by Sierra Pasquale
Heathers: The Musical has arrived at Cohoes Music Hall, presented by Playhouse Stage Company, offering an energetic and youthful take on the darkly comedic cult classic. Running through March 9, this production blends the enthusiasm of Playhouse Stage Academy’s advanced teen actors with professional experience, delivering a performance that, while not without flaws, has plenty to offer audiences looking for fresh talent and spirited storytelling.
The show’s greatest strength lies in its authenticity—having genuine teens play teens adds an element of realism often missing in more polished, professional productions where actors far beyond high school age try to pass as students. This brings an immediacy and relatability to the material, making moments of bullying, rebellion, and teenage angst feel all the more genuine. Molly Kirby as Veronica Sawyer stands out, bringing strong vocals and an engaging presence to the lead role, while Nora Miller’s Heather Chandler dominates the stage with charisma and bite. The Heathers, J.D. (Keith DuBois), and the supporting ensemble all perform with energy and commitment, making up for any occasional lack of polish with sheer enthusiasm.
The cast of the Playhouse Stage Company production of “Heathers: The Musical”, directed by Chuck Kraus, at the Cohoes Music Hall. 
Molly Kirby & Keith DuBois in the Playhouse Stage Company production of “Heathers: The Musical”, directed by Chuck Kraus, at the Cohoes Music Hall. 
eith DuBois & Molly Kirby in the Playhouse Stage Company production of “Heathers: The Musical”, directed by Chuck Kraus, at the Cohoes Music Hall. 
The cast of the Playhouse Stage Company production of “Heathers: The Musical”, directed by Chuck Kraus, at the Cohoes Music Hall. 
Nick Matiniano & Company in the Playhouse Stage Company production of “Heathers: The Musical”, directed by Chuck Kraus, at the Cohoes Music Hall. 
Ava Papaleo & Company in the Playhouse Stage Company production of “Heathers: The Musical”, directed by Chuck Kraus, at the Cohoes Music Hall. 
Molly Rose McGrath & Company in the Playhouse Stage Company production of “Heathers: The Musical”, directed by Chuck Kraus, at the Cohoes Music Hall. 
The cast of the Playhouse Stage Company production of “Heathers: The Musical”, directed by Chuck Kraus, at the Cohoes Music Hall. 
The cast of the Playhouse Stage Company production of “Heathers: The Musical”, directed by Chuck Kraus, at the Cohoes Music Hall. 
The cast of the Playhouse Stage Company production of “Heathers: The Musical”, directed by Chuck Kraus, at the Cohoes Music Hall. 
Director Chuck Kraus, along with choreographer Ashley Simone Kirchner and musical director Brandon Jones, has put together a production with high-energy staging and tight choreography. Numbers like “Candy Store” and “Dead Girl Walking” land well, bringing humor and intensity to key moments.
That said, Heathers: The Musical itself is a mixed bag. The film’s original sharp satire doesn’t always translate smoothly into a musical format, and while Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe’s score has catchy moments, it occasionally struggles to balance comedy with the weight of the show’s darker themes. The set design is functional but lacks a strong visual identity, and some of the show’s more intense emotional beats feel underexplored, lessening their impact.
Ultimately, this production of Heathers succeeds in delivering a fun, fast-paced experience that highlights the promise of its young cast. The show isn’t perfect, but it offers audiences a rare chance to see teens taking on the roles of teens in a production that embraces their energy and perspective. For those interested in supporting emerging talent and enjoying a night of darkly comic musical theater, Cohoes Music Hall’s Heathers: The Musical is well worth a look.
Tickets and 37th Season Memberships are now on sale at the Cohoes Music Hall and Playhouse Stage box office. Adult tickets are $4000, with $30.00 available for Seniors (65 and older), and $20 tickets for under 18. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.playhousestage.org, in person at 58 Remsen Street in Cohoes, or by phone at 518-434-0776. More information about Playhouse Stage Company and its productions can be found online at www.playhousestage.org.