Broadview Heights Spotlights’ Summer Youth Musical:
Be More Chill

Broadview Heights Spotlights’ announces its summer youth production, Be More Chill with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and book by Joe Tracz.  The musical is based on the novel Be More Chill by Ned Vizzini.  The show premiered in the summer of 2015 at the Two River Theater in Red Bank, New Jersey and the original cast recording quickly developed a cult following among young musical theater fans.  Its relatable characters and rock-inspired score resonated with young musical theater fans. Shortly before the Spotlights’ held their auditions, an announcement was made that the musical will make its New-York, Off-Broadway premiere in a limited-engagement run later this summer. 

This modern coming-of-age musical features Jeremy Here, not the coolest kid in school, who is presented with a unique, technological opportunity to experience popularity.  He learns that fitting in and being cool can come with great costs.  The Spotlights’ cast of 16 talented teenagers includes Nicholas Beiser, Delia Brennan, Ariel Brinker, Kyla Burks, Clorise Busch, Casey Cipollone, Nicholas DeAngelis, Alyssa Gruttadauria, Dylan Grosh-Hoy, Derek Walton II, Molly Molina, Declan Newton, James Newton, Alicia Pedraza, Ian Stewart, and Addie Wisniewski.

Spotlights’ Education Director Tim Anderson is directing his twelfth summer youth production at the theater. “This show is unique because it portrays teenagers honestly,” says Anderson.  “Even though it’s a fun science fiction-themed adventure, there’s a wonderful, truth-filled lesson about social choices and self-discovery.”  Ryan Bergeron provides musical direction, Charlie Jones is the lighting designer, and Kaylea Kudlaty is the costumer.  Adam Bowers and Jill Holland Beiser serve as producers. 

The show contains themes and language that are recommended only for a mature audience. The show runs June 21 – July 1, 2018.  Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinees begin at 3:00 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $14 for seniors and students.  For the past several years, the Spotlights’ Summer Youth Productions have sold-out their entire runs before opening night.  Reservations are strongly encouraged and must be made on-line at www.broadview-heights-spotlights.org. 
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The Broadview Heights Spotlights is a community consisting of volunteers in collaboration with professional theater artists dedicated to defying the cliché connotations of “community theater” by offering high-quality, unique experiences to the greater Northeastern Ohio region. We transcend the temporary nature of the typical theater experience. The Broadview Heights Spotlights strives to be a fully-engaged community of connected stakeholders that presents an ever-expanding artistic perspective and believes that theater is a meaningful part of life.  For more information, visit www.broadview-heights-spotlights.org