Be More Chill | theregals

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Our production of BE MORE CHILL has been nominated in the 2020 BroadwayWorld Australia Awards! If you loved the show you can VOTE FOR US NOW here!

CONGRATULATIONS to the 9 nominations across 7 categories!!!

Best Musical - Amateur/Community
BE MORE CHILL

Best Actress in a Musical - Amateur/Community
Katie Vials

Best Actor in a Musical - Amateur/Community
Joe Dinn & Vincent Huynh

Best Supporting Actor in a Musical - Amateur/Community
Jo Nalty & Jono Lukins

Best Sound Design - Musical - Amateur/Community
Birdie Productions

Best Director - Musical - Amateur/Community
Kenney Ogilvie

Best Choreographer - Amateur/Community
Tracey Michelle

#GetSQUIPED #BeMoreChillREGALS 📷 @chloelambert_photography

Meet our INCREDIBLE cast !

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS & CAST BIOGRAPHIES
Photo Credits: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

SAM HAMILTON - Jeremy Heere

JEREMY HEERE - Your average, nothing-special teenager at Middleborough High in nothing-special New Jersey. Sincere, self-obsessed, awkward. Every dorky 80s movie protagonist rolled into one. He’s completely unremarkable and yet - the world of the story revolves around him. He strives for popularity and feels resentment over his parent’s divorce. Jeremy regularly expresses how he’s head over heels in love with Christine, a girl he’s never talked to. He’s willing to sign up for drama class and ‘upgrade’ with the SQUIP to win her affection (or even to be noticed by her). He even turns his back on his best friend, Michael to achieve it.

SAM HAMILTON
Sam is currently studying a Diploma of Musical Theatre at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA). His previous training includes, vocal tuition under the guidance of Diana Rouvas (Winner of The Voice 2019), and a Bachelor in Musical Theatre at AMPA. He has been involved in many theatre productions in the Illawarra and Sydney regions. His theatre credits include, Ugly Honk! (RTC); Evan Goldman, 13: The Musical (RTC); Bobby. C, Saturday Night Fever (RTC); Gremio, Kiss me Kate (RTC); Lefou, Beauty and the Beast (So Popera); Teen Angel/Johnny Casino, Grease (IYAP); Charlie Brown, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (Phoenix Theatre); Flounder, The Little Mermaid (So Popera); Lefou, Beauty and the Beast (Miranda Musical Society); Leo Bloom, The Producers (Miranda Musical Society); Marius, Les Miserables (Manly Musical Society); Jack, Into the Woods (So Popera); Tommy, The Who’s TOMMY: A Rock Opera (Phoenix Theatre); Aaron Schultz, Legally Blonde (So Popera). In 2016 Sam was a part of the ISER vocal company as a featured artist where he performed in Southern Stars the arena spectacular. Sam is really exciting to doing this bucket list show with an incredible team, and hopes the audience enjoy it as much as we have putting it together.

Sam says; "This is my first show with The Regals! I have followed the making of Be More Chill since the workshops and readings of the show, and thought it was a really neat idea for a musical. I instantly became obsessed with the work of Joe Iconis and totally nerd out with his music. Cut to a few years later and I’m actually in the show now!"

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

KATIE VIALS - Christine Canigula

CHRISTINE CANIGULA is a diehard theatre kid and through the male gaze of Jeremy, the perfect girl-next-door. Sweetly dorky, kooky, an introvert. Performing on stage is the platform which Christine can express her inner confidence. She expels excitable energy within the rehearsal room and connects with people who she feels understands who she is inside. In her song “I Love Play Rehearsal” she enthuses that “I love play rehearsal, cuz you are equipped with directions and text. Life is easy in rehearsal, you follow a script, so you know what comes next”.

KATIE VIALS
Katie is a theatre loving nerd much like her character Christine. This is Katie’s first lead role and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform with such a talented, enthusiastic and supportive cast. Katie loves to perform. She has previously appeared in ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Cinderella’ and was cast in a featured role as an Alabama Lamb in ‘Big Fish’ with Engadine Musical Society. Most recently, she has performed in ‘Kinky Boots’ with Rockdale Musical Society.

Katie has always loved all things musical. She has had over 10 years of vocal training and has spent 6 years studying drama. She works part time as a music teacher at a local music studio, teaching students of all ages how to play guitar and piano, as well as teaching them how to sing. When she is not performing in musicals she is studying. Katie is currently completing a Bachelor of Communication and Media and a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Wollongong majoring in Marketing and Management.

Katie says; “I am so excited to be able to introduce Christine to everyone, and hope that you all enjoy the show as much as the cast have enjoyed performing it! This is not only my first production with Regals Musical Society, but is also my first lead role. I’m loving every single moment of rehearsals as everyone is so fun and uplifting to be around. My favourite song is 'Voices in My Head'.”

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

VINCENT HUYNH - Michael Mell

MICHAEL MELL - Jeremy's best friend, the other half of their Two-Player Game'. He is considerate, unique, loyal and endearing. Unlike any other character in this musical, Michael not only understands who he is- but also celebrates it.
Michael is a fan of the 80s, music from before he was born and pop culture. He proudly identifies as a stoner.

VINCENT HUYNH
Be More Chill will be Vincent’s first show with The Regals Musical Society, as well as his first ever lead role! Currently studying for his Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Australian Institute of Music, Vincent’s love for music knows no bounds, having previously participated in CaSPA (Catholic Schools Performing Arts) as a high school student, where he had the opportunity to work personally with the likes of James Long and Jennifer Murphy.

Vincent’s love for music also includes his keen interest in musical directing. After having lessons from the age of six, Vincent hopes to be able to put his piano skills to good use as a musical director, having done so for smaller cabarets and performances at his university. His ultimate ambition is to one day musical direct a Stephen Sondheim musical and survive.

Other notable performances include Wicked (WOFTAM, featured dancer), Heathers (Rising Arts Productions), 42nd Street (HMTC, Mac and The Thug), A Chorus Line (BTC, Richie Walters) and The Musical of Musicals: The Musical! (AIM, Mr. Jütter). Vincent is beyond excited to be adding Michael Mell to his list of credits!

Vincent says: "I have never felt more “seen” or “represented” in a musical than when I saw George Salazar perform as Michael in Be More Chill. I hope to live up to that image."

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

DANI CARUSO - Chloe Valentine

CHLOE VALENTINE is 'the hottest girl in school'. Chloe uses her power over others as a tool to get what she wants. While her goals are often selfish, she has keen observational skills and a high emotional intelligence. Popular, vapid, merciless, crass, confident and dominating.

DANI CARUSO
Dani started her musical theatre journey as a tree in The Wizard of Oz. Since then, she has gone on to perform in many more shows. Her favourite roles include: Belle - Beauty and the Beast (Inaburra School), Princess Fiona - Shrek JR (EMS), Rafiki - The Lion King JR (Regals). Mitchie - Camp Rock (SMT), Regina - Rock of Ages - (Regals), Little Inez - Hairspray (Regals), Cinderella - Cinderella (Activ), Dorothy - Wizard of Oz, Gabriella - High School Musical and Phillis Dale - 42nd street (Regals).

Dani started singing at the age of 9 and dancing at the age of 3. She has experience in many different types of dance and recently graduated from Ettingshausens where she studied Tap and Musical Theatre. Dani was also a singer in the Inaburra School Stageband, where she represented her school at many different occasions. Upon completing her higher school certificate last year, Dani was selected and was a part of this year’s Onstage - A showcase of outstanding performances from the Higher School Certificate Drama Examination.
This is her eighth show with Regals and she hopes you enjoy their take on Be More Chill.

Dani says; “Chloe is different from any other role I've played before. She's depicted as mean, controlling and the hottest girl in school, but there's so much more to her character. The way she treats others and displays herself, comes from her own insecurities that she tries to hide from the world. It has been such an interesting experience and a fun role to play with.”

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

JAMIESON RAABE - Brooke Lohst

BROOKE LOHST - Brooke’s self-worth comes from the way she feels others view her. She is referred to as ‘The second hottest girl in school’. Brooke believes in this so faithfully, that she rarely sees herself in a positive light. She regularly seeks the approval of her best friend Chloe, who uses this against Brooke. Insecure, controlled, trapped.

