‘Heathers: The Musical‘ at the Z Playhouse brings 1989 to 2025, as an amalgamation of cross generational entertainment.
Adapting a beloved film like ‘Heathers‘, especially one that has achieved cult classic status since its 1980s debut — is no easy feat. Honestly, it’s almost impossible to do it correctly. Yet somehow, Z Playhouse pulled it off splendidly, delivering a production of ‘Heathers: The Musical‘ that was both a loving tribute to the original and a joyous experience in its own right. I had never seen the musical version until last night, and I’m very happy that I did.
Nadia Salina Salvia blew me away as Veronica Sawyer. Filling Wynonna Ryder’s iconic shoes is a monumental challenge, but Salvia brings such emotional honesty, wit, and raw talent to the role that she firmly makes it her own. She has the potential to become someone truly special in the arts and she’s one to keep an eye on.
Usually, I only choose one scene-stealer in my reviews from the ensemble cast that stands out but in this extremely rare instance, there were three! Elena Shumaker as Martha Dunstock, Kyla Hull as Ms. Fleming, and Steve Phan as Ram Sweeney (a beloved, “dead gay son“) stole the spotlight every time they took the stage. Shumaker gave Martha’s vulnerability real emotional weight (no pun intended…you’ll see), Hull infused Ms. Fleming with hilarious, earnest energy, and Phan nailed the comedic timing while still staying true to the douchebag of his character.
Jeremy Vance delivered a compelling and intense JD, managing the role’s delicate balance of charm and menace well. As a wrestler and judoka myself, I was particularly impressed by his ability to execute a clean throw on stage, not something you see every day in live theatre. One small note for his safety: during a staged punch, the angle of his fist was a little too high, which could risk breaking his wrist if real contact happened. A simple fix, but one worth noting to keep him safe for future performances.
My ultimate showstopper, however, was Sammy Spiegler as Heather Chandler aka Heather C. She encompassed the 80s mean girl persona with near perfection. Commanding, sharp, and magnetic in keeping the other Heathers in line. Every time she was on stage, she completely owned the room and captured the cruel glamor that made Heather C an unforgettable character in her interpretation.
Director Julia Barbee and choreographer Chloe King deserve massive applause for their work here. Their leadership and creative vision are a testament to the heart and passion that fuel smaller theatre houses like Z Playhouse, delivering a show that’s absolutely worth raving about. The tight staging, inventive choreography, and sheer energy pouring off the stage made it clear how much love and dedication went into this production.
On a more humorous note, listening to the audience react to some of the original film’s iconic lines being incorporated into ‘Heathers: The Musical‘ was almost a show in itself. It made me realize (with great affection) that Gen Z and Gen Alpha would have totally not survived the 1980s, yet somehow, that realization made me enjoy the production even more.
If I had one criticism, it would be that there were a couple of audio issues here and there. However, if that’s the most I can find to complain about, it just goes to show that Z Playhouse continues to do things right.
‘Heathers: The Musical‘ at the Z Playhouse only has two more performance, closing on Sunday, April 27, 2025. My only regret is that I was not able to catch it sooner in its rung.
A Few tickets for ‘Heathers: The Musical‘ at the Z Playhouse for tonight and the closing night performance.
Visit the Z Playhouse‘s official website at https://www.zplayhouse.org/ to purchase tickets.
Follow the Z Playhouse on Facebook at Z Playhouse and on Instagram @zplayhousesc.
The Z Playhouse is located at:
24196 Alicia Parkway, Suite M
Second Floor (sadly, there is no elevator access at this time)
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Summary
Z Playhouse’s ‘Heathers: The Musical‘ was a thrilling, heartfelt, and expertly executed experience. It’s a production that honors its cult classic roots while standing beautifully on its own.
