Over the last two weekends, Villanova’s student-run musical theatre organization (VSMT) put on a production of “Heathers: The Musical,” directed and choreographed by senior Jacob Long. The musical ran in the Performance Lab in the Mullen Center from Feb. 13 to Feb. 16 and Feb. 20 to Feb. 23. A notoriously heavy and graphic musical, “Heathers: The Musical” was a massive undertaking, but was an undeniable success. The three Heathers were vicious and hilarious, JD was impressively unsettling, Martha was adorable and Veronica was absolutely unbelievable.
The musical opened with a few words from Long, before senior Jackie Bubnis took the stage as Veronica Sawyer to officially begin the production. The first few songs came with a technical difficulty concerning some of the mics, but the actors powered through as though nothing was happening and the matter was quickly resolved during a set change. A few highlights from the beginning of the musical had to be “Candy Store” and “Big Fun” All the hard work the actors put into this production was evident in both the vocals and choreography.
The actors also tackled the tougher themes of this musical incredibly well. Songs like “Lifeboat” and “I Am Damaged” were handled with care by the actors, and it paid off with the emotional scenes they created. Similarly, the danger Veronica is in during “You’re Welcome” was not shied away from, and the actors played out the scene with intention and maturity. Ultimately, this was an impressive production of a difficult musical and it had the audience enraptured the entire runtime.
“‘Heathers was great,” sophomore Lexie Scibilia said. “[It was] super funny, amazing vocals and I can’t wait to see what VSMT does next.”
Based on the standing ovation and continuing cheers as the actors exited the Mullen Center stage, the rest of the audience agreed.
As a student-run organization, the members of VSMT clearly hold themselves to a high standard and level of commitment. That effort pays off in each of their productions, and especially in “Heathers: The Musical.”
If one missed out on seeing this musical, VSMT will be putting on a production of “Godspell” later this semester.
