The Cedar Crest College Department of Performing Arts presents the Lehigh Valley premiere of “Heathers The Musical,” Feb. 20 - Feb. 23, Samuels Theater, Tompkins College Center.

“Heathers The Musical” features music, lyrics and book by Laurence O’Keefe (“Legally Blonde”) and Kevin Murphy (“Reefer Madness”). It is based on the 1989 teen comedy movie, “Heathers,” written by Daniel Waters. The musical version opened Off-Broadway in 2014.

Veronica Sawyer (Noel Cruz) is a brainy teenage misfit at Westerberg High School, which has a hellish social hierarchy, where unpopular students like Veronica’s best friend Martha Dunnstock (Myashia Holloman) are tormented by jocks.

The school is ruled by a clique called the Heathers: weak-willed Heather McNamara (Alyssa Weber), bulimic and petty Heather Duke (Shy Torres) and leader Heather Chandler (Gabreille Hondorp).

When Veronica’s talent for forgery gets the Heathers out of detention, they give her a makeover and elevate her to their inner circle. Before she can get comfortable atop the high school food chain, she falls for the dangerous new boy, J.D. (Crede Cooper). When Veronica is kicked from the clique, things spin out of control.

The cast includes Max Wetherhold, Asher Cooper, Jarrod Yuskauskas, JoAnn Wilchek Basist, Nik Georgievski, Evan Heger, Jillian Petrie, Jayden McFaddin, Nate Rosario, Natalie Collins, Arlo Guzman, Rosie Kramer, Naomi Henninger, Ayden Scanlon, Jahniya James, Riley Craig, Chloe Benjamin, Angie Dries, Ashly Rodriguez-Ascenio and Kiersten Frey.

The director is Will Morris. Music director is Chad Miller. Choreographer is JoanEllyn Schubert.

The show is recommended for mature audiences only and contains dark subject matter, including bullying, teen suicide, sexual assault and violence.

“Heathers The Musical,” 7 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 22; 2 p.m. Feb. 23, Samuels Theater, Tompkins College Center, Cedar Crest College, 100 College Drive, Allentown. 610-740-3780, https://www.cedarcrest.edu

Shakespeare competition: High school thespians are invited to compete in Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s 2025 Shakespeare Competition, March 8, DeSales University Center.

At least $15,000 in scholarships will be awarded.

High school-age students in public, private and home schools are eligible to participate. Students may register as individuals or as a school team.

Students can participate as competitors or may attend to observe the competition and participate in workshops.

The Shakespeare Competition is intended to empower participants and cultivate development and artistry in language, Shakespeare, and acting.

Students compete with scenes and monologues from Shakespeare’s works and are adjudicated by theater professionals. Participants can attend workshops and panel discussions with professional artists.

The registration deadline is Feb. 18.

To register: https://pashakespeare.org/shakespeare-competition/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com