Be More Chill at Cue Zero Theatre Company

Cue Zero Theatre Company continues their 4th season  with the first of two main stage musicals — 2019 Tony nominee, “Be More Chill.”

The fan-favorite musical will be the directorial debut for Matt Edlind and Rachel Nathan. With music and lyrics by Joe Iconis, and book by Joe Tracz, Be More Chill is a rocking sci-fi musical about growing up, high school, and what we will do to get what we want.

Jeremy Heere is just an average teenager. That is, until he finds out about "The Squip," a tiny supercomputer that promises to bring him everything he desires most: a date with Christine, an invite to the raddest party of the year and a chance to survive life in his suburban New Jersey high school. But is being the most popular guy in school worth the risk? 

Director, Matt Edlind, and Music Director, Rachel Nathan, came to know the show while in it’s Broadway run in 2019 – and soon the two found meaning in this show that took a life of its own.

“We loved the show, and started having conversations about choices, themes, and vision we had if we had the opportunity to direct it. We knew we were on the same page about the approach, and knew it would make an impact,” the team shared, when asked why they chose Be More Chill as their directorial debut. “It’s a musical that is not ‘just for fun,’ but also doesn’t take itself too seriously – it’s very real, with dynamic characters who are so well-written. Everyone is hiding behind their own stereotypes, and wearing their own masks; but that’s not who they really are. Jeremy looks around and sees all these people and characters who ‘have it all together’ – but that’s not the case, and I think that’s very real for a lot of people.”

The team really honed in on the masks we wear in response to the pressure of social constructs, and the barriers this creates to our true connection, “Here we have a group of dynamic characters who are so desperately trying to connect with one another, but they don’t know how – and what’s getting in their way is something that is completely made up. It’s created by unrealistic expectations – and societal pressure to hide behind these masks and stereotypes. That is something we really want the audience to grasp, with the message that while at times it’s going to be challenging – but so worth it – to be yourself.”

“Be More Chill” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals and will open June 23 - 25 at the Derry Opera House in Derry, NH.

The Star-Ledger describes Be More Chill as, “A high-energy, imaginative, well-crafted world premiere musical!” — “With its easily relatable characters, clever twists and ebullient songs, it engages you from beginning to end” (NJArts). 

This production does feature adult language, mentions of suicide & self harm, sex and intimacy, and drugs. Viewer discretion is advised.

Tickets are $15, available online or at the door. - cztheatre.com

Authors

• Joe Iconis
• Joe Tracz
• Ned Vizzini