As a high schooler herself, Jordan Gagnon can probably relate to her character in Heathers The Musical easily.

Heathers tells the story of Veronica Sawyer (played by Gagnon), a high school senior whose life is filled with teen angst, influenced by bad boys with bad dads and surrounded by death.

Playing at The Ringwald in Ferndale through June 13, this is the first time Heathers has been staged in metro Detroit, and the show did not disappoint.

The company is small. Many characters were double-casted and the chorus consisted of three people. But the small group fit well on the tiny stage. They did a fine job interacting with the set and made nice use of the props and limited space.

The lack of a real pit was upsetting, and it was even worse because it was replaced by a CD and speakers. However, it took a backseat to the outstanding singing. In fact, the vocals were by far the best part of the show.

Gagnon carried the show with her ballads about crazy boy-toys and fast-paced numbers about being one of the populars. Annie Kordas (Heather McNamara) and Lily Belle Czartorski (Martha Dunstock) also had impressive solos.

The score was a strong point. Tongue-in-cheek pop numbers were laden with meaningful solos about love and death. The duos and small group pieces were also a highlight. Noteworthy numbers included “Beautiful,” “Candy Store,” and “Seventeen (Reprise).”

Vince Kelley (Heather Chandler) was definitely the show-stealer. Kelley’s voice and flair lit up the stage and gave the show another comedic element. Through health and death, Kelley was a smooth and unusual addition to the show. Kelley’s performance in one word: very.

Gagnon did a fantastic job as the leading lady. Her strong voice was breathtaking and her acting was spot on. She has what it takes to make it far in the musical theatre business, even as a high schooler.

The company was generally a fantastic group. The emphasis on individualism and characterization made the show totally 80s, totally cool and the setting totally air-tight.

Heathers is special because it isn’t a show you would see at The Fisher and it doesn’t replicate anything Broadway, even though it had a successful off-Broadway run. It’s alternative. It’s edgy. The Ringwald’s take was fresh and different.

Boys were playing girls, and it was fine. There was a lot of swearing. It was timed perfectly. The audience interacted with the cast. It made the show entertaining.

The Ringwald’s production of Heathers The Musical is a must-see. Even with no pit, amazing voices accompanied by lots of laughs created a night filled with witty, alternative entertainment.

Are you in, or are you out? I sure hope you are in.

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