JAMIESON RAABE
Jamieson is passionate about Musical Theatre and is excited to get back onto the stage! Her previous credits include; Rizzo in Grease (EMS), Penny in Hairspray (Regals), Ariel in Footloose (Regals) and Hope in Urinetown (Regals). She has been singing and acting since the age of 8 and was a drama and theatre coach at ACTiv Elite Performers for over 5 years. Be More Chill has been on repeat on Jamie’s playlist for years and she was ecstatic when she was given the opportunity to play Brooke. She believes that Brooke is a character, which many people could relate to, and she has loved bringing her to life.

Jamieson says; “Be More Chill is an amazing musical, as it teaches the audience that despite popularity, brains, talent or looks, everyone has their own insecurities and imperfections. What’s important is to be kind, understanding and accepting, both to others and yourself!”
“My favourite thing about being in Be More Chill is explaining the plot to people who have no idea what it is about! I don't know why mind controlling Keanu Reeves robots taking over the world by forcing people to be "chill" is such a hard concept to understand?!” She hopes you have your Mountain Dew in hand, your phone on silent and that you are all ready to #GETSQUIPED!

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

EMILY MOUDANIDIS - Jenna Rolan

JENNA ROLAN is the high school smartphone gossip who views friendships as a transaction. She trades the ‘honour’ of talking with the popular girls by collecting and sharing everyone’s secrets. She’s extremely outgoing and extroverted, yet deeply insecure.

EMILY MOUDANIDIS
Emily is looking forward to making her community theatre debut with her first-ever lead role as Be More Chill’s smartphone gossip, Jenna Rolan.

Emily's love for all things musical theatre has been fostered through her ensemble roles within arena-scale productions like Schools Spectacular (NSW Arts Unit) and The Wizard Of Oz (Harvest Rain), as well as her roles in various school productions such as Mean Girls, The Lost Thing and The Lion King.

Emily's love for music and performance began from an early age through various performance opportunities, these consisted of a handful of NSW Primary School Arts Unit performances including Primary Proms, State Choir, Festival of Choral Music, Arts Alive, State Drama and various others. Through high school, Emily's love for the arts only flourished through her involvement in not only plays, productions and musical theatre, but through winning both first and second placements at various film festivals and song-writing competitions in 2018-2019.

Since graduating from high school in 2019, Emily looks forward to extending her realm of performance by taking the skills she has learned and allowing them to develop through participating and exploring more theatre opportunities. Emily adores working with Regals and is excited to present her favourite musical Be More Chill!

Emily is currently studying a Bachelor of Communications in Digital and Social Media at The University of Technology Sydney.

Emily enthuses; “Be More Chill has been one of, if not my favourite musical for the last few years, and re-exploring all the moments I've come to love has been incredibly fun. It's been an amazing opportunity to play a lead role for the first time and I'm so excited to keep putting this show together (and especially to perform ‘Smartphone Hour’ :) )”

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

JONO LUKINS - Jake Dillinger

JAKE DILLINGER is the likable, easy-going jock, who is both high school awesomeness personified and (against ‘jock’ stereotype) treats his peers as equals. He is from a wealthy but emotionally absent family. His skills on the sports field are not matched by his results in the classroom. His parent’s house becomes the venue for the raddest Halloween party to which all the popular kids are invited, and he is the centre of attention and rumours between the hottest girls.

JONO LUKINS
In his younger years, Jono drew inspiration for creative arts such as drawing, singing and performing from novels, movies, cartoons, games and shenanigans that occurred around him. He grew up in Ethiopia, Africa, only moving to Australia for university. He has since studied Theatre and Performance at the University of New England, then remained there to study a Master of Teaching, “just so that I could perform in the Monty Python musical 'Spamalot'”. He has since formed an “Italian” tenor trio, even though he is neither Italian nor a tenor. He and his equally fake compatriots were in high demand around the New England region, singing hammy Italian songs for University graduation ceremonies, restaurant openings, book launches, choral competitions and weddings. In this way, Jono almost derailed his plans and became a professional singer quite by accident. He has since wizened up and returned to the original plan, moving to Sydney to audition for film and stage work, and is thrilled to be playing Jake Dillinger in Be More Chill.

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

BYRON LEITCH - Rich Goranski

RICH GORANSKI – The high school bully with secrets. Dangerous, tense & desperate. Rich is regarded with fear, but he is unable to be who he truly is. He displays a physicality as if he’s a rock star without consequence. He is the one who reveals the promises of The SQUIP to Jeremy, but who ultimately leads the way to the expulsion of the SQUIP from both their lives. As he almost goes crazy doing this, he burns down Jake’s parents’ house after the popular kids’ Halloween party, hospitalising himself, setting in train a whole new surge of gossip, while also finding relief in revealing his own true bisexual identity.

BYRON LEITCH
Byron has been dancing for the past 6 years under the instruction of Linda Shaw and Tanya Lavis. Byron receives vocal training from Karen Cummings, and learns acting under the guidance of his mentor, Greg Shand. Byron has performed numerous roles over the years, such as Bert in Mary Poppins (Illawarra Grammar School, and nominee for Best Youth Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Canberra Area Theatre (CAT) Awards), The Cat in the Hat in Seussical: The Musical (Arcadians Theatre, Corrimal, 2016), and Mark Anthony in A Chorus Line (So Popera, Wollongong, 2018). Byron has received training outside of Australia in New York City at the Alvin Ailey American School and Broadway Dance Center, as well as in London at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.

Be More Chill has definitely been one of Byron’s dream shows, and he has seen the show as a challenge for him to pass. It’s this love of theatre and the performing arts that has led Byron to be accepted into NIDA to study a Diploma of Musical Theatre.

Byron says; “Be More Chill is my first show with The Regals Musical Society, and has been one of my dream shows to be a part of. I’ve loved every moment of Be More Chill, and would just like to thank the whole Regals Musical Society team for making this journey so enjoyable, and for the opportunity to be in this show.”

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

HANNAH BARN - The SQUIP

The SQUIP ("Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor") is a holographic manifestation of a micro-computer-chip in a tiny pill that the main character, Jeremy Heere, swallows with green Mountain Dew, so that it implants in his brain, to become popular. Dispassionate, chill, confident, calm & collected at all times, The SQUIP often takes the form of a ‘cool’ actor like Keanu Reeves.

Under the vision of The Regals’ Director, Kenney Ogilvie, The SQUIP role is played by both Hannah Barn and Joseph Nalty (see next biography) to represent and alternate the female and male identities in the character.

HANNAH BARN
Hannah moved to Sydney in 2014 after spending most of her life on the stage in South East Queensland. She completed her Bachelor of Music Theatre, Honours degree in Applied Theatre and Graduate Diploma in Arts Management and has now found her calling as a performing arts and entertainment production and events manager. Her Sydney performing credits include; Jenny Hill in Big Fish (Engadine), Surabaya Santa in Songs for a New World (Canterbury), Ruth Two Bears in Dogfight (Bankstown) Becky Two Shoes in Urinetown (Mosman), Sheena in Boy From Oz (Regals), Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray (Regals), and Martha Cox in High School Musical (Rockdale).

While she thoroughly enjoys performing, Hannah found her true passion in directing and creating art. In Sydney, she has directed Reefer Madness for Rockdale, bare: a pop opera for Supply Evolution (Original & Return seasons), Tarzan the Musical for Canterbury and 13 a new Musical for Bankstown. Her proudest achievement to date is Safety Circus, the educational children’s musical she co-wrote in conjunction with the QLD Police Service. The show tours annually as part of child protection week in Queensland delivering messages of safety to primary school students.

Hannah says; "This is My first time playing the antagonist - I'm very excited and nervous.
I decided to step back on the stage because Kenney and Tracey are two of my favourite creatives and I've worked with Amanda many times before and I was excited to work with her in a creative process."

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

JOSEPH NALTY - The SQUIP

The SQUIP is played by both Joseph Nalty and Hannah Barn to represent and alternate the male and female identities in the character. ("Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor") is a holographic manifestation of a micro-computer-chip in a tiny pill that the main character, Jeremy Heere, swallows with green Mountain Dew, so that it implants in his brain, to become popular. Dispassionate, chill, confident, calm & collected at all times, The SQUIP often takes the form of a ‘cool’ actor like Keanu Reeves.

JOSEPH NALTY
Joseph is excited to be sharing the role of the SQUIP in this Regals’ production with Hannah Barn, as it’s his second involvement with the musical Be More Chill, having choreographed the Australian Premiere and return season in Manly in 2018, the same year that the show went Off-Broadway.

