Review: 'Be More Chill' by Theatre Arts Program at Sacred Heart U

Fairfield, CT - ‘Be More Chill’ is the name of a contemporary musical with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and a book by Joe Tracz that is based on the novel of the same name by Ned Vizzini. The Theatre Arts Program (TAP) at Sacred Heart University is one of only a few theaters throughout the country that have secured the rights to produce this new work. The musical was directed by Jerry Goehring, with able musical direction by Leo Carusone assisted by SHU junior Henley Solomon.

The musical, which is set in a New Jersey high school, was produced in 2015 at the theatre that commissioned it, Two River Theater in New Jersey. In a nutshell, it is the story of a nerd that becomes popular by taking a tiny sci-fi supercomputer pill, and it is easily punctuated with catchy contemporary techno tunes.

I am probably dating myself by admitting that I had no knowledge of this work as I headed to opening night at my alma mater (SHU ‘81, ‘89,) but I was excited to see the latest show featuring the talented theatre students at Sacred Heart. The Little Theatre black box was packed with both students and cast family members.

While I am sure that I have missed some more contemporary references, I would liken this fun musical to ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ meets ‘13 The Musical,' with a bit of 'Zombie Prom' thrown in. John Dias, the artistic director of the theatre where it all began, said, “I knew the sensibilities of Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz would blend beautifully and they would be the right team to adapt ‘Be More Chill,’ which combines a cringingly real look at teenage life with techno-fantasy and wry humor. The Joes create the perfect mix of emotional honesty and bad-ass cool--so key when writing about the popularity battleground that is an American high school.” I enjoyed the sometimes silly story and the often funny pop tunes that move the story along well.

As always, the SHU students in the small cast work together under the direction of Mr. Goehring. Mark Bosse, a SHU freshman, made his debut at the university in the role of Rich and sophomore Jamie Fitzgerald (‘JCS’) played the role of Jake Dillinger. SHU senior Eddie Feeley (Rod in ‘Avenue Q,’ ‘JCS,’ ‘Macbeth’) changed costumes often to play Jeremy’s Dad, school play director Mr. Reyes who is obsessed with Hot Pockets, and a scary stockboy. This young actor did a great job in all three of these very different roles.

Sophomore Justin Weigel (‘Avenue Q,’ ‘Next to Normal,’ ‘Macbeth’) was super chill as the “super quantum unit intel processor,” or “SQUIP.” Clad in a black leather jacket and making his first appearance in a lighted “Morticia” straw chair, this character is the voice in the head of anyone who swallows the pill taken with green Mountain Dew. Bradly Taylor, a junior majoring in Psychology, was the perfect choice for the leading role of Jeremy Heere. Mr. Taylor (who was King Herod in ‘JCS,’ and Caliban in ‘The Tempest,’) brought the precise amount of angst to a teenager who will do anything to be cool enough to get the girl and he sang very well. He dedicated his performance to his high school drama teacher, Mr. Perrotta.

Jake Doble was a standout in the supporting role of Michael Mell. This Theatre Arts and Media Arts double major from New Hampshire was able to shine in the role of Jeremy’s best friend who swoops in to save the day. His tenor voice was memorable and his stage presence was just as strong. I was so glad that I caught the SHU debut of freshman Johanna Johnson as “the” girl, Christine Canigula. This young lady simply glowed on the stage and what a voice!

Rachel Dufresne (‘JCS’) is a sophomore who played the popular student Brooke, while sophomore Courtney O’Shea (Kate Monster/Lucy in ‘Avenue Q,’ ‘JCS’) was the equally popular Chloe. The adorable Emily Shea, now a senior at SHU, played the role of the gossip Jenna Rolan.

Emma Trimmings and Isabela Scaglione did a great job with the hair and makeup and Matthew Kreckie got to work with multiple TV monitors (a la ‘Dear Evan Hansen’) in his role of sound and projection designer; Sven Vogel also worked on the excellent projections. One of the internal medicine graphics reminded me of the old Walt Disney World ride “Body Wars.” Kevin McVeigh lit the small space very well and Amanda Kane managed to find that red Mountain Dew. Sofia Borrego served as the producer. Kudos to Jenna Sheridan on the contemporary costumes. Set design was done by the students in TAP; the students seldom left the stage as they awaited their cues seated on the sides of the stage and there was a black curtain that was closed to serve as a screen for a projection.

The musicians included Mr. Carusone as conductor and on keyboard one, Tom Morris on keyboard two, Richard Neal on guitar and Steve Musitiano on percussion. Despite the fact that a row or two of seats house right were sacrificed for the pit, the orchestra was never too loud and did justice to the musical numbers.

‘Be More Chill’ runs through Feb. 25, 2018 in The Little Theatre at SHU and tickets are limited. Graphics courtesy of TAP at Sacred Heart University

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417