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Perhaps the most surprising thing about "Heathers: The Musical" is that it took so long to appear, more than 25 years after the film "Heathers" premiered at the 1989 Sundance Film Festival and became a cult hit. One of the reasons may be that, despite Americans' affinity for high-school musicals, the world depicted in "Heathers" is so twisted and dark. It took savvy musical theater writers like Kevin Murphy ("Reefer Madness") and Laurence O'Keefe ("Legally Blonde") to recognize and explore its potential.

That long gap, however, created its own problem. School shootings at Columbine and Newtown and the current furor over sexual assault on college campuses are bound to make audiences feel uncomfortable with some of the subject matter in "Heathers," especially in the first act. It will be interesting to see how the regional premiere of the show, which just opened at Utah Repertory Theater in an energetic and stylish, if somewhat muddy, production, fares.

The musical gets its title from three girls, all named Heather, who rule by intimidation in Westerburg High School's senior class in Sherwood, Ohio, in 1989. Classmate Veronica calls them "the lip gloss Gestapo" and tells us they "float above it all." She manages to insinuate herself into their group, which also includes crude jocks Ram and Kurt, but she becomes frustrated and angry when they treat her like a servant. When she discovers that new boyfriend J.D.'s idea of support is killing her antagonists off, she realizes she's in trouble.

"Heathers" has some memorable musical numbers: brassy "Candy Store," where the Heathers strut their stuff; exuberant song-and-dance number "Big Fun"; "The Me Inside of Me," Heather Chandler's (Giovanna Doty) poignant plea for understanding; "Dead Girl Walking," where Karli Rose Lowry's Veronica gets to show off her big voice; the tender ballad "Seventeen," where Veronica and J.D. (Derek Gregerson) long for a simpler, kinder life; "Shine a Light," where teacher Ms. Fleming (Dawn Veree) empathizes with the students; the haunting "Lifeboat," where Heather McNamara (Emily Wells) describes her fear and isolation; and the touching "Kindergarten Boyfriend," where outsider Martha (Chaska Johnson) grieves for what she's lost.

"Heathers" makes a disconcerting, but welcome, shift from the very dark satire of Act I to a deeper, more sympathetