Jeremy (Fox Roberts-Zibbel) and Michael (Callum Mather) lament their positions in the school’s hierarchy

Gossip, parties, friendship, lies, addiction…how far would YOU go to be cool? Climbing the social ladder is no joke, especially when you’re in high school. HYT’s Be More Chill brings you right back to the anxious whirlwind of trying to fit in and find your place in a rigid world.

The minute you step in the door, you will be fully immersed into the story. The incredibly crafted set paired with the witty intro instantly sets the show up for success. You will be drawn in by the upbeat music and killer vocals. The swift scene changes and in depth choreography highlight the kinetic cast dynamic, evident from their first moments on stage, and showcase the skills of those behind the scenes. Every single member of the cast and crew makes a significant contribution to the show.

The show has an upbeat opening number that highlights the social hierarchy in high school! Jeremy (Fox Roberts-Zibbel) and his best friend Michael (Callum Mather) don’t really fit the stereotypical “cool” vibe, but they decide that it doesn’t matter because they have each other, and potentially the coveted, Chrsitine (Greta Chung). After the big number, in a whirlwind of activity, Jeremy, pushed by his best friend, Michael, decides to sign up for the school musical after they see Chrsitine at the sign ups for the school play, directed by the hilarious Mr. Reyers (Kayden Beckman).

Christine performs a beautiful number about play rehearsals, and Jeremy feels they might finally be connecting, but once again popularity proves to be “cooler” and Christine seems to prefer hanging out with Jake (Bryce Johnson). Feeling overwhelmed, Jeremy finds his way to the bathroom where he meets Rich (Zola Barnhill), a school bully…but something’s different. He explains to Jeremy that all of his problems would be solved if he were to get a Squip, a pill that will automatically help him to become cool. This scene demonstrates how easy it can be to become peer pressured into making the wrong decision.

The scene shifts back into Jeremy’s bedroom where Michael and Jeremy debrief about his interaction with Rich and cool off by playing video games. This heartwarming scene shows how big of a difference having a close friend to lean on can be. Mr. Heere (Camden Winkler) also makes a brief appearance, adding more comedy to the scene.

Eerie music changes the vibe as Michael and Jeremy decide to take the risk and buy a Squip from the stockboy (Layla Miracle-Werner). Jeremy downs the pill with some Mountain Dew and…nothing happens! Christine and Jake show up, and Jeremy tries to make a move…when all of a sudden the pill kicks in and the Squip (Liam Rogel) appears in Jeremy’s mind! The Squip teaches Jeremy everything he needs to “be more chill” in life. The pill starts to take over Jeremy’s mannerisms, which becomes evident during his interaction with Brooke (Juliet Erekson) and Chloe (Brooklyn Meyer). In fact, the interaction goes so well that the girls invite him to hang out with them in the number, “Do You Wanna Ride?”, but Jeremy turns down the offer because he doesn’t want to leave Michael. This angers the Squip who tells Jeremy that he is a terrible person and the audience sees Jeremy begin to internalize these ideas.

The first seeds of doubt are being planted in our minds but Jeremy is blinded by his success. Things are finally starting to go better at school for him! People actually notice him…including Christine at play rehearsal! Christine sings to Jeremy about starting to see this guy in a new light and Jeremy thinks his chance has finally come! Buuuut she’s not talking about him, she’s talking about Jake!

Someone’s looking at Jeremy though, and the Squip pushes him into a relationship with Brooke! Love is in the air tonight because Christine and Jake also make progress in their relationship! But not all relationships are thriving, the Squip wants Jeremy to cut all ties with Michael. The song that follows portrays the war in Jeremy’s head between morals and the socially accepted “normal”, and as the boat starts to tip towards popularity, the audience can see the Squip smirking in the background as his plan begins to unfold.

Jeremy mulls over his decisions while the Squip (Liam Rogel) gazes on approvingly

After a brief intermission, the story picks up swiftly at a Halloween party where Jeremy finds himself in a sticky situation after a flashy opening number. Chloe wants to spice things up with Jeremy, and the Squip encourages it, but things go south when Brooke (Chloe’s best friend and Jeremy’s girlfriend) and Jake (Chloe’s ex-boyfriend) walk in on them. Suddenly Jeremy’s back at square one and hiding in the bathroom where he runs into Michael, who has a warning. He explains that having a Squip is dangerous but Jeremy is too far gone and won’t listen. “Michael in the Bathroom” gives viewers a new perspective, highlighting how difficult it is to lose a friend.

Jeremy confesses his feelings to Christine…and she doesn’t reciprocate. Jeremy is devastated, but that’s not the worst thing that has happened at the party. Rich set a fire and the whole house burned down! Led by Jenna (Kas Morrow), the cast shows how quickly rumours spiral through the song “Smartphone Hour”. At this point, Jeremy’s dad and Michael are starting to notice that Jeremy’s in trouble and decide to act, but are they too late?

Things are rapidly going downhill and it might be too late to fix it. The Squip is starting to spread his influence to more people, soon everyone’s infected. Will Jeremy be able to make the right decision and sacrifice popularity to save himself and the people he loves? Or will he lose himself along the way and let the thrill of popularity overtake him? Want to find out? Come see Horizon Youth Theater’s Be More Chill at the Grand Rapids Town Hall on June 5 & 6 at 7pm and June 7 at 2pm. This company does a fantastic job at showcasing difficult topics like addiction, depression, anxiety, and the overwhelming pressure to fit in, in a respectful manner while still integrating funny and heartfelt moments into the storyline. It’s a story you won’t want to miss!

No Squip Needed to Enjoy “Be More Chill” by Calista Motisher

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