Joseph is an experienced performer having performed the role of Angel in RENT and most recently as LSD in The Who’s Tommy with The Phoenix Theatre.
Other community theatre performances include The Regals Musical Society (The Boy From Oz, Hairspray, The Producers), Rockdale Musical Society (Kinky Boots, The King and I, Calamity Jane, Into the Woods), Engadine Musical Society (Legally Blonde), Miranda Musical Society (Jesus Christ Superstar), Manly Musical Society (Les Miserables, A Chorus Line, Wicked), as well as choreographing shows for Manly (Be More Chill; Australian premiere & return season) and Rockdale (City of Angels, Dreamgirls).

Joseph has performed at major events such as World Skills Australia, Hair Expo Australia and Stars of the East. He has also been found dancing on TV with shows such as The Morning Show and Celebrity Apprentice and has been involved in short films. Joseph has recently joined the dance squad for the West Tigers NRL team.

Joseph has trained full-time at Urban Dance Centre studying a Cert. IV in Performing Arts then continuing on with their Scholarship Program, training under industry professionals such as Juliette JET Verne, Tiana Joubert, Veronica Beattie and Sally Dashwood. He has taken private singing lessons and is a member of The Singing Zone created by Per Bristow.
Instagram: @jo_nalty

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

DARCY NOACK - Scary Stockboy

SCARY STOCKBOY - His front is selling shoes in a department store, but he also sells The SQUIP to main characters under suspicious circumstances. Intimidating cameo character role.

DARCY NOACK
From the first time
Darcy saw Be More Chill in 2018, he knew it was a production he wanted to be a part of. Since then he has listened to the Cast Recording on repeat. He can’t wait to let out his inner retail worker in the role of Scary Stockboy with The Regals Musical Society! He would like to thank the cast and crew of Be More Chill for making the rehearsal period so enjoyable and is itching to get on the stage to do this hilarious show justice.

From an early age Darcy has pursued the arts, learning piano and guitar, transitioning later with high school drama as the token boy of his class. After joining the Australian Youth Choir in 2011, he pursued further stage work with Engadine Musical Society’s production of Grease in 2016. Darcy’s love of theatre has only grown with ensemble roles in productions of WWRY, Big Fish and Cinderella. He was featured ensemble in Heathers with Rising Arts Productions as the Beleaguered Geek and a student in Les Misérables with Miranda Musical Society. A resident of the Sutherland Shire, Darcy works as a Technical Writer with ELMO Cloud HR & Payroll by day and by night is a member of the band Come Alive.

Darcy comments; “This is my first role and first show with Regals. I heard about the show through a friend saying I should play the role of Jeremy. I've seen the show twice, at locations over 100km apart. My favourite song from the show is 'A Guy That I'd Kinda Be Into'."

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

DANIEL O'CONNELL - Mr Reyes

Mr REYES - A clichéd high school drama teacher, mostly unaware of student drama. Eccentric, naïve, bitter.

DANIEAL O'CONNELL
Daniel made his community theatre debut with Engadine Musical Society in 2007 in Disney’s High School Musical. Since then Daniel has almost constantly been on stage for many companies around Sydney. Some of his favourite roles to date include Jonas in Leap of Faith with Rockdale Musical Society, Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar with EMS, Mark in Rent with SMT, Fiyero in Wicked with Miranda Musical Society and Carmen in The Producers with The Regals. Daniel recently spent a year in Queensland and played Gomez in The Addams Family with GCLT.

Daniel notes; “What is interesting is now being the OLD person in a cast and trying to keep up with all the brilliant young talent.”

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

JOE DINN - Mr Heere

Mr HEERE - Jeremy's Dad. Mr Heere is struggling with his somewhat recent divorce. When he can get away with it, he works from home, un-showered, and never wears pants. He is yet to realise he is the only parent concerned for Jeremy’s wellbeing. He is a lovable doofus.

JOE DINN
Joe most recently returned from travelling the world playing Tick/Mitzi in Priscilla Queen of the Desert with Norwegian Cruise Line as well as being the lead vocalist with Burn the Floor. Last year he was seen in the development of the new musical, Good Omens for Squabbalogic Independent Music Theatre.

