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Heathers has been a deceptively difficult show for everyone. It’s a tough show musically, more so than one would guess on first listen. It’s also a demanding experience for young actors, requiring great trust in each other and their directors, allowing themselves to open up and be vulnerable to each other and now to audiences. These kids have been up to these challenges every step of the way and we are proud of all they’ve poured into it.

Exploring difficult themes like bullying and suicide has opened up the awareness of our cast to those who may be struggling around us. We are very thankful to FirstLink, Fargo-Moorhead Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, and Janelle Stahl-Ladbury for coming and sharing with our cast and crew, increasing awareness of difficulties and providing helpful, practical steps to take toward good mental health and positive relationships.

We have been delighted to add a couple of people to our team for their first Fargo North musical, Vocal Director Katie Damico and Technical Director Phil Godel. And we’re happy to have returning talent in David Triptow, Kelsey Dragosovich, and Liv Helm. The collaboration that goes into creating a show is a thrilling experience and we are blessed to have such great people on our team, pouring their talents into the show and their hearts into teaching and mentoring students.

Heathers is one of many pieces of pop culture history that reminds us that young people have always had struggles. From Romeo and Juliet to The Outsiders, adolescence is hard. But judging by how positive, hard-working, and supportive our cast of Heathers has been, the future is in good hands. Thank you for coming out to support them. We hope you are entertained, have some laughs, and leave with the rockin’ tunes still in your head but with your eyes a little more open to ways you can “Make it Beautiful” in the lives of others.

Tom & Rachel Gillen