The Edmonton Journal is proud to host reviews of local high school theatrical productions, written by student reviewers through the Alberta Youth Theatre Collective. Reviews of past shows can be found here.
Red Scrunchies and Bad Decisions
Dear Diary, from the moment the lights dimmed and the first notes rang out, Heathers: Teen Edition pulled the audience into the chaotic world of Westerberg High, which felt less like a school and more like a battleground, defined by red scrunchies, the power of popularity, and a series of increasingly bad decisions that spiral out of control. As someone who considers Heathers their favourite musical, seeing it performed live made the experience feel more personal, with each detail impossible to overlook.
Heathers: Teen Edition is a musical written by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O'Keefe, adapted from the 1988 cult classic film, that reimagines a dark and satirical take on high school life. Set within the rigid social hierarchy of Westerberg High, the story follows Veronica Sawyer, a student who finds herself drawn into the powerful and controlling clique known as the Heathers. As she gains status, she becomes increasingly aware of the pressure and expectations that come with it. Her relationship with the mysterious new student J.D. introduces a dangerous shift, as rebellion against the system begins to escalate into something far more destructive than she can handle.
Ensemble Strength and Coordination
The strength of the production was especially evident in its ensemble, whose presence shaped the energy of nearly every scene. With 43 cast members and 32 in the ensemble, the level of coordination remained consistently tight, allowing each number to feel controlled and intentional. In “Big Fun”, their synchronization was especially striking, creating a performance that felt polished and unified. Backed by a live band, the sound carried a fuller, more immersive quality, strengthening the atmosphere of each scene and keeping the audience engaged throughout.
Standout Performances
Among the standout performances, Emma Stoddart delivered a compelling portrayal of Veronica Sawyer, capturing both vulnerability and growing intensity as the story progressed. Her vocals in “Seventeen” carried a chilling edge that resonated throughout the theatre. Yannis Lau, as Heather McNamara, brought a striking level of emotional honesty to “Lifeboat”, creating a moment that felt noticeably heavier and more grounded. Kurt Kelly and Ram Sweeney, portrayed by Owen Biel and Dwayne Wowk, added a memorable dynamic through their strong onstage chemistry. Their portrayal emphasized the closeness of their friendship, making their scenes consistently engaging despite their characters' unlikeable traits.
Technical Elements
The technical elements added another layer of depth to the production. Costuming, led by Gabe Hoberg, clearly reflected each character's personality and social status, making the hierarchy of Westerberg instantly recognizable. The student-built set created a strong visual environment, supporting smooth transitions between scenes. Lighting, designed by Damian Nadeau-Karnik, worked alongside the use of fog to shape the atmosphere of each number, adding intensity and focus where needed. Together, these elements strengthened the overall world of the production without distracting from the performances.
Kornelia Teresinska is a student at Oscar Romero Catholic High School and a reviewer for the Alberta Youth Theatre Collective.
