Powered by Mountain Dew and Mayhem: Be More Chill Delivers

by Deitra Oliver

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? Uncomfortable in your own skin? Have you ever thought it would be easier to let someone else lead and take the backseat in your own life? Ever wondered what you would do in the event of a zombie apocalypse? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be just the right candidate for a SQUIP (Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor) or, more realistically, a ticket to see Be More Chill at The Players Club of Swarthmore.

The show focuses on socially awkward outcast Jeremy Heere and a cast of characters that showcase the microcosm of a high school somewhere in suburban New Jersey. It is a kooky and emotional exploration of what it means to truly love yourself, to love your people, and to be part of a community. While set in the halls of a high school, it is a show that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Be More Chill is a modern musical based on the 2004 book of the same name written by Ned Vizzini. The musical adaptation, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and a book by Joe Tracz, premiered in May 2015 in Red Bank, New Jersey. Directed by Sean McDermott, PCS brings an exciting and vibrant production to the region.

Upon entry into the theater, I was greeted by the front-of-house team and given a nicely designed show program. There is a concession area offering Mountain Dew and Tic Tacs for sale in homage to the show, you’ll have to watch to get it. I was impressed by the interior. It is a large space with plenty of traditional theater-style seating and a lived-in feel that lets you know many shows have taken place there. I was fairly comfortable, though I did feel very close to the people sitting around me. It is definitely worth getting an end seat if you prefer more space like me or if you need to be able to easily escape. 

Tackling the tropes of high school in a believable yet humorous way can be challenging. It is a delicate balancing act to deliver recognizable traits without becoming a caricature. This cast certainly achieves compelling and humorous portrayals of high school, from the socially inept “losers” to the drama kids, to the jocks and popular crowd.

Aiden Abiuso, as Jeremy Heere, is a revelation in his debut at PCS. He plays the awkward and socially inept Jeremy with engaging and sensitive accuracy. Watching him struggle with the desire to belong, his long-held crush, and his eventual journey to the dark side was engrossing. It is always a thrill when you go from cheering for a character to actually booing them. From bumbling to downright mean-spirited, Abiuso brings both life and likability to the role. He delivers smooth, clear, and emotional vocals and truly shines in “Loser Geek Whatever.”

Jeremy’s best friend and fellow “loser”, though he is unbothered by the label, Michael Mell is played by Casey Lynch. My favorite song from this show is “Michael in the Bathroom,” so I had very high expectations. Having never seen a production before, Lynch was up against the version I created in my head, and he won. He delivered a vulnerable and powerful rendition that moved me to tears. I was rooting for him throughout the show and loved all of his moments. The TARDIS-print shorts for “The Pants Song” were perfect. I especially enjoyed the camaraderie between Lynch and Abiuso; their chemistry in “Two-Player Game” was a highlight.

Theater kid extraordinaire and Jeremy’s crush, Christine Canigula, is played by Mack Noelle, who also makes her PCS debut. Noelle delivers a fun and quirky performance that showcases both her comedic timing and vocal ability in songs like “I Love Play Rehearsal” and “A Guy That I’d Kinda Be Into.”

Gian Verderose as Jake Dillinger and Trent Bonner as Rich Goranski also make their PCS debuts. They each bring great energy to the stage, embodying the guys you loathed, but maybe secretly crushed on, in high school. Bonner, in particular, brings a fun rocker energy to “The SQUIP Song.”

Jeremy’s journey to the dark side is driven by the SQUIP, played by Michael Mann. From his first Keanu Reeves–like intonations, he had the audience in the palm of his hand. Mann shines in songs like “Be More Chill” and “Sync Up.” The physical and vocal synchronicity between Mann and Abiuso clearly reflects strong collaborative work, effectively showing the SQUIP’s growing control. Mann is perfectly cast.

Cassidy Else as Chloe Valentine, Casey Bilger as Brooke Lohst, and Kylah Monet as Jenna Rolan make up the popular girl trio. Think Mean Girls. Each had hilarious standout moments. Else, as Jeremy’s secondary love interest, had me laughing out loud with her reactions and intentionally awful French. Together, Else, Bilger, and Monet were fantastic in “The Smartphone Hour,” with Monet delivering especially impressive vocals.

John Casertano plays triple duty as Mr. Heere, Mr. Reyes, and the Scary Stockboy. He was hilarious, bringing distinct characterizations and physicality to each role.

Rounding out the ensemble are Jason Boyer, Emily Murphy, Amelia SanFilippo, and Katie Young. They bring strong energy to every scene, with engaging reactions and interactions throughout. Vocally, the entire cast is impressive, delivering both quality and character-driven performances.

The production team created a beautifully cohesive design. One standout element was the consistency, the microchip motif seen in the stage panels was echoed in props, set pieces, and costumes. The staging made excellent use of space, building layers and levels effectively. Rolling set pieces allowed for smooth, seamless transitions that clearly established each new scene.

Scenic projections on a scrim (with the pit positioned behind) added depth and visual interest. Scenes like Jeremy and Michael’s bedroom gaming sequence were especially enhanced by this choice. Lighting design played a major role in setting the tone, particularly for the SQUIP. Different colors signified emotions and intentions, mirrored in the SQUIP’s evolving costume in Act II to reflect increasing control.

Costuming was fantastic, capturing all the archetypes of high school. The Halloween party costumes and graphic tees stood out, and the SQUIP’s upgraded look was particularly well executed.

This level of consistency and detail reflects a highly collaborative production team, including Director Sean McDermott; Assistant Director Jessie Demmert; Costume Designers Shelli Haynes Ezold and Geena Shaw; Lighting Designer Heather Timberman; Video/Projection Designer AJ Collevecchio; Props Designer Rose E. Azrael; Production Associate Carmen Rossi; Stage Crew Andrew SanFilippo, Max Segarnick, Tabbie Wismer; Producer Rose E. Azrael; Set Designer Brian Ambler; Stage Manager Liz Corcoran; Assistant Stage Manager Geena Shaw; Crew Chief Ann Bacharach; Scenic Artist Ed Bradigan; Costume Support Emily Engle, Michelle Galayda Iwachiw, Mary Lisa Gregory, and Rose E. Azrael; Builders Emma McKelvey, George Mulford, Chad O’Toole, Phil Vecchioli; and Marketing John Parkinson, and Intimacy Director Liz Bradley.

Music and choreography play a huge role in this production. The live band carries the angsty teenage energy with tight syncopation and engaging indie-rock instrumentation. Sound was well balanced overall, though there was a faint buzzing in one speaker near my seat. The choreography was equally strong, high-energy, youthful, and dynamic. I especially enjoyed the tutting style used for the SQUIP.

Choreography by Karen Davis Dixon and Sarah Reynolds; Music Direction by Nathan M. Kendrick; Sound Design by K. Cook; Pit Direction by Anthony Reuter; Conductors Kira Bosko, Brigid Infanti, and Tyler Meil; Keyboard I Pat D’Amato and Sarah Pinard; Keyboard II Nathan M. Kendrick; Reeds Julia Petters; Trumpet Charlie Wolfe; Bass Brian Lynch; Guitar Anthony Reuter; Percussion Sophia Berger and Lisa Gilmer.

Now is not the time to be chill, purchase your tickets today for Be More Chill at The Players Club of Swarthmore (614 Fairview Road, Swarthmore, PA 19081). The show closes on March 21 and is one you don’t want to miss. You can purchase tickets here: https://pcstheater.org/show/be-more-chill/