To close their 2025 season, Hills Musical Company is proud to present the South Australian premiere of Be More Chill. A hit on Broadway and the West End, Be More Chill is based on the novel by Ned Vizzini, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and a book by Joe Tracz.
Jeremy Heere is just an average teenager. That is, until he finds out about a ‘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?
This production is directed by Ben Stefanoff, with musical direction by Kristin Stefanoff and choreography by Emily-Jo Davidson.
Director Ben Stefanoff says:
“Ever since I first discovered Be More Chill there was something about the show that captured my interest. When you look past the catchy songs and the hilarious script, there is this beautiful message of belonging and staying true to yourself. We’ve all had those moments of trying to work out what our identity is, and struggling with popularity and self-acceptance. Be More Chill dives into these themes. When the show was written, it seemed so far-fetched that a supercomputer could plant itself into the mind of a human and alter how they behaved. These days, it feels a little too close to home, with AI everywhere you look.
“The cast we have assembled is incredible. As a production team, Kristin, Emily-Jo and I are excited to showcase some of Adelaide’s best up-and-coming young performers. The energy they have brought to the rehearsal room is infectious and we can’t wait for Adelaide audiences to see these wonderful performers blow the roof off the Stirling Community Theatre. It has been very clear since day one how committed they all are and how much the messages in the show mean to them. We are fortunate as well to be supported by an equally impressive team behind the scenes as well. From our hard-working stage management, crew and lighting team through to costuming and props, we have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring our own spin to this exceptional show.”
For the first time in the company’s history, Hills Musical Company is excited to include a special relaxed performance as part of their season. On Thursday 20th November the company will be implementing changes to make this show as accessible as possible for neurodiverse and disabled audiences. This performance will include reduced overstimulating lighting and sound, access to a read-a-long script, a relaxed seating plan, and more!
Hills Musical Company’s president Tielah-Jade Cannon says:
“As a company we are always striving to prioritise progressive action, and we are really proud to be bringing this initiative to life. For one performance of our upcoming production Be More Chill, on Thursday 20th November (7:30pm), we will be presenting an accessible ‘relaxed’ performance.
“The theatre is a place of wonder and belonging, and we like to believe that everyone who engages with our productions, both on and off stage, feels supported and comfortable.”
Be More Chill features a brilliant cast of Adelaide’s up and coming talented musical theatre performers and a rocking live band. This production stars Tom Sheldon as Jeremy Heere, Mia Ferraretto as Christine Caligula, Sebastian Mendoza Giannotti as Michael Mell and Maximillian Maher as The Squip. They are supported by Chloe Anderson as Brooke Lohst, Ava-Rose Askew as Chloe Valentine, Molly Noel as Jenna Rolan, Lucas Tennant as Jake Dillinger, Bennett Blaine as Rich Goranski and Scott Beauchamp as Mr Heere/Mr Reyes/Scary Stock Boy. Be More Chill will also feature an energetic ensemble including Ella Heywood-Smith, Isabelle Milsom, Oliva Tod, Charlotte Turner, Matty Turner and Josh Winkler.
All ticket bookings available at www.hillsmusical.org.au/bemorechill
Ph: 0493 392 013 or e: tickets@hillsmusical.org.au
Tickets $40 Adults, $35 Concession, $32 Groups 8+
Performances are November 7 – 8, 14 – 15 and 21 – 22 at 7.30pm. Matinees on November 9 and 15 at 2pm.
Relaxed performance on November 20 at 7.30pm
Stirling Community Theatre – 9 Avenue Road, Stirling
Cast
Jeremy Heere – Thomas Sheldon
Christine Canigula – Mia Ferraretto
Michael Mell – Sebastian Mendoza Giannotti
The SQUIP – Maximillian Maher
Brooke Lohst – Chloe Anderson
Chloe Valentine – Ava-Rose Askew
Jenna Rolan – Molly Noel
Jake Dillinger – Lucas Tennant
Rich Goranski – Bennett Blaine
Adult Masc Roles / Ensemble – Scott Beauchamp
Ensemble / Christine U/s – Ella Heywood-Smith
Ensemble:
Charlotte Turner, Josh Winkler, Isabelle Milsom, Matty Turner and Olivia Tod
Production Team
Director – Ben Stefanoff
Musical Director – Kristin Stefanoff
Choreographer – Emily-Jo Davidson
Production Managers – Anthea ‘Harold’ Browne & Katherine Dominish
Props – Shari Harkness-Mills
Lighting Design – Matt Ralph
Set Design – Ben & Kristin Stefanoff
Set Construction – Simon Anderson, Ben & Kristin Stefanoff
Costume Design – Ben & Kristin Stefanoff
Costuming – Ben & Kristin Stefanoff, Amanda Davidson & the cast
Tickets Now On Sale!
