Heathers: The Musical, based on the cult classic 1988 film by the same name, has become wildly popular since its premiere in Los Angeles in 2013. The show follows Veronica Sawyer, a high school student who is navigating her way through the social hierarchy of Westerburg High School and dealing with her relationship with the Heathers – a clique of three popular girls named Heather Duke, Heather McNamara, and Heather Chandler.
One of the most crucial roles in Heathers: The Musical is that of Veronica Sawyer. In both the film and stage adaptations, Veronica is portrayed as a complex character who struggles to find balance between conforming to societal norms and staying true to herself. To bring this challenging role to life on stage requires an actress with both vocal prowess and acting chops.
Since its inception, several actresses have taken on the demanding role of Veronica Sawyer in Heathers: The Musical. Let’s take a closer look at these talented performers:
1) Barrett Wilbert Weed
Barrett Wilbert Weed originated the role of Veronica Sawyer when Heathers: The Musical premiered off-Broadway at New World Stages in 2014. Her performance earned critical acclaim for capturing both Veronica’s sarcastic wit and emotional depth. Her powerful vocals added layers to songs like “Dead Girl Walking” while also bringing vulnerability to ballads like “Seventeen.”
Following her success as Veronica, Weed went onto star in other Broadway productions such as Mean Girls (she played Janis Sarkisian) and Lysistrata Jones.
2) Ryan McCartan
Ryan McCartan starred alongside Barrett Wilbert Weed during his tenure as JD opposite her Veronica in Heathers on Broadway. McCartan’s portrayal received critical acclaim for its matured take It was lauded exactly for striking memorable chemistry between characters “The Meant To Be Yours”’ heartwarming performance proved to be the most memorable moment from his performance.
3) Christina Bennington
Shortly after the original Broadway cast’s run, Heathers: The Musical premiered in London’s West End at The Other Palace Theatre during which Christina Bennington landed the coveted lead role of Veronica. Like Weed before her, she delivered both sass and vulnerability through some of the show’s most emotional musical numbers such as “Fight for Me,” and “Seventeen.”
4) Veronica Finnegan
Veronica Finnegan was part of the first-ever Australian production of Heathers: The Musical who portrayed Veronica Sawyer—the musical’s dynamic heroine—she left a lasting impression on audiences with her incredible range, powerful delivery and command over every scene she occupied providing strong vocals without ever losing touch with Veronica’s natural innocence that often serves as a choice contrast in big-belted musicals (including Heathers). Her talent proved blazingly apparent even though it was only one among an ensemble full of talented performers.
5) Olivia Kaufmann
Olivia Kaufmann played the iconic role when Heathers made its debut on cruise ships”Since they didn’t have access to traditional stage props or many other usual logistics for live shows aboard these vessels, these actors took matters into their own hands—they’d push carts around with mock lockers attached so audience members could get immersed into dramas like this one about high school cliques and hormones,” wrote Emily Dalton & Rachel Brodsky in 2018 pitchfork article mentioning Olivia Kaufman had been slated for keeping energies up constantly having had dressed as Sugar Cube because not all costumes remained practical aboard livelier seas.”
These actresses bring something unique to their portrayals, but all share a commonality in their ability to dive deep into Veronica Sawyer’s character. From Barrett Wilbert Weed’s initial cutting wit to Ryan McCartan’s supporting love-struck lyrics echoing on every high note, to Christina Bennington’s powerful strength and Olivia Kaufmann’s ability to keep spirits high even on cruise ships, these actresses have all left their mark on Heathers: The Musical – making it one of the most popular shows in contemporary times.
Heathers: The Musical, based on the cult classic 1988 film by the same name, has become wildly popular since its premiere in Los Angeles in 2013. The show follows Veronica Sawyer, a high school student who is navigating her way through the social hierarchy of Westerburg High School and dealing with her relationship with the Heathers – a clique of three popular girls named Heather Duke, Heather McNamara, and Heather Chandler.
