Be More Chill in Perth

Fan-favourite sci-fi musical Be More Chill plays at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre in WA this July.

Presented by Art in Motion (AIM) Theatre Company, sci-fi musical Be More Chill follows ‘average’ high-schooler Jeremy who struggles to connect with his classmates – until he swallows a pill called a ‘SQUIP’ which materialises into his own personal guide which tells him what to say and do.

But when the SQUIP’s instructions don’t work out as planned, will Jeremy lose his best friend Michael, his dream girl Christine, and all the popular kids he’s impressed along the way?

Filled with catchy songs, science fiction in-jokes and plenty of humour, Be More Chill is a show for nerds (and inner-nerds) everywhere.

The show’s music and lyrics were written by Joe Iconis, and after its premiere in New Jersey in 2015, the show quickly gained a cult fandom which propelled it all the way to Broadway in 2019.

In the lead role of Jeremy is Elliot Peacock, who recently appeared in Drew Anthony’s Strictly Ballroom at Planet Royale. Elliot said the creative team’s focus on inclusivity was a big reason why he auditioned for the show.

“Through open casting characters, changing pronouns to fit the comfort of the performers, and being very clear about expectations in safety and conduct, I knew the creative team would create an atmosphere of collaboration and respect,” Elliot said.

This production’s open casting is exemplified in its Michael, a traditionally male-presenting character who will be portrayed by Sophie Boyland.

Sophie expressed her excitement at the show making its return to Perth following sold-out seasons at Phoenix Theatre and the Perth Fringe World Festival.

“I’ve been eyeing off Perth community theatre for a little while now, and I decided to take the dive after seeing that one of my favourite shows of all time was making a grand return to Perth,” Sophie said.

“Be More Chill is truly the ‘weirdo kid’ of musicals, and I can’t wait for audiences to embrace every inch of weirdness within themselves with open arms. After all, there’s never been a better time to be a loser!”

For Perth fans who watched one (or both) of the show’s local productions in 2018 and 2019, a familiar face is found in Jarvys McQueen-Mason, a director and performer within the Perth community theatre scene who played jock Jake Dillinger in both Perth seasons of the show.

“Be More Chill marked my musical theatre debut back in 2018,” Jarvys said.

“Five years later, the show nagged at my brain, and I felt compelled to put it on after coming to the realisation that I was entering a new phase of my life.”

With a cast of 19 and a seven-piece band, Jarvys said he was inspired by the enthusiasm and commitment of all involved. “We support each other, we’re being experimental, and we’re developing a performance that we truly enjoy and think audiences will too,” Jarvys said.

Be More Chill plays at 7.30pm on July 28 and 29, and August 3, 4, and 5, 2023. Ticket pricing $32.30 standard, and $28.30 concession. Book at bit.ly/BeMoreChill23.