~ By Anthony Cody, communications specialist for the Department of Theatre Arts
Fresno State’s University Theatre will wrap up the 2016-17 theatre season with a presentation of “Heathers The Musical” May 5 through 13 (the stage is dark on May 8). This production is directed by Brad Myers.
The musical, adapted from the cult-film “Heathers,” written by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, follows Veronica (portrayed by Fresno State theatre arts major Kindle Lynn Cowger), a brainy, beautiful misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique of Westerberg High – the Heathers (portrayed by Fresno State theatre arts majors Lauren Folland and Jana Price, as well as community member Hannah Huyck). However, when a new boy, J.D., (portrayed by Fresno State theatre arts major William Aaron Bishop) enters the picture, everything is thrown into a tailspin.
This hilarious, heartfelt, and heavily homicidal musical focuses an unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school.
“If you are hoping for a theatrical experience that also substantively resonates with 2017 youth culture, Heathers the Musical includes a darkly comedic take on some serious challenges which are confronted in high schools today,” Myers notes. “In the 1980s many of these issues, such as bullying, homophobia, and exclusive cliques may have been perceived as a natural part of the high school experience, and not have drawn the 2017 scrutiny and search for remedies.”
Due to adult language and sexual situations, “Heathers The Musical” is intended for mature audiences. Daily show times are 7:30 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinee in the John Wright Theatre in the Speech Arts Building.
Tickets are $20 for adults; $17 for Fresno State faculty, staff, alumni and military; and $12 for students. Group rates, as well as season subscriptions are available. Box office hours are noon-4 p.m. on weekdays and one hour before each performance.
Parking is free for shows on Friday through Sunday night. For shows on Tuesday through Thursday night, parking permits are required and may be purchased at dispensers in parking lots on campus.
The lineup is set for the 2017-18 season, with the exception of one play that will be directed by a new, incoming faculty member. Here are the shows audiences can look forward to next year:
- “A Particle of Dread (Oedipus Variations)” by Sam Shepard, Sept. 29-Oct. 7, directed by J. Daniel Herring
- “Native Son,” by Nambi E. Kelley, Oct. 27-Nov. 4, directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis
- “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” by William Shakespeare, Dec. 1-9, directed by Brad Myers
- Contemporary Dance Ensemble, Feb. 16-24, Artistic Director Kenneth Balint
- “Lydia,” by Octavio Solis, March 16-24, to be directed by Gina Sandi-Diaz
- “A Streetcar Named Desire,” by Tennessee Williams, May 4-12, directed by Kathleen McKinley
For more information, contact the box office at 559.278.2216 or universitytheatre@csufresno.edu.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 