Review: Be More Chill

Hey readers!

It's time for my review of Be More Chill. 

"Be More Chill follows high-schooler Jeremy Heere, deciding to step into the spotlight after a lifetime of being outcasted. You can’t control other high schoolers, but you can control yourself. Or so it seems at first. Taking matters into his own hands, Jeremy decides to swallow a Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor, or SQUIP for short. This SQUIP will radically change Jeremy’s personality, sending his popularity levels skyrocketing. But, when the SQUIP gains its own power, Jeremy and his peers realise it’s better to just be yourself."

I first saw Be More Chill on Broadway in 2019, meaning that I was very familiar with it. Thankfully, I enjoyed the show just as much the second time around, and it was great to re-live the experience; this time in London's West End. The show does an excellent job at conveying the high school experience, and is extremely authentic in its depiction of the teenage experience. It does well to detail the pressures that teenagers faces all across the globe, and it tackles a number of important topics. Some of the themes featured throughout the course of Be More Chill include bullying, mental health and social media; all of which are particularly relevant in the modern-day. The show feels very realistic, and I am sure that many audience members can relate with the struggles of the main characters. It's a show that puts the underdog front and centre, and it's notable how Be More Chill has accumulated a large and dedicated fanbase in part because of this.

The strongest aspect of Be More Chill is arguably its musical score, with music and lyrics written by Joe Iconis. The music is extremely upbeat, with many catchy tunes throughout. I first listened to the original cast recording in early 2019, and the music has stayed with me from that point onwards. I have listened to the album on numerous occasions throughout the past two and a half years, and I have yet to grow tired of it. A few highlights to be found within the score include 'A Guy That I'd Kinda Be Into', 'The Pants Song', 'Voices in My Head', as well as the iconic 'Michael in the Bathroom'.

In relation to the cast, one of the strongest performances comes from Blake Patrick Anderson as Michael Mell. Anderson has the task of performing the show's most famous number 'Michael in the Bathroom', and he does so faultlessly. He really captured the character's sensitivity, making it easy to root for Michael from the get-go. Beyond this, Anderson also had great comedic timing, and had the audience in stitches throughout the show. Stewart Clarke, as the Squip, is yet another stand-out. He had a great command of the stage, and stole the spotlight upon each and every entrance. Beyond that, Clarke was noticeably very precise in his movements, which in turn helped to create the perfect characterisation. Last, but by no means least, a special mention must be given to Christopher Fry, who portrayed Mr. Heere, Mr. Reyes and others. In spite of his limited stage-time, Fry made a huge impact and proved to be one of the overall highlights of the entire production. 

In relation to the show's design, the costumes, by Bobby Frederick Tilley II, are utterly remarkable. They are extremely fun and filled with colour, helping to add to the light-hearted nature of the show. It is worth noting that the costumes in the Halloween segment were particularly well-designed, with Michael's 'monster covered in beer-cans' outfit being the most impressive. 

Now for my final verdict on Be More Chill. I give Be More Chill...

Be More Chill is an extremely fun show, and I am so glad to have had the opportunity to see it a second time. It has an incredible musical score, and I am sure that many will relate with the journey of the main characters. 

Think it should have got a higher rating? Agree with my rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.

Thanks for reading!

-The Basic Theatre Reviewer