“Be More Chill”

The State Fair Community College Theatre Arts program will be the first venue in Missouri to present “Be More Chill” April 24-28 in the Stauffacher Theatre on the Sedalia campus. The musical comedy officially debuted March 10 on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre.

This story is about Jeremy Heere, an average teenager, who discovers “The Squip,” a tiny supercomputer that promises to give Jeremy the things he most desires – a date with Christine, an invitation to the raddest party of the year and a chance to survive life in his suburban New Jersey high school. However, is having his wishes come true and being the most popular guy in school worth the risk of losing who he really is?

“Be More Chill,” based on a 2004 novel by Ned Vizzini, was written by Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz.  Kristen Henning, SFCC adjunct instructor, is the director, and Kevin Holbert is music director. The play is rated R for language and adult themes. 

“The Wall Street Journal” described the play as one of the strongest new musicals of the decade. “Rolling Stone’s” Peter Travers wrote, “Talk about universal! BE MORE CHILL is a wow of a musical with an irresistible score and a Little Shop of Horrors vibe. Go! Go!” 

Regular performances will be at 7:30 p.m. April 24-27; admission on April 24 is a donation and is $6 for all other performances. Tickets are $16 for the April 27 dinner theatre in the Stauffacher lobby; dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. The dinner theatre menu is available by calling the Box Office at (660) 530-5814 from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A matinée will be presented at 2 p.m. April 28. Anyone 60 or older may reserve free tickets for the matinée.

SFCC students and employees receive free admission, and cost of the dinner theatre for them is $10. Special group rates are available for both regular performances and dinner theatre.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.sfccmo.edu/the-arts, by calling the Box Office or emailing tickets@sfccmo.edu. Wheelchair seating is available upon request.

Cast and Production Crew

Jeremy Heere – Garrett Hight, Oak Grove

Christine Canigula – Alyce Wilson, Eldon

Michael Mell – Holden Childress, Urbana

Jake Dillinger – Joshua Barner, Lee’s Summit

Rich – Cody Jones, Harrisonville

Chloe – Hannahmaye Doster, Odessa

Brooke – Tessa Luechtefeld, Warrensburg

Jenna Rolan – Maquinnlyn Frerking, Fayette

Jeremy’s Dad/Mr. Reyes/Scary Stockboy – Jesse VanBooven, La Monte

The Squip – Noah Summitt, Warrensburg

Ensemble – Alecia Bennett, Kansas City; Allison Hayes, Macon; Taylor Winfrey, Marshall; Dakota Swain, Lowery City

Assistant Director/Stage Manager – Lauren Dowell, Odessa

Props Master/Assistant Stage Manager  – Kim Ransdell, Lincoln

Dance Co-Captains – Doster, Luechtefeld

Scenic Design – Victoria Stowell, Sedalia

Co-Hair/Makeup Design – Frerking, Wilson

Program/Poster Artwork – Cheyenne Johnson, Cole Camp

Dramaturge – Childress

Light Board Operator – Maryanne Henley, California

Sound Board Operator – Dowell

Run Crew – Denver Montgomery, La Monte; Stowell, Ransdell

Dressers – Sara Stansbury, Jefferson City; LaTasha Herron, Marshall
Costume Construction – Stansbury, Herron, Luechtefeld, Bennett, Hayes
Scenery Construction/Painting – Stagecraft and Lighting Class
Promotion/Publicity – Henley, Childress