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

BE MORE CHILL - Only 4 days of performances.

ENSEMBLE
Jordan Berry, Alyssa Bishara, Anthony Halpin, Alannah Heinecke, Jordan Koulos, Isabel Kratz, Jessica Luth, Jeremy Salmon, Sidney Udrea, Lucy Vella.

Book Your Tickets NOW!

JOSEPH NALTY & HANNAH BARN - The SQUIP

Photo Credit: Chloe Lambert / Chloe Snaith Photography

SAM HAMILTON - Jeremy Heere

KATIE VIALS - Christine Canigula

VINCENT HUYNH - Michael Mell

DANI CARUSO - Chloe Valentine

JAMIESON RAABE - Brooke Lohst

EMILY MOUDANIDIS - Jenna Rolan

JONO LUKINS - Jake Dillinger

BYRON LEITCH - Rich Goranski

HANNAH BARN - The SQUIP

JOSEPH NALTY - The SQUIP

DARCY NOACK - Scary Stockboy

DANIEL O'CONNELL - Mr Reyes

JOE DINN - Mr Heere

Jeremy Heere - Sam Hamilton

Michael Mell - Vincent Huynh

Christine Canigula - Katie Vials

Chloe Valentine - Dani Caruso

Brooke Lohst - Jamieson Raabe

Jenna Rolan - Emily Moudanidis

Jake Dillinger - Jono Lukins

Rich Goranski - Byron Leitch

The SQUIP - Hannah Barn

The SQUIP - Joseph Nalty

Scary Stockboy - Darcy Noack

Mr Reyes - Daniel O'Connell

Mr Heere - Joe Dinn

with Jordan Berry, Alyssa Bishara, Anthony Halpin, Alannah Heinecke, Jordan Koulos, Isabel Kratz, Jessica Luth, Jeremy Salmon, Sidney Udrea, Lucy Vella.

See more cast photos, videos & takeovers on:
Facebook @TheRegalsMusicalSociety
& Instagram @regalsmusicalsociety

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Only 4 days of performances!

Wednesday 11th March 2020 @ 8:00pm
Thursday 12th March @ 8:00pm*
Friday 13th March @ 8:00pm
Saturday 14th March @ 2pm
Saturday 14th March @ 8:00pm

Running time approx. 2 hours & 30 minutes

Adults $35
Concession $30 (Children under 12 or Pensioners)

[ *GET SQUIPED THURSDAY - ALL TIX $25 ]
for Thursday, March 12 only

(NB: Coarse language, adult themes.
Read more below)

St George Auditorium

4-16 Montgomery Street, Kogarah, NSW 2217 Parking Public Transport

For information about Disabled Access
please contact St George Auditorium Concierge

#CastAnnouncement #GetSQUIPED #BeMoreChillREGALS #TheRegals2020

AdultThemes

Note to Parents
Be More Chill contains references to sex & drug use, teenage drinking and features some coarse language. The production is suitable for ages 12+.

If your child is under 12, they may still be a big fan of the musical ! If you would like to know what to expect - check out this review by a mother who took her 10 year old son to see the Broadway production:
https://www.nyctechmommy.com/taking-the-kids-to-see-be-more-chill/

L > R

Michael Mell - Vincent Huynh

Christine Canigula - Katie Vials
Jeremy Heere - Sam Hamilton

Production Photographs
Photo Credits: Chloe Snaith Photography

Facebook Gallery

BE MORE CHILL, presented by The Regals Musical Society, is a rocking new sci-fi musical about growing up, high school, and what we will do to get what we want.

Jeremy Heere is just your average, dorky teenager at nothing-special Middleborough High.
That is, until Jeremy discovers THE SQUIP - a supercomputer inside a tiny grey pill he swallows with Mountain Dew that promises him EVERYTHING he desires: a date with Christine, an invite to the raddest Halloween party of the year and a chance to survive life in his suburban New Jersey high school. Being. More. Chill.

But, as he ‘upgrades’ in popularity, and starts to get the girls, The SQUIP takes control of everything he says and does, and deletes everything important to him, including his best friend, Michael - Is this what Jeremy really wants?

