Heathers: The Musical opens tonight, June 12 at 7pm, at the Corona Historic Civic Center with a sharp edge and even sharper performances, reminding audiences that high school is a battlefield—especially when it’s Westerberg High.

Brought to the stage by Polaris Performing Arts Academy under the direction of Kymberli Boynton, this production embraces both the biting satire and the emotional undercurrents that have made Heathers a cult favorite. Based on the 1989 film penned by Daniel Waters and adapted for the stage by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, the musical dives into themes of bullying, mental health, peer pressure, and the desperate search for acceptance. Boynton, who is also a psychologist, underscores this in her director’s notes, calling the show a “mirror into the unspoken struggles teens face.”

The story centers on Veronica Sawyer, a bright, ambitious student who falls in with the school’s ruling clique—the three Heathers—before a dangerous romance with the brooding new kid, Jason “JD” Dean, turns deadly. McKenzie Taylor’s portrayal of Veronica is an absolute standout, blending vulnerability with wry humor and an increasingly steely resolve as the plot darkens. Taylor’s voice soars during the poignant “I Say No,” a song of self-liberation that drew well-deserved applause.

Opposite her, Eric Williams delivers a magnetic, menacing performance as JD. His rendition of “Freeze Your Brain” is both charming and chilling, giving the audience a glimpse into JD’s fractured psyche and the trauma beneath his cool exterior.

Emily Segaar nails the role of Heather Chandler, embodying the character’s queen-bee cruelty with a deliciously theatrical flair. From the snarky swagger in “Candy Store” to her ghostly return in “The Me Inside of Me,” Segaar brings Heather Chandler’s manipulative force to life with icy precision.

Nathan Lopez (Kurt Kelly) and Andrew Amaya (Ram Sweeney) are a dynamite duo throughout the show. Their chemistry is undeniable, particularly in the rowdy number “Big Fun” and the hilarious locker room scenes. The pair deserves props—not only for their comedic timing but for braving Act II in little more than tighty whities, earning both laughs and admiration from the audience.

Comic relief and unexpected emotional depth arrive in Act II with “My Dead Gay Son,” a showstopper that’s as ridiculous as it is heartwarming. The number, delivered with gusto by Kurt and Ram’s fathers, turns a scene of grief into an anthem of acceptance—one of the musical’s most subversive and memorable moments.

Supporting performances are equally strong: Celia Salazar’s sweet, heartbreaking Martha Dunnstock shines in “Kindergarten Boyfriend,” while Marina Garrison delivers a tender and humanized Heather McNamara in her standout solo “Lifeboat.”

Backed by Mark Peterson’s energetic music direction and Briana Gonzales-Diaz’s dynamic choreography, the ensemble brings Westerberg High’s twisted world vividly to life. Clever staging, effective lighting by OJ Wilson, and a youthful, committed cast keep the show brisk and engaging throughout its two-hour runtime.

Heathers: The Musical isn’t for the faint of heart—its dark humor and mature themes pull no punches, so it might be best to leave the under 16 kiddos with a babysitter tonight. The production from Polaris Performing Arts Academy handles the material with surprising nuance, capturing both the absurdity and the pathos of teenage life.

For those willing to brave the halls of Westerberg, this is one dark ride worth taking. The show continues at the Corona Historic Civic Center this weekend, with performances on Friday, June 13 at 7 p.m. (Understudy Show); Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. (Understudy Show) and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available through Polaris Performing Arts Academy.