MUSCATINE, Iowa–In August 2022, Muscatine Community College’s “Little Shop of Horrors” proved a smash hit. Buoyed by its success, Muscatine Community College Theatre Department Head Chad Bishop decided to continue the tradition this year. Hoping to encourage high school and college-age students with their summers off to get involved, he and director Courtney Cooper selected “Heathers the Musical” for this summer. A dark comedy exploring the real challenges that face students in every generation, Bishop hopes to see the show pull in sizable older teen and adult audiences on Aug. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. in Muscatine Community College’s black box theatre (152 Colorado Street in Muscatine).
The musical starts as a typical teen drama when the Heathers, an elite clique run by three girls named Heather, offer Veronica Sawyer the chance to join them. This offer threatens to distance her from her friend, Martha Dunnstock. Her budding relationship with new kid J.D. makes her question it further. As Veronica and J. D. seek revenge on the Heathers for their bullying behavior, the situation darkens, exploring themes of exclusion and suicide.
A cult classic, especially among young adults, Bishop felt thrilled that 35 people auditioned for “Heathers” and 25, including local high school students and recent graduates, returning college students, and community members, will perform in the show. “We know it was the right show at the right time,” Bishop shared.
With its catchy, humorous music, over-the-top characters, and insights into serious topics, cast members have enjoyed stepping into their roles and breathing life into their characters. “This one has a lot of scenes and character development, and it’s fun to work on the scenes and watch the actors grow,” reflected Bishop.
Muscatine Community College will perform “Heathers the Musical” on Aug. 4 and 5. Photo courtesy of Muscatine Community College.
As Muscatine Community College’s theatre department continues to grow, so has its commitment to creating immersive sets and technical elements. With assistance from Eric Chen, a Muscatine High School Graduate studying theatre at the University of Northern Iowa, the production’s crew had built several reversible sets, allowing them to create full settings for several locations. Bishop has created intentional lighting designs to help set the mood for each scene and setting in the show.
The forerunner for the rest of Muscatine Community College’s 2023-2024, Bishop looks forward to continuing the trend of putting on newer musicals and plays. “I like to pick ones that are more contemporary,” he explained. With that goal in mind, Bishop will work with local writer Max Collins to stage an adaptation of his novel, “Blue Christmas,” for the school’s fall show. If the production receives a grant Bishop has applied for, they will make it into a film too. In any case, Bishop looks forward to bringing this and other modern classics to life on the Muscatine Community College stage for seasons to come.
Because of its popularity, Bishop encourages anyone wanting to see “Heathers” to purchase tickets ahead of time via Muscatine Community College’s online box office. Online tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students. Those wanting to purchase any remaining tickets at the door for $20 can do so.
