TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Summer on Stage program, which will present its latest production, “Heathers the Musical: Teen Edition”, at the Tucson Temple of Music and Art on Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23. The show stars a diverse group of teens from across the Tucson community. “Heathers the Musical: Teen Edition” will feature 20 student cast members, four stage crew members, and is based upon the film written by Daniel Waters.
“Our vision is to continue developing a place for young artists to find their voice, discover who they are as creatives and develop beyond the skills they learn from school,” said Chris Moseley, ATC’s Director of Education and the show’s director. “Our intent is to develop a space for diversity where students can find their voice.”
The six-week-long Summer on Stage program, which has empowered young performers and honed skills since the early 2000s, gives students the choice between pursuing a ‘performance track’ (in which participants attend, voice, acting and movement classes), and a ‘technical theatre track’ (in which participants learn from ATC about sound, lighting, costume and scenic design.) Both specialization courses lead to the same conclusion: a fully student-produced performance that is open to the public for viewing.
“Heathers the Musical: Teen Edition” follows 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.
“This show explores what it means to ‘fit in’ to a crowd, and the drastic lengths one is willing to go to achieve this,” said Moseley. “The desire for acceptance is highly relatable to teenagers as they explore their identity, and ‘Heathers’ captures this experience to an outrageous degree.”
Tickets to see the “Heathers the Musical: Teen Edition” are $15 and on sale now on ATC’s website. The musical will be shown on July 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. The Tucson Temple of Music and Art is located at 330 S Scott St. “Heathers the Musical: Teen Edition” is intended for audiences 13 and up.
For more information about Summer on Stage, the program’s upcoming show, ticketing and more, visit https://atc.org/.
About Arizona Theatre Company
Arizona Theatre Company’s (ATC) performances bring people together to experience essential stories, from reimagined classics to contemporary plays, original works, and innovative musicals fostering continued conversation beyond the theatre walls. Founded in 1966 and celebrating its 54th season, ATC is led by Kasser Family Artistic Director Sean Daniels and Managing Director Geri Wright. ATC operates in two major cities and is the preeminent professional theatre in Arizona, recognized as the official State theatre.