The most cheer-leading show in town moves to the heart of the West End – featuring a new principal cast determined to bring the hopes up (and a few people down…) back in Westerberg High. Guillermo Nazara chats with his male protagonist, to learn all the fun facts about this montage as we step into their candy store.
How does it feel to be starring in this new West End transfer of such a popular musical?
It feels absolutely incredible. I’m beyond grateful to be here, because it’s been one of my favourite shows forever. It’s such a dream come true to be doing it in a professional level – especially when it’s my first job in the West End. I never thought that this would happen, but here we are! I still need to remind myself everyday that this is real.
Why do you think this show has achieved so much popularity?
Theatre for young kids (who are growing up in puberty or middle school) is a escape – it’s a niche community where people can get together and express themselves freely. That was a thing even before musicals about high school had been created. So now that we have a piece that doesn’t shy away from any of these problems, like other media would do, it makes the perfect combination to generate a cult following from people who enjoy theatre and good stories. There’s a character for everyone who’s been in high school either here or in the US. You can relate to one of them – if not most of them. But also, they are all uniquely individual. And I think people like to choose who they’re more similar to. It provides an opportunity for audiences to have a favourite and see themselves reflected within that span of the cast.
Would you say that this show serves as a comment on high school hierarchy?
A hundred per cent. Most stories about high school will be timeless. The same issues are always prevalent. There will always be a packing order. At the end of the day, we are all humans and should be treated equally. And these are problems that shouldn’t be trivialized. We should work towards creating a better world.
Which is what your character tries to do, but not in the best way… However, how do you manage to make such a sociopath sympathetic to the audience?
I’ve always loved the character, because he truly believes that he’s doing the right thing. Obviously, he’s not – at least, not in the right way. That’s how I try to play him. Anyone who’s in a mental state like this, they don’t think they’re crazy or that they are the bad guy. I try to connect with the human side of JD – thinking of how many things from my past and going through high school I can bring into truth from that. I’ve experienced many things like this – especially the bullies, being a boy who transitioned from hockey to musical theatre. I know how JD has felt many times – in the human side, not the psycopathic.
What are then those redeeming features in JD?
He lost his mother at a young age, and that affected him very deeply. When he meets Veronica, he transfer all of that love onto her. He truly loves her and would do anything for her. That’s why he thinks that doing all of those things are a proof of how much he’s committed to here. He wants to create a world where people like this dad will not be able to exist. But in doing so, he’s harming others along the way. However, before he loses everything in his mind, he’s a caring person – at least for Veronica. There’s moments when he can actually be quite nice and sweet, before everything goes insane.
Apart from using your own personal experience, what’s been the process of creating your version of the character? Is it purely original or have you used influences from previous performances?
I’ve done a mix of everything. I started with the movie, because it’s the source material – and theoretically, what every version of JD should be based on. I wanted to capture the essence of Christian Slater. But as for actors in the musical, my strongest influence definitely is Jamie Muscato, because he was the first person I saw in a professional production of Heathers. I really loved his take on the character – showing how unhinged JD can be. I wanted to tap into that approach – going from sweet to aggressive. It’s been difficult because so many people have played the role already and I’ve attempted not to copy any of that. And though I’ve taken inspiration from here and then, at the end of the rehearsal process, I decided to stop watching any content and create my own – imagining I was the first actor doing this role. I think that’s helped to deliver a more individual and unique rendition.
What are the biggest challenges of this show and your character?
It’s difficult to convincingly convey a mental breakdown in every show – especially when you also have a matinee. I want to give everything – and you need it to make it believable to the audience. As I’m going through the performance, I try to put myself in his shoes and all his negative (and quite scary!) thoughts, which is a huge emotional journey. I still haven’t let it get to me, but it is difficult.
Have you had any fun bloopers that you would like to share?
Yes! There’s a scene when JD joins the AV club and he brings one spotlight onstage. In one performance, the wire that connects it was hanging a bit above the ground. So I tripped over it, almost fell into the ground and hit the wall – making it lean! I made such a loud noise. Everyone in the audience and the cast was looking, but I had to pretend that was part of the show! Of course, the whole company was laughing, but I recovered!
If you would have to give me one single reason to come see Heathers, which one would it be?
Aside from being a brilliant comedy with amazing music, it will make you think. You may come thinking it’s just a bubblegum musical, but it tackles with serious topics. It has a very powerful music and deals with difficult issues, which we should never ignore just because they’re difficult. Whether you love it or hate it, it will make you reflect. And at the end of the day, that’s what art is all about – it stirs an emotion within you.
Heathers, The Musical plays at London’s Soho Place until 6 July. Tickets are available on the following link.
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