One of the most crucial roles in Heathers: The Musical is that of Veronica Sawyer. In both the film and stage adaptations, Veronica is portrayed as a complex character who struggles to find balance between conforming to societal norms and staying true to herself. To bring this challenging role to life on stage requires an actress with both vocal prowess and acting chops.
Since its inception, several actresses have taken on the demanding role of Veronica Sawyer in Heathers: The Musical. Let’s take a closer look at these talented performers:
1) Barrett Wilbert Weed
Barrett Wilbert Weed originated the role of Veronica Sawyer when Heathers: The Musical premiered off-Broadway at New World Stages in 2014. Her performance earned critical acclaim for capturing both Veronica’s sarcastic wit and emotional depth. Her powerful vocals added layers to songs like “Dead Girl Walking” while also bringing vulnerability to ballads like “Seventeen.”
Following her success as Veronica, Weed went onto star in other Broadway productions such as Mean Girls (she played Janis Sarkisian) and Lysistrata Jones.
2) Ryan McCartan
Ryan McCartan starred alongside Barrett Wilbert Weed during his tenure as JD opposite her Veronica in Heathers on Broadway. McCartan’s portrayal received critical acclaim for its matured take It was lauded exactly for striking memorable chemistry between characters “The Meant To Be Yours”’ heartwarming performance proved to be the most memorable moment from his performance.
3) Christina Bennington
Shortly after the original Broadway cast’s run, Heathers: The Musical premiered in London’s West End at The Other Palace Theatre during which Christina Bennington landed the coveted lead role of Veronica. Like Weed before her, she delivered both sass and vulnerability through some of the show’s most emotional musical numbers such as “Fight for Me,” and “Seventeen.”
4) Veronica Finnegan
Veronica Finnegan was part of the first-ever Australian production of Heathers: The Musical who portrayed Veronica Sawyer—the musical’s dynamic heroine—she left a lasting impression on audiences with her incredible range, powerful delivery and command over every scene she occupied providing strong vocals without ever losing touch with Veronica’s natural innocence that often serves as a choice contrast in big-belted musicals (including Heathers). Her talent proved blazingly apparent even though it was only one among an ensemble full of talented performers.
5) Olivia Kaufmann
Olivia Kaufmann played the iconic role when Heathers made its debut on cruise ships. Since they didn’t have access to traditional stage props or many other usual logistics for live shows aboard these vessels, these actors took matters into their own hands—they’d push carts around with mock lockers attached so audience members could get immersed into dramas like this one about high school cliques and hormones,” wrote Emily Dalton & Rachel Brodsky in 2018 pitchfork article mentioning Olivia Kaufman had been slated for keeping energies up constantly having had dressed as Sugar Cube because not all costumes remained practical aboard livelier seas.”
These actresses bring something unique to their portrayals, but all share a commonality in their ability to dive deep into Veronica Sawyer’s character. From Barrett Wilbert Weed’s initial cutting wit to Ryan McCartan’s supporting love-struck lyrics echoing on every high note, to Christina Bennington’s powerful strength and Olivia Kaufmann’s ability to keep spirits high even on cruise ships, these actresses have all left their mark on Heathers: The Musical – making it one of the most popular shows in contemporary times.
Beyond the performances by these actresses, Heathers: The Musical is known for its memorable songs and irreverent humor. Critics have praised the show for tackling tough subjects like teenage suicide, bullying, and sexual assault with nuance while still maintaining a dark comedic edge. Additionally, fans appreciate how the musical modernizes the original film while remaining true to its essence.
Overall, Heathers: The Musical has become a beloved addition to contemporary theater due in large part to the powerhouse performances of actresses who take on its lead role. From Broadway royalty like Barrett Wilbert Weed to newcomers like Olivia Kaufmann, each performer brings her own energy and interpretation to Veronica Sawyer – creating an unforgettable character that will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.