Be More Chill

Be More Chill

Lyceum Theatre

March 2, 2019

Photo courtesy of Be More Chill

How do you survive high school… or any tough situation that life dishes out?  You need to Be More Chill.  This musical is beautifully written by Joe Tracz with bold and edgy music and lyrics by Joe Iconis.  Based on the novel by Ned Vizzini, it evaluates the voices in your head that rule your behavior.  Director Stephen Brackett brilliantly brings together all the elements for this energetic, fast paced production.  The choreography by Chase Brock is sharp and tight.  Costumes by Bobby Frederick Tilley II are bright and defining.  Lighting design by Tyler Micoleau and scenic design by Beowulf Boritt are distinct and unified.  The cast is simply phenomenal, most of them taking on more than one role in the show.

Jeremy (played by Will Roland) is a geek.  His goal is to survive another day in high school.  His Dad (played by Jason SweetTooth Williams) is in a state of depression since his wife left them, causing him to stay at home and not put his pants on.  Jeremy has a crush on Christine (played by Stephanie Hsu).  She is a free spirited theatre geek who doesn’t notice him.  He is bullied at school by Rich (played by Gerard Canonico), who tells him about the squip, a micro-chip in a pill that programs your brain and controls your behavior.  This was Rich’s answer to becoming popular, and can be Jeremy’s solution as well.  Jeremy tells his best friend, Michael (played by Troy Iwata), who goes with him to purchase the squip.  Things move very quickly for Jeremy when The Squip (played by Jason Tan) takes over his brain.  Before you know it, everything is out of control.  His father has to put on his big boy pants to help Jeremy before it’s too late.

Stephanie Hsu & Will Roland
Photo courtesy of Be More Chill

Will Roland and Stephanie Hsu have a strong chemistry as Jeremy and Christine.  Amid the fast paced momentum of the show, they find genuine moments of connection.  Troy Iwata, the understudy for the role of Michael, rocks the house.  Jason Tam is beguiling and commanding as The Squip.  Tiffany Mann blows the roof off the theatre as Jenna with her powerful vocal range.  Strong performances are also delivered by Britton Smith, Katlyn Carlson, and Lauren Marcus. 

Photo courtesy of Be More Chill

Be More Chill already has a strong cult following after successful productions at Two River Theatre in New Jersey and Off Broadway at The Pershing Square Signature Center.  Get a ticket and experience it for yourself.  It will dazzle and energize you! 

Domenick Danza