How Very! "Heathers the Musical" takes over Manila this January 2027
"Heathers the Musical" makes its Philippine premiere at The Theatre at Solaire, Jan. 21-Feb. 7, 2027. See presale dates, cast and ticket info.
ARTS & CULTURE
9/1/20264 min read
Break out the scrunchies and the croquet mallets — Westerberg High is coming to the Philippines.
GMG Productions, in association with Bill Kenwright Ltd. and Paul Taylor-Mills, will bring "Heathers the Musical" to Manila for a limited run from Jan. 21 to Feb. 7, 2027, at The Theatre at Solaire. The show arrives on the heels of record-breaking, sold-out seasons in London, New York and Melbourne, and its Manila debut marks the musical's first time on a Philippine stage.
Based on the cult-classic 1989 film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, "Heathers the Musical" first opened in Los Angeles in 2013 before transferring to New York's New World Stages in 2014. London got its own version in 2018, reworked with new songs and an updated script — the version most productions, including Manila's, now use.
The story still bites the way it did in 1989. At Westerberg High, popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is a nobody until the three beautiful, powerful and impossibly cruel Heathers pull her into their orbit. Status, attention, a seat at the popular table — she gets it all, until J.D., the new kid with a rebel streak and a darker agenda, shows up and turns her world inside out. Veronica soon learns that being somebody comes at a cost nobody warned her about.
The score — written by Kevin Murphy ("Desperate Housewives") and Laurence O'Keefe ("Legally Blonde The Musical") — is where the show earns its cult following, packed with fan favorites like "Seventeen," "Candy Store," "Meant to Be Yours," "I Say No" and "Dead Girl Walking." Andy Fickman directs, with choreography by Gary Lloyd, design by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound by Dan Samson, and musical supervision by Jeremy Wootton and Will Joy.
Filipino performer Gerardine Sacdalan leads the Manila cast as Veronica Sawyer, marking the Philippine premiere of the role. She's joined by Louis Hearsey as J.D., Liberty Stottor as Heather Chandler, Jessica Ibadin as Heather Duke and Lou Henry as Heather McNamara. Rounding out the principal cast are Veronica Carabai (Ms. Fleming/Veronica's Mom), Sophie Manners (Martha Dunnstock), Markus Södergren (Kurt Kelly), Beau Jackson (Ram Sweeney), John Gurdían (Ram's Dad/Big Bud Dean/Coach Ripper) and Reuben Browne (Kurt's Dad/Veronica's Dad/Principal Gowan).
The ensemble includes Christian De-Gallerie, Ellouise Delooze, Caitlin Garcia, Alexander Howarth, Charlotte O'Rourke, Thomas Oxley, Tola Sokoya and Carys Taylor, filling out Westerberg High's roster of jocks, punks and drama kids.
"At GMG Productions, we're passionate about bringing world-class entertainment to Filipino audiences and making acclaimed global productions accessible here in Manila," said Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions. "We're always looking for the right balance between introducing audiences to exciting new titles and bringing beloved stories to the stage in ways that feel fresh and relevant."
"Our upcoming season reflects that commitment, from Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration and Cirque Alice to The Play That Goes Wrong, and now Heathers the Musical. Each production is distinct, but they all share the same goal: to give audiences experiences they can discover, enjoy, and talk about long after the curtain comes down."
"Heathers the Musical is a particularly exciting addition to our season. It's bold, irreverent and incredibly funny, with a brilliant score and a story about friendship, identity and finding your place that remains remarkably relevant. We're proud to bring this internationally acclaimed production to the Philippines and give Manila audiences the opportunity to experience Heathers live on stage. We can't wait to welcome audiences to Westerberg High — color us stoked!"
The musical has picked up plenty of hardware and headlines since that 2013 Los Angeles premiere: three West End runs, multiple sold-out UK and Ireland tours, and a 2019 WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Musical. A filmed version streamed globally on The Roku Channel in 2022, and the 2025 New York revival at New World Stages opened with the venue's biggest advance sale ever, extending its run almost immediately.
Tickets go on general sale Sept. 13, but the popularity contest — fittingly — starts early. UnionBank cardholders get presale access from Sept. 8-11, followed by a waitlist onsale on Sept. 12; both offer 10% off and first dibs before doors open to everyone else. Joining the waitlist now is the closest thing to guaranteed popularity Westerberg High has to offer.
Stock up on Corn Nuts, polish the croquet mallet and clear the calendar — "Heathers the Musical" hits Manila this January, and Westerberg High is ready for its close-up.
Event Information
What: "Heathers the Musical," presented by Bill Kenwright Ltd. and Paul Taylor-Mills in association with GMG Productions. Based on the 1989 film, the show follows Veronica Sawyer through the ruthless social hierarchy of Westerberg High as she navigates popularity, friendship, love and the fallout of wanting to be somebody.
When: Jan. 21-Feb. 7, 2027
Where: The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort Entertainment City, Parañaque City, Metro Manila
Age recommendation: 14+
Content warnings: Haze, loud noises including gunshots, flashing lights and strobe effects, strong language, and mature themes including murder, suicide, sexual violence and references to eating disorders.
On sale:
UnionBank presale: Sept. 8-11, 2026
Waitlist onsale: Sept. 12, 2026
General public onsale: Sept. 13, 2026
Where to buy: premier.ticketworld.com.ph
Images: Pamela Raith | GMG Productions
L-R: Jessica Ibadin, Liberty Stottor, Lou Henry