It’s just your not-so-typical science fiction pop-rock love story. Guy likes Girl, Girl likes theatre, Supercomputer likes world domination!… with zombies!

Both hilarious and heart-felt, according to The New Yorker, “If you fed 'Dear Evan Hansen' and 'Mean Girls' to the 'Little Shop of Horrors' plant, you'd get BE MORE CHILL.”

BE MORE CHILL IS PRESENTED THROUGH SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH
ORiGiN™ THEATRICAL ON BEHALF OF R&H THEATRICALS www.rnh.com

BE MORE CHILL
Music and Lyrics by Joe Iconis
Book by Joe Tracz
Based on the Novel by Ned Vizzini

#BeMoreChillREGALS

THE SQUIP - Joseph Nalty & Hannah Barn

CHARACTERS
JEREMY HEERE - awkward high school junior.
CHRISTINE CANIGULA - high school theatre girl, sweetly dorky.
MICHAEL MELL - Jeremy's 80's music-obsessed best friend.
JAKE DILLINGER - high school awesomeness personified.
RICH GORANSKI - total teenage bully.
CHLOE VALENTINE - the hottest girl in school, crass and confident.
BROOKE LOHST - the second hottest girl in school, insecure.
JENNA ROLAN - the girl who knows everyone's business, the smartphone gossip.
SCARY STOCKBOY - His front is selling shoes in a department store, but he also sells The SQUIP to main characters under suspicious circumstances.
Mr. REYES - eccentric drama teacher.
Mr. HEERE - Jeremy's Dad, recently divorced, never wears pants.

THE SQUIP - The "Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor" - a microchip in a tiny pill that Jeremy swallows with green Mountain Dew and implants in his brain to become popular. Often played in the likeness of Keanu Reeves.

SONGS

More Than Survive - Jeremy, Michael, and Students
I Love Play Rehearsal - Christine
The SQUIP Song - Rich and Ensemble
Two-Player Game - Michael and Jeremy
Be More Chill - SQUIP, Jeremy, Brooke, Chloe and Ensemble
Do You Wanna Ride? - Brooke and Chloe
A Guy That I’d Kinda Be Into - Christine and Ensemble
Upgrade - Brooke, SQUIP, Jeremy, Jake, Christine, and Ensemble
Halloween Party - Ensemble
Do You Wanna Hang? - Chloe
Michael in the Bathroom - Michael
The Smartphone Hour (Rich Set A Fire) - Jenna, Chloe, Brooke, and The Girls
The Pitiful Children - SQUIP and Ensemble
The Pants Song - Mr. Heere and Michael
The Play - Ensemble
Voices in My Head - Jeremy and Ensemble

READ & WATCH more about BE MORE CHILL

"Everything You Need to Know When Taking the Kids to See Be More Chill on Broadway" - NYC Tech Mommy, 14-06-2019

"Be More Chill Is a Candy-Colored Musical for the Internet Age" - TIME, 21-03-2019

London Opening Review - "Glorious misfit musical for the age of oddballs" - The Guardian, 09-02-2020

"Be More Chill and Dear Evan Hansen: how teens made the musicals go viral" - The Guardian, 11-02-2020

Be More Chill's fandom phenomenon and London 'upgrade' - BroadwayWorld, 29-09-2019

Be More Chill: The word of mouth hit - BBC, 30-09-2019

Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz on Crafting Be More Chill
BroadwayDirect, 27-11-2018

Joe Tracz takes on high school in writing Be More Chill
ByKennethJones, 10-06-2015

Be More Chill (musical) - Wikipedia

VIDEOs
VIDEO: The Regals cast - What's it all about?

