Howard Community College Presents HEATHERS THE MUSICAL

The Howard Community College (HCC) Theatre Program will present Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy's "Heathers the Musical," featuring HCC students and guest artists, March 14 - 17, 2019. Performances will take place in the college's Smith Theatre, located within the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center (HVPA).

"We are very excited to be offering 'Heathers' at Howard Community College," said Bill Gillett, chair of dance, theatre, and AV production. "The play deals with some of the less cherished moments of high school memories. Set in the 1980s, dark and humorous 'Heathers' challenges audiences with the sometimes unfortunate memories of what high school was, but leaves us with the hope of what high school can be. I believe this will be a must-see event for the community."

"Heathers the Musical" is based on the classic 1989 film, where Westerberg High School is ruled by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing juntas Heather, Heather, and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark and mysterious stranger J.D., who plans to put the Heathers in their place - six feet under.

"'Heathers' is the perfect fit for Howard Community College as it engages younger actors, dealing with the same issues, at the prime of their lives," said Brad Watkins, guest director. "This play has a cult following from the Broadway production and recording. I believe audiences of all ages will identify with the experience of the characters, but younger audiences might be helped by seeing themselves and their situations presented on stage."

The New York Times called the production "A rowdy, guilty pleasure," while The New York Post says "Ingenious, naughty, and very funny. 'Heathers' still cliques."

Performances will be held March 14, 15, and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and March 17 at 2:30 p.m. in the college's Smith Theatre, located within the HVPA, at 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Maryland, 21044. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students, seniors, faculty, staff, and military. To purchase, visit howardcc.edu/heathers or call 443-518-1500. The box office will also be open 90 minutes prior to each show time and Tuesday - Friday 12 to 5 p.m.

The Howard Community College Theatre Program is committed to helping students develop their individual creativity and artistic viewpoint. Students are provided a solid foundation of theory and technique, exposure to aesthetic and cultural diversity, collaborative skills, practical experience on and off the stage, and ample opportunities for performance. The learning process is strengthened by faculty, who are both teachers and practicing artists. The theatre program presents a variety of performances showcasing students throughout the year, including a fall play production, staged readings, Shakespeare birthday celebration performance, and an annual collaboration of faculty, students, alumni, and guest artists performing scenes, songs, and stage combat.