‘HEATHERS’ TAKES THE STAGE THIS FEBRUARY

The cast members of “Heathers: The Musical” agree that they’ve had a blast rehearsing and preparing for the show, which kicks off on the MHCC stage on Feb. 21.

The show runs at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21-22 and Feb. 28-29, and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 23 and March 1.

Heathers outlines the story of Veronica Sawyer, who is a senior at Westerberg High School. The play tells her story as she attempts to fit in with the clique group of girls of the school called “the Heathers.”

Hunter Grove, who plays Kurt in the show, said the play rehearsals are “going really good. (I love) spending time backstage with everyone. It’s cool.”

Ariel Aland, who plays Martha Dunnstock, said, “I’m building my theatre résumé and Heathers seemed like a really fun show to get started on for the college.”

Grove said part of the shared experience has been the group overcoming challenges with the production.

“I like the musical a lot and this department is really close,” he said.

Members of the cast had different reasons why they decided to audition for Heathers, as well as listing many goals for the upcoming performances.

One of Sophia Suarez’s favorite memories was hearing the song “Seventeen” from the show. She participates in the ensemble for Heathers.

“My original goal was to see if theatre was something I wanted to do,” she said.

Elise Herndon, who takes on the key role of Heather McNamara, said, “It’s been my favorite musical since I was 14.” She said her goal for the group’s time with the show is to “have fun and make connections.”

Ashton Nelson said he auditioned for Heathers because of friends. He plays Kurt’s dad and is in the show’s ensemble, as well. It’s something he takes seriously.

“My goal right now is to give an adequate performance and not let my fellow castmates down,” he said.

Herndon and Suarez said they both intend to continue participating in theatre in the future. Aland will most likely continue her theatre career at PSU or Southern Oregon University, she said, and Grove will most likely continue at Oregon State University next year.

The cast have made many memories in the making of this production and in theatre as a whole, the members said.

Suarez said her favorite part about theatre is that “you can play any person.”

Grove said, “I really like the finale” of Heathers, while Aland said, “I get to be in a motorized wheelchair, so that’s pretty cool.”

As for theatre itself, Aland said, “It’s changed who I am and who I’ve seen myself as. You get to walk in other people’s shoes.” As for Heathers, she added, “It’s definitely a more mature show. It’s the most mature show I’ve ever done.”

One of Herndon’s favorite moments from the Heathers rehearsals has been watching some of the guys in the cast learn the “candy store dance.” She said that theatre always served as a motivator for her in high school. “It’s the reason why I didn’t flunk out of high school. You had to keep your grades up if you wanted to stay in the show.”

Nelson said he enjoyed meeting everyone when the cast started rehearsing. He remarked that theatre has helped him in many ways, and it’s forced him to adapt to the adult world more.

Grove said, “It’s helped me build relationships and made me more confident. It’s helpful.”

For more information on tickets, visit: mhcc.edu/theatreboxoffice/