VIDEO: The making of the original Be More Chill cast recording

VIDEO: "Michael in the Bathroom" featuring George Salazar - Be More Chill (Original Cast Recording)

LOCAL NEWS & REVIEWS

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Hannah Barn as The SQUIP, Dani Caruso as Chloe Valentine

St George and Sutherland Shire Leader
https://www.theleader.com.au/story/6666519/teen-who-got-all-he-wanted/

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Inner West Times
https://www.localnewsplus.com.au/?p=20068

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Canterbury Bankstown Torch
https://www.localnewsplus.com.au/?p=20046

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Liverpool City Champion
https://www.liverpoolchampion.com.au/story/6670821/when-teen-dreams-come-true/

Illawarra Mercury
https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/6669901/illawarra-performers-to-feature-in-chilled-out-theatre-production/

Byron Leitch as Rich Goranski

An energetic contemporary pop musical
"Overall, The Regals should be commended on a tight, well-directed and energetic production featuring young performers who no doubt have a bright future on the musical theatre stage."
- BE MORE CHILL Review by Emma Jane Explores (Emma Caldwell)

CHOOKAS: The Podcast
Episode 2 - Be More Chill
March 12, 2020
Interviews with the cast and a review of Opening Night.
- on Spotify (requires log-in)

REVIEWS of the 2018 Broadway production of BE MORE CHILL

"A high-energy, imaginative, well-crafted world premiere musical!" - The Star-Ledger

"A vibrant, inventive musical that makes the most of every moment!" - BroadwayWorld

"If you have a teen, know a teen or can rent a teen, take them to see a show all about them. It might even start a larger discussion afterward." - TheaterCues.com

"With its easily relatable characters, clever twists and ebullient songs, it engages you from beginning to end. An effervescent, feel-good musical." - NJAsrts

"Sharp and smart, the musical perfectly balances the tragedy and hilarity of high school!" - Tri City News

"Hip, energetic, vibrant and young!" - The Social Media Chef

BE MORE CHILL PRODUCTION TEAM
Director - Kenney Ogilvie
Musical Director - Amanda Jenkins
Choreographer - Tracey Rasmussen

Assistant Director - Flynn Crewes

2020_Regals_BeMoreChill_WEB_ProductionTe

Kenney Ogilvie, Director of The Regals Musical Society's production of BE MORE CHILL, writes;

"Be More Chill speaks to a younger generation of theatre lovers. It has brought so many teens and young adults away from Netflix and into the world of theatre. Like Dear Evan Hansen, SIX, & Juliet and Hamilton... Be More Chill is part of this exciting new shift in Musical Theatre on Broadway that connects with audiences outside the theatre in genuine ways. There's incredible support for the LGBTQ+ community from this show and it speaks volumes to the themes of inclusivity present in the material.

Be More Chill explores the dangers of early smart phone adoption and alienation. Teens struggling to discover who they are in a crucial part of growth in their lives. Striving for and battling against the illusion of perfect lives that platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok cultivate.

The characters on one hand are struggling to discover who they are, while with the other hand are pushing down anyone that stands in their way. And I think young people are fed up with this way of life. Be More Chill is about breaking free from that, discovering who you truly are and lifting up the people who support you - being your best self.

Also, it's just such a delightful comedy. Humour is such an important skill young people learn to communicate with, and this show delivers important themes through a language similar to meme culture and sarcasm.

If there is a teen in your life or family, this is the perfect production to share with them."

HISTORY
Be More Chill is based on the 2004 debut young adult novel of the same name by Ned Vizzini, who drew on his own experiences of depression and his responses to the rollercoaster ride of high-school pressures. It was developed into a musical as part of a new play development program, with original music and lyrics by Joe Iconis, and a book by Joe Tracz, who sought to honour Vizzini’s vision. After its first regional theatre production at Two River Theatre, New Jersey (May—June 2015) it received mixed reviews.

So it wasn’t until an original cast recording was released online and went viral, with over 150 million streams in the USA alone, worldwide fan art world wide and dedicated teenage fan clubs, that it entered Billboard Cast Album chart’s Top 10 in July 2017, and was picked up again commercially to premiere off-Broadway in 2018. A Broadway production began previews in February 2019, officially opened in March 2019, and closed in August 2019, becoming a Tony Award nominee for Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award nominee for Outstanding Musical, Music, Lyrics and Orchestration, Broadway.com Audience Award winner for Favorite New Musical, and Theatre Fan's Choice Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Choreography as well as several other nominations and winnings in various categories in 2019.

Be More Chill’s Broadway cast recorded a new soundtrack – by now the show had undergone script changes that chimed with fans’ feedback – and the total streams for both Be More Chill albums have now reached 350 million. An off-West End production at The Other Palace, London, opened just this month on 18 February 2020. A Chicago production is set to open April 2020. A film adaptation is currently in development.

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