Be More Chill — Photos
Production Photos by Faith Wang and Dana Robinson
Be More Chill — Videos
coming soon!
Be More Chill — Director's Note
The obvious thing to say here would be “technology sure is wacky, isn’t it?” And it's a fair point — technology, our reliance on it, the degree to which it impacts our everyday lives — they're absolutely worth discussing! But to be honest with you, it's just not the aspect of this show that interests me the most.
In digging into this musical, I was struck by the Squip’s resemblance to some of the online figures that make up what’s referred to as “the manosphere” — the loose conglomerate of male influencers that espouse a hypermasculine (and usually misogynistic) form of rugged individualism to audiences of young men and boys. They tell their audiences “I can fix you. I have all the answers.” But the thing about these self-proclaimed gurus is that they can only survive if they have a captive audience. Which raises the question: why would they possibly want to alleviate the anger and loneliness that drove these young men to seek them out in the first place?
Be More Chill is, ultimately, a cautionary tale. And I'm thrilled that we get to share it with you all. Thank you, and enjoy the show!
Be More Chill — Press
"Each door and window also features a scrim, showing the divide between Jeremy’s reality and his mind, and illustrating the increasing hold that the SQUIP has on Jeremy’s thoughts."
"...Rockville Musical Theatre’s Be More Chill is sure to remind its audiences to be themselves, even if it’s not the popular thing to do."
Voices in My Head: Be More Chill at Rockville Musical Theatre
Chris Pence, TheatreBloom
"During its Off-Broadway run, New York Times reviewer Ben Brantley called the show, 'the theatrical equivalent of one of those high-pitched dog whistles that only those under 25 can hear,' addressing the fact that the show’s intended audiences are typically within just a few years of the characters’ ages themselves. Director Mercedes Blankenship embraces this, clearly aiming the production toward the younger members of the audience, who stand to gain the most from this 'cautionary tale.' Following many high school stereotypes and tropes, Blankenship’s direction turns Be More Chill into an R-rated afterschool special that any high schooler would gladly watch and sing along with."
"Director Mercedes Blankenship did a first-rate job of staging this musical. Her artistic vision was complemented by Jake Gunter’s well-matched lighting design. Characters often spoke from behind illuminated screens, further emphasizing the technology motif."
"Rockville Musical Theatre’s phenomenal production of Be More Chill is an unforgettable rendition of this tale of technological turbulence. This thought-provoking play teaches crucial lessons and stirs a flood of emotions. Those who venture to the Gaithersburg Arts Barn will be educated and entertained, creating a well-rounded theatrical experience."
Julia Tucker, MD Theatre Guide
"In this super-charged teen comedy with a sci-fi twist, the casting is musical theater heaven. [...] The entire ensemble is off the charts fun to watch."
"Mercedes Blankenship’s direction kept the action flowing in sync with Katie Quinn’s bouncy choreography, assuring a fun vibe throughout the story."
"This first-rate production is full-throttle musical theater fun at its finest and shouldn’t be missed."
First-rate ‘Be More Chill’ is full-throttle fun at Rockville Musical Theatre
Debbie Minter Jackson, DC Theater Arts
Production Credits
Producer: Jackie Williams Rocco
Director: Mercedes Blankenship
Music Director/Conductor: Anton Van De Motter
Choreographer: Katie Quinn
Fight & Intimacy Director: Kiefer Cure
Stage Manager: Hayley North
Assistant Stage Manager: Danielle Balsamo
Scenic Designer: Andrew McMichael
Costume Designer: G. Weiss
Lighting Designer: Jake Gunter
Sound Designer: Connor Lugo-Harris
Props Designer: Cathy Kieserman
Assistant Props Designer: Christal Taylor
Photos & Graphics: Faith Wang, Dana Robinson
