The Hills Musical Company have concluded their 2025 season with another winning musical. Be More Chill delves into questions of belonging and self-worth through the lens of a sci-fi high school satire. The result is a chaotic, thoroughly entertaining show that has the audience laughing out loud and fully along for the ride.
Be More Chill began as a young adult novel by Ned Vizzini. The story caught the attention of composer Joe Iconis and bookwriter Joe Tracz, who adapted it into a musical. During its early stages of development, the show gained popularity among online fandoms. Songs like Michael in the Bathroom and Two-Player Game became viral sensations.
Since its premiere on Broadway in 2019, Be More Chill continues to resonate with younger audiences for its clever commentary on technology and teenage identity. The story follows Jeremy Heere, an awkward high school student who feels invisible until he discovers ‘The Squip.’ It’s a supercomputer pill that promises to make him ‘more chill,’ boost his popularity and secure him the girl.
However, as Jeremy’s life begins to change, he is forced to question the ethics and consequences of relying on The Squip to control his actions. When one’s chase for popularity is pushed to the extreme, Jeremy learns that being yourself might be the most radical act of all.
Director, Ben Stefanoff has assembled an incredible cast of young performers, who tackle the material with sincere authenticity and mighty punch. In conjunction with Musical Director Kristen Stefanoff and Choreographer Emily Jo-Davidson, Hills has delivered a vibrant production that’s full of heart.
Thomas Sheldon delivers a solid, endearing performance as Jeremy Heere. He captures the essence of this awkward teen who just longs to be liked, a canon event for us all. Sheldon performs with an admirable balance of Jeremy’s geeky, relatable humour and inner turmoil. Vocally, Sheldon boasts powerful pipes, particularly in his impressive closing of Act I with Loser Geek Whatever.
Inside Jeremy’s mind, Maximillian Maher commands attention as The Squip. The dynamic between these two is just hilarious to watch! As the sinister villain of the story, Maher masters The Squip’s artificial cool. The audience was losing it with laughter each time he entered, as his costume became progressively more extravagant.
Serving crisp cyberpunk flair, Maher emerges for his final scenes in his most powerful villainous form. Here, he erupts for his climactic performance of The Pitiful Children. Leading the ensemble in this high-energy, tightly choreographed number, it captures the show’s chaotic peak. His robotic swagger and mannerisms are truly a highlight that continued to draw audience eyes throughout.
Jeremy’s love interest, Christine, is the heart of the story, performed by Mia Ferraretto. Amongst the chaos, Christine remains unapologetically herself, and Ferraretto delivers an authentic portrayal of this sweetly awkward teen. Ferraretto’s execution of Christine’s quirky nature makes her instantly likeable from her early performance in I Love Play Rehearsal.
Alongside Sheldon, the pair are delightfully awkward teens just trying to navigate high school and figure themselves out. Both give charmingly nerdy renditions of A Guy That I’d Kinda Be Into, capturing the sweet uncertainty of teenage crushes.
As Jeremy’s best friend Michael Mell, Sebastian Mendoza Giannotti is another audience favourite. Mendoza Giannotti’s energy and presence are infectious, unafraid to keep Jeremy accountable for his actions.
Delighting us all, especially the chronically online theatre kids, Mendoza Giannotti gives a smashing performance of Michael In The Bathroom! Mendoza Giannotti gives this number the show-stopping moment it deserves, boasting both his vocal brilliance and portrayal of Michael’s teenage angst.
Brooke and Chloe, performed by Chloe Anderson and Ava-Rose Askew, are the quintessential high school ‘It-Girls,’ yet also reveal hints of insecurity and longing for acceptance. Their dynamic oozes personality and sass, the audience lapping up their exaggerated mannerisms and sharp comedic timing.
Scott Beauchamp has multiple adult male roles, and it’s his performance as Jeremy’s father that is absolutely hilarious. Beauchamp gets a solo moment to sing The Pants Song as Mr Heere, which he executes with extravagant pizzazz and genuine heart.
I have to mention Molly Noel as Jenna, who leads The Smartphone Hour with charisma, embodying the classic ‘over-sharing’ nerdy girl archetype. Whenever onstage, Noel is highly comical yet endearing, effortlessly drawing laughs from the audience.
Davidson’s choreography of this number, alongside Matt Ralph’s lighting design, culminates in a high-energy, cohesive piece that is so engaging to watch! Throughout the show, Davidson’s choreography isn’t complex, yet it perfectly suits the space and the individual dance experience of the cast.
The ensemble numbers are cohesive and clearly refined. They achieve purposeful visuals and positioning, with sprinkles of hilarious, comical movements, especially in Be More Chill and The Pitiful Children.
Hills Musical Company’s production of Be More Chill is impossible not to love. It is a riot of chaotic, non-stop fun by an incredible group of Adelaide talent. Don’t miss it!
Be More Chill runs to 22 November at Stirling Community Theatre, Avenues Road, Stirling SA 5152.
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1422902
Website: https://hillsmusical.org.au/bemorechill/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/hillsmusicalcompany/
Photo credits: Mason Digital Photography
