Cover The cast of ‘Heathers the Musical’ (Photo: Pamela Raith)
The cast of ‘Heathers the Musical’ (Photo: Pamela Raith)
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The international hit production of ‘Heathers the Musical’ is officially coming to the Philippines for a limited season starting January 2027
Presented by GMG Productions in association with Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills, Heathers the Musical will run from January 21 to February 7, 2027, at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City. This marks the Philippine debut of the award-winning stage adaptation, bringing its dark comedy, catchy score and memorable characters to Manila audiences following sold-out runs in London, New York and Melbourne.
Based on the 1989 cult classic film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers the Musical explores the ruthless social hierarchy at Westerberg High. The story follows Veronica Sawyer, an ordinary student who is suddenly taken under the wing of the school’s most powerful and cruel clique: the three Heathers. While Veronica finally gains the status and attention she always wanted, her world is upended by the arrival of the mysterious teenage rebel, Jason “J.D.” Dean. Caught between her new popularity and J.D.’s dangerous influence, Veronica soon realises that being a somebody comes with deadly consequences.
Read more: The ‘Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration’ is coming to Manila this September
Above Poster of GMG Productions’ ‘Heathers the Musical’ coming this January 2027 (Photo: GMG Productions)
Poster of GMG Productions’ ‘Heathers the Musical’ coming this January 2027 (Photo: GMG Productions)
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The stage adaptation features a book, music and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, the writers behind Desperate Housewives and Legally Blonde The Musical. Fans can expect to hear popular hits like Candy Store, Seventeen, Meant To Be Yours, I Say No and Dead Girl Walking. Directed by Andy Fickman, the production first premiered in Los Angeles in 2013 and transferred to New York in 2014, before moving to London in 2018 with new songs and an updated script.
Taking on the lead role of Veronica Sawyer for the Philippine premiere is Filipino performer Gerardine Sacdalan. She will be joined by Louis Hearsey as Jason “J.D.” Dean.
The iconic trio of Heathers will be played by Liberty Stottor as Heather Chandler, Jessica Ibadin as Heather Duke and Lou Henry as Heather McNamara. The Manila company also includes Veronica Carabai as Ms Fleming and Veronica’s Mom, Sophie Manners as Martha Dunnstock, Markus Södergren as Kurt Kelly and Beau Jackson as Ram Sweeney. John Gurdían plays Ram’s Dad, Big Bud Dean and Coach Ripper, while Reuben Browne takes on the roles of Kurt’s Dad, Veronica’s Dad and Principal Gowan.
Read more: Filipino companies prove the art of dance’s vibrancy this season
Above Louis Hearsey and Gerardine Sacdalan in ‘Heathers the Musical’ (Photo: Pamela Raith)
Louis Hearsey and Gerardine Sacdalan in ‘Heathers the Musical’ (Photo: Pamela Raith)
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Rounding out the Westerberg High student body are Christian De-Gallerie, Ellouise Delooze, Caitlin Garcia, Alexander Howarth, Charlotte O’Rourke, Thomas Oxley, Tola Sokoya and Carys Taylor.
“At GMG Productions, we’re passionate about bringing world-class entertainment to Filipino audiences and making acclaimed global productions accessible here in Manila. We’re always looking for the right balance between introducing audiences to exciting new titles and bringing beloved stories to the stage in ways that feel fresh and relevant.”
Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions, explains that this commitment is the driving force behind their upcoming season. By bringing in a diverse slate of shows—including Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration, Cirque Alice, The Play That Goes Wrong and now Heathers the Musical—he notes that their main goal is to deliver distinct experiences that audiences will continue to enjoy and discuss long after the curtain comes down.
Above Jessica Ibadin, Liberty Stottor and Lou Henry in ‘Heathers the Musical’ (Photo: Pamela Raith)
Jessica Ibadin, Liberty Stottor and Lou Henry in ‘Heathers the Musical’ (Photo: Pamela Raith)
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“Heathers the Musical is a particularly exciting addition to our season. It’s bold, irreverent and incredibly funny, with a brilliant score and a story about friendship, identity and finding your place that remains remarkably relevant.”
Candal adds that the company takes massive pride in staging the internationally acclaimed production in the Philippines. Thrilled to finally give local theatregoers the opportunity to experience the hit show live, he shares that they are eager to open the doors to Westerberg High, adding that they are “colour us stoked” for opening night.
Ticket sales begin early for eager fans. The UnionBank Presale takes place from September 8 to 11, offering early access and a 10 per cent discount. The Waitlist Onsale follows on September 12, also providing a 10 per cent discount, ahead of the General Public Onsale on September 13.
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Franz writes about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Art Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright. But above all this, this Aether main spends more time in Teyvat than anywhere else.
