BOOK, MUSIC AND LYRICS BY LAURENCE O’KEEFE & KEVIN MURPHY
BASED ON THE FILM WRITTEN
BY
DANIEL WATERS
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Neptune Theatre is located on sacred land that has been the site of human activity since time immemorial. We are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, and we acknowledge them as the past, present and future caretakers of this land.
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The darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. But before she can get comfortable atop the high school food chain, Veronica falls in love with the dangerously handsome new kid J.D. When Heather Chandler, the Almighty, kicks her out of the group, Veronica decides to bite the bullet and kiss Heather’s aerobicized butt... but J.D. has another plan for that bullet.
Based on the movie by Daniel Waters.
CAST
ALEX ANNIS COACH / CHEERLEADER / CO-FIGHT CAPTAIN
AUDREY YOUNG VERONICA’S MOM / ENSEMBLE
CATHERINE KOZOUSEK TEACHER / ENSEMBLE
CONOR POTTIE KURT
DALLAS FRANCIS VERONICA’S DAD / ENSEMBLE
ELLA MURPHY HEATHER MCNAMARA
EVAN CROWELL COP / ENSEMBLE
HANALEI MACINNIS CHEERLEADER / ENSEMBLE
JILL WISHART HEATHER DUKE
JORDAN ANGEVINE COP / ENSEMBLE
JULIE NOLAN-MCCARTHY STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT / ENSEMBLE
KATELYNN O’LEARY STUDENT / ENSEMBLE
KATIE SULLEY PRINCIPAL / ENSEMBLE
LAURA OULTON STUDENT / ENSEMBLE
MAX D’ARCY RAM’S DAD / ENSEMBLE
MILO MEUSE BUD DEAN / ENSEMBLE
NADIA TONEN* HEATHER CHANDLER
NELANGA MTSHALI MARTHA
OLIVIA GOUTHRO VERONICA
ROSE MOORE VERONICA PERFORMING UNDERSTUDY
RYLAN HISLOP KURT’S DAD / ENSEMBLE
SAMIRA GEORGE STONER CHICK / ENSEMBLE / DANCE CAPTAIN
STELLA RUTLEY STUDENT / ENSEMBLE
SYD WEST COP / ENSEMBLE
TENNESSEE TOOMBS JD
VERA DUNLOP-VAILLANCOURT MS FLEMMING
WILL ROBERTSON RAM
ZYA QUARMYNE-LANGDON STUDENT / ENSEMBLE
*NADIA TONEN APPEARS WITH PERMISSION OF THE CANADIAN ACTORS ASSOCIATION
CREATIVE TEAM
LAURA CASWELL* DIRECTOR
STEPHANE GAUDET* CHOREOGRAPHER
RIA KAPUR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR / ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER
GWEN DAWSON MUSICAL DIRECTOR
LUCAS ARAB SCENIC & PROJECTION DESIGNER
BRENDA CHICAS-DURAN COSTUME DESIGNER
ALISON CROSBY LIGHTING DESIGNER
BRITTNEY WHITTAKER SOUND DESIGNER & MUSIC ASSOCIATE
KAREN BASSETT* FIGHT DIRECTOR
ELLA MACDONALD* INTIMACY DIRECTOR
SARA COURTNEY STAGE MANAGER
GINA WOODWARD ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
RYAN RAFUSE BOARD OPERATOR SOUND
KAT JONES BACKSTAGE TECH
SEAN BURKE BOARD OPERATOR LIGHTS AND VIDEO
JORDAN PALMER HEAD STUDIO TECH
ANDREW CULL ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
HANNA LAAKSONEN HEAD OF PROPS
DIEGO CAVEDON WARDROBE ASSISTANT
MADDIE MAITZEN THEATRE SCHOOL MANAGER
ORION GOKIERT MERCHANDISE AND VOLUNTEER MANAGER
AMANDA BURNETT PARENT COMMITTEE LEADER
* THE PARTICIPATION OF THESE ARTISTS ARE ARRANGED BY PERMISSION OF CANADIAN ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE DANCE•OPERA•THEATRE POLICY
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
I am so excited to have you join us for one of the edgiest musicals YPCo has produced in a very long time.
This group of 28 incredible youngsters have been thrilled to bring this cult favourite to the Neptune Stage. We began rehearsals in August and the whole team has worked so hard to bring you something fun yet frenetic, full of love (and hate) with top notch creativity and skill. Beautiful, yes! Meant to be Yours for sure. And...certainly “very”.
Whether you are a fan of the movie, the original broadway recording, or if this is your first time having a “Heathers experience” we know that there is something for everyone in this devilishly wonderful production. We tackled the hard topics with honesty and care, and dared to challenge ourselves to think outside our regular boxes.
This show may have moments that deal with sensitive and uncomfortable issues, but we know you will leave here wanting to see more. We hope you have Big Fun!
Laura Caswell Director and Producer
EXECUTIVE
Thank you for joining us for this special performance! Our Youth Performance Company (YPCo) is a process-oriented program, where our students work with a professional creative team to hone their acting, singing, and dancing skills, culminating in a professionally designed production. Tonight we are thrilled to share the YPCo production of Heathers: The Musical (Teen Edition). These young performers have worked diligently the past few months to bring Heather’s to life.
This musical, based on the cult-classic movie of the same name, is full of big ensemble numbers, wicked humour, and is a loving homage to the teen comedy’s of the 1980s. This cast is a glowing example of the future of the performing arts not just in Nova Scotia, but the entire country. So tighten your scrunchie, straighten your blazer, break out your croquet mallets, and enjoy the show!
Kimberlee Stadelmann Executive Director
THE CAST
Coach / Cheerleader
Alex
Heather
Cheerleader
Cop
Student
Student
Heather
Ram’s Dad / Ensemble
Max D’Arcy
Cop / Ensemble
Syd West
Bud Dean / Ensemble
Milo Meuse
Veronica (performing understudy)
Rose Moore
JD Tennessee Toombs
Heather Chandler
Nadia Tonen
Kurt’s Dad / Ensemble
Rylan Hislop
Ms Flemming
Vera DunlopVaillancourt
Martha Nelanga Mtshali
Stoner Chick / ensemble Samira George
Ram Will Robertson
Veronica Olivia Gouthro
Student / Ensemble
Stella Rutley
Student / Ensemble
Zya QuarmyneLangdon
CREATIVE TEAM
LAURA CASWELL (she/her)
ROLE: Director NEPTUNE: Director Credits: Almost Maine, Little Women, Kitchen Party, My Side of the Country, Frozen Jr. Choreo Credits: Once, Wizard of Oz, Frog and Toad, Christmas Carol SELECTED OTHER DIRECTING/CHOREO CREDITS: Buddy Holly Story (STC), Nothing Less (2 Planks), Unrinetown (GLT) OTHER: Caswell is also the Director of Education at Neptune. Most importantly she is the proud dog-mama to @belladabelldog. Laura would like to dedicate this show to every young person who ever had a dream of taking the stage; take it, break it and shine.
STEPHANE GAUDET (he/him)
ROLE: Choreographer CHOREOGRAPHY: The Spongebob Musical (Neptune’s YPCo.), The Marvelous Wonderettes (Sacred Heart) NEPTUNE: Cinderella, Peter Pan, Reunited Series, Billy Elliot, The Full Monty UPCOMING: Disney’s Frozen OTHER THEATRE: Aida Cruise Line, Nickelodeon, Stephenville Theatre Festival, Charlottetown Festival, Creativiva, Theatre Aquarius, CMTP FILM/TV: The Sinner, From, 22 Minutes, Camboy, Diggstown, Moonshine TRAINING: Sheridan College, Bachelor of Music Theatre OTHER: Thank you to this incredible team, especially Laura Caswell for trusting in me. Thank you to the kids for their incredible talent. Thank you to my friends, family and dog for their endless support. @gaudets4
GWEN DAWSON
ROLE: Music Director NEPTUNE: Les Miserables, Nunsense, West Side Story, The Jungle Book, Wizard of Oz, Christmas Carol, Into The Woods, Mary Poppins, The Addams Family, Shrek The Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, Neptune Reunited: Anthems, Elf The Musical, Billy Elliot The Musical UPCOMING: Disney’s Frozen NEPTUNE YPCO MUSIC DIRECTION CREDITS: Heathers Teen Edition, Little Women, Frozen Jr., Shout, How To Eat Like A Child, Animal Farm SELECTED OTHER THEATRE: Evita, Stop The World I Want To Get Off, A Chorus Line, Rocky Horror Show, Nicholas Nickleby, West Side Story (STF), Starting Here, Starting Now (Blackbox Productions), Grease (Various), Nunsense (Various) OTHER: International Piano Bar Entertainerand her Best Role Ever: Sam’s Mom!!
ALISON CROSBY
ROLE: Lighting Designer NEPTUNE: The Last Show on EarthTM!, The Prom (YPCo) OTHER THEATRE: Mary Poppins (SJTC); Gaslight, Misery, Steel Magnolias, Same Time Next Year (Watermark Theatre); Still Dancing, Dayboil (Ship’s Company Theatre); Downed Hearts (Ship’s / EFT / Matchstick); Urn (TODOS Productions); YAGA, House (Highland Arts Theatre) Synced Systems, Don’t Wake the Lions, Strike Tone (Votive Dance); Harmonia (Painted Dance Co). TRAINING: Mount Allison University. OTHER: TNS Robert Merritt Award for Outstanding Lighting Design (Dayboil, Ship’s Company).
BRENDA CHICAS-DURAN
ROLE: Costume Designer NEPTUNE: Almost Maine, Mischief/ Colonial Park OTHER THEATRE: Goodnight Moon ( Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia) Dance Nation (Keep Good Theatre/ HEIST), Alice in Wonderland / Twelfth Night ( Shakespeare by the Sea), A Beginners Guide to the Night Sky ( Villains Theatre) Downed Hearts (Ship’s / EFT / Matchstick). TRAINING: York University Theatre Production and Design BFA. OTHER: Credit goes to my family, amazing friends and fellow artists who have supported me through crazy but rewarding times.
LUCAS ARAB
ROLE: Scenic & Projection Designer NEPTUNE: Scenic Designer: Dear Rita, The SpongeBob Musical (YPCo), Little Women (YPCo). Assistant Set Designer: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead OTHER THEATRE: Euripidaristophanize, Peer Gynt (FSPA) UPCOMING: Disney’s Frozen (Chrysalis Assistant Set Designer) TRAINING: Dalhousie’s Fountain School of Performing Arts OTHER: Much love to my Neptune family, my LMOP family, and Megan. Come behind the scenes and follow me:
@lucas_arab
RIA KAPUR
ROLE: Assistant Director/Assistant Choreographer NEPTUNE: Anthems! Reunited Cabaret, Shout! (YPCO) OTHER THEATRE: Ride the Cyclone (Theatre Sheridan), Burden of Proof (Theatre Sheridan), To Ronnie with Love (Theatre Sheridan), Dreamcatchers (Confederation Centre YOCO), Into the Woods (HRM Musical) (Choreographer) FILM/TV: Father of the Bride (Hallmark), 22 Minutes (CBC), Commercial work (McDonalds Canada), (Ontario Health) TRAINING: Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance (Sheridan College), Bachelor of Education (Mount Saint Vincent University) OTHER: So proud of this team <3 How very!
CREATIVE TEAM
BRITTNEY WHITAKER (she/her)
ROLE: Sound Designer NEPTUNE: Assistant Sound Designer: The Last Show on EarthTM!, Assistant Stage Manager: SpongeBob Square Pants (YPCo), Les Misérables (YPCo) OTHER THEATRE: Life’s a Drag (Musical Director and Sound Designer), Carols at the Brewery (Musical Director and Composer) Coram Boy (FSPA), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (FSPA), Rimers of Eldritch (FSPA), Orestia (FSPA) TRAINING: Dalhousie’s Fountain School of Performing Arts OTHER: I’m so excited to create with this excellent team! Much love to the AV Club ♥
KAREN BASSETT
ROLE: Fight Director NEPTUNE: The Play that Goes Wrong, Billy Elliot the Musical, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, The Full Monty, Ballad of the Motherland, Misery, The Color Purple, Shakespeare in Love, Hamlet, In a World Created by a Drunken God, What a Young Wife Ought to Know, Masked, Stag and Doe OTHER THEATRE: Numerous credits with Theatre New Brunswick, Ship’s Company Theatre, Festival Antigonish, Watermark Theatre, Villain’s Theatre, Two Planks and a Passion, Shakespeare by the Sea. OTHER: Always thrilled to contribute to the skills of new artists.
ELLA MACDONALD
ROLE: Intimacy Director NEPTUNE: Acting: Colonial Park/Mischief, Birds of a Feather OTHER RECENT THEATRE: Acting: The Rainbow Fish (Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia), THE SKELETON DANCE (Ella + Emma), Q&A [Collective Collaboration] Intimacy Direction: Dance Nation (Keep Good & HEIST), Crypthand (Ship’s Company) UPCOMING: The Heart of Things (Heat Theatre) TRAINING: B.A. Hons. Acting & Certificate in Dance and Movement (Dalhousie), Principal Intimacy Professionals, Theatrical Intimacy Educators, and more. Intimacy Professional Training currently valued at $14,000+ and 250+ hours. OTHER: Huge thanks to my mentor Phay Moores at Principal Intimacy Professionals for supporting this process!
SARA COURTNEY (she/they)
ROLE: Stage Manager NEPTUNE: The Prom, Almost Maine, Les Misérables (SM) My Side of the Country, Runaways (YPCo.) OTHER THEATRE: The Firebird (Terra Novella), Into the Woods (Alive Theatre), Mind the Light (EFT Stages Festival), Grafton Street Dinner Theatre, and Project Arc. OTHER: Sara has been working with the Neptune Theatre School for many years, as a teacher, camp director, administrator and stage manager. Thank you to the Neptune Theatre School team for their love and support!
GINA WOODWARD (she/her)
ROLE: Assistant Stage Manager NEPTUNE: The Prom (YPCo.), Rumour Has It: Adele Tribute, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, The Play That Goes Wrong OTHER THEATRE: Horse Girls, The America Show (Around + Out Theatre Co.), Still Dancing, Downed Hearts (Ships Company Theatre 2024), Memories Beyond the Grave (2023), Peer Gynt, Seven Stories (FSPA)
TRAINING: BA Dalhousie University, Stage Design and Technical Theatre Fountain School of Performing Arts OTHER: Thank you to the friends who are always waiting for me to get out of rehearsal
Story by shalan joudry | Choreography by Sarah Prosper | Directed by shalan joudry
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
FOUNTAIN HALL SEASON SPONSOR
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
Nova Scotia Teachers Union
Nova Scotia Teachers Union
FOUNDATIONS
JASON ROTH AND CHERYL STEADMAN ROTH TIM MARGOLIAN AND DAWN FRAIL FOUNDATION WINDSOR FOUNDATION ARTHUR AND AUDREY CUTTEN FOUNDATION
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
THEATRE PARTNERS
BOOK BY JENNIFER LEE
ORIGINALLY DIRECTED ON BROADWAY BY MICHAEL GRANDAGE
