The production of Heathers, is about a teenager by the name of Veronica Sawyer, who finds herself in the most popular clique at school, and falling in love with a dangerous boy along the way. The original film was released in 1988, and was quickly a popular film, eventually becoming a musical in 2010.

Tenth grader, Maggie Bengtson, is starring as Heather McNamara in Heathers, a sidekick to the leader of the school. When asked about mental health’s representation in the show, Bengtson claims, “Mental health is represented through this musical by showing how depression affects individuals, how a suicide changes an entire school, and how who your friends are can make a difference on ones mentality.” Bengtson hopes that audiences will be able to connect to the show, as well as learn from it.

Savannah O’Leary, a 10th grader playing Martha Dunnstock, had gotten the role she had hoped for and says, “I really connected with the character and I felt like I could give a voice to the character and represent her well.” It’s important to be able to connect to your character, due to the fact that if you are unable to show the emotions required, it will take away from the musical. In Heathers, Dunnstock was once friends with the lead character, but is later bullied when entering into high school.

Bengtson explains that there were changes made to West Potomac’s Heathers, and that, “…use of language and one of the songs has been changed because it can be a bit of an inappropriate show.” There are multiple scenes in Heathers that may be hard to digest if not prepared, or have experienced such circumstances in your life. Heathers contains mild use of adult language, as well as mature situations, so be careful bringing children into the show.

Heathers is a show that any teenager can relate to, as well as other audience members, due to situations such as ”…fitting in and falling for someone you shouldn’t but it also gives a voice to teenagers by telling about their pain…” according to O’Leary. The pains of teenagers are represented through cheesy songs and sad, romantic ballads. The moral of Heathers is that, ”Forgiveness is important and you can’t give anyone a stereotype because they all have more going on than you may think they do” which is a lesson that any person can learn from in any era, a point made by O’Leary.

Bella Middleton, a 10th grader partaking in ensemble, hopes that audiences are able to “walk away with somewhat of an understanding, about the struggles of a high schooler and the teen mind.” Today’s generation will be able to connect easily to this show, but the show’s humor and teenager wit can relate to anyone who was once a teenager.

Heathers is taking place at 7 PM on January 31st, February 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, and 9th, as well as at 2 PM on February 2nd and 9th. There is no Health Fair being held in regards to the show, but there are counselors at school each day, and help lines available to everyone.

Suicide Help Line: 1-800-273-8255