Heathers Finds Its Newest Veronica in Charissa Hogeland After Original Star Barrett Wilbert Weed's Departure

Charissa Hogeland, original Heathers ensemble member and understudy for Veronica, officially assumes the role full-time at off-Broadway’s New World Stages beginning July 8. The announcement follows the news that the show’s original star, Barrett Wilbert Weed, has abruptly left the musical. A spokesperson commented that Weed has departed the production “to pursue other opportunities.”

Hogeland makes her New York City stage debut with Heathers. She has appeared in regional productions including Sleeping in Seattle, Cabaret, The Producers and Chicago. On screen, she has been seen in the film The Truth About You.

Directed by Andy Fickman and featuring music, lyrics and a book by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, Heathers brings the 1988 cult classic film to the stage. Westerberg High is terrorized by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing junta: Heather, Heather and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But outsider Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark sexy stranger J.D., who plans to put the Heathers in their place—six feet under.

In addition to Hogeland, the current cast of Heathers includes Dave Thomas Brown as J.D. and Elle McLemore, Jessica Keenan Wynn and Kristolyn Lloyd as the Heathers. They are joined by Cait Fairbanks, Katie Ladner, Jon Eidson, Evan Todd, Tony winner Anthony Crivello, Dan Cooney, Michelle Duffy, Dan Domenech, Rachel Flynn, Molly Hager, AJ Meijer, Matthew Schatz and Dustin Sullivan.