is uncomfortable with any of these then I suggest you don't watch it with your child. ‘Have you had a brain tumour for breakfast?” “What’s your damage, Heather?” and, most of all, “Well, fuck me gently with a chainsaw!” The 1980s produced plenty of catchphrase-heavy movies, but none were quite as kitschy as the 1988 cult film Heathers. Films adapted for the West End are the new jukebox musicals, stories seeking out songs as opposed to songs in need of a storyline. TCR is looking forward to presenting this exciting show, just off (off) Broadway.Directed by Emma Drtina, music direction by Benjamin Schmidt, choreography by Anna Slife. Afterwards she gets her old friends back (an overweight girl named Martha and another girl, I can’t remember). The Arts Theatre information states it's suitable for ages 10 and over so there shouldn't be an issue from a content point of view. Closed. No. How Technology Is Reshaping Democracy and Our Lives. Ignore the reviews that say 10+. Heathers includes some violence, dark humor, and some sexual themes. Argh. Join the clique with Heathers The Musical tickets - missing it would be a fatal mistake. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). The site's critical consensus reads: "Dark, cynical, and subversive, Heathers gently applies a chainsaw to the conventions of the high school movie – changing the game for teen comedies to follow." © Common Sense Media. Use the HTML below. I even love the Off Broadway version of it! Veronica is also victim of an attempted rape/ sexual assault for a collage boy. Tue 7 Dec - Sat 11 Dec 2021. Keeping Kids Motivated for Online Learning. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? age appropriate rating for theatre shows (Message Board) ... All I care about is that children are being exposed to great theatre instead of something like Spongebob the musical. The audience – who all looked as if they were born at least two decades after the movie came out – shrieked with joy throughout. After a sold-out Los Angeles tryout, the show moved Off-Broadway in 2014. Heathers the Musical, which had its UK premiere in 2018, will return for a new tour in June 2020, it has been confirmed.. Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy's musical has direction from Andy Fickman, choreography by Gary Lloyd, design by David Shields, lighting by … Viewer discretion is strongly advised and this show is recommended for mature audiences only. Many of the movie’s more interesting ambiguities are removed – Veronica (played with energetic sweetness by Carrie Hope Fletcher) doesn’t deliberately kill anyone, JD (an excellent Jamie Muscato) is more creepy than cool. wants to be a prophet, but you can't help but laugh at his voice, which sounds like a 99 cent Jack Nicholson impression. What age is dear Evan Hansen appropriate for? Over 150 tickets for £25 at every performance. Following two smash hit record breaking London West End seasons, Heathers The Musical embarks on its first national tour. There is a lot of violence, you don’t see characters doing anything sexual, but they do hint towards it. Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, both absurdly beautiful and cool, played teenage misfits Veronica and JD, who – at his instigation – kill off the popular bullies at school, embodied by a trio of girls each called Heather. And then Columbine happened. as long as they understand this is not thereal world and they have had the talk they are fine, So your teen is getting into the wonders of the 80s and 90s and somehow ended up finding Heathers. She stops it and goes outside where he blows himself up with another bomb. I’d say at LEAST 12+. It has a deep meaning when it comes to sucide and shows how peers and teachers can exploit victims of sucide in cruel ways. On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 93% based on contemporary and retrospective reviews from 56 critics, with an average rating of 7.70/10. Then I realised Mean Girls had already been turned into a musical, too. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Never really have sex but it was aimed at film though and would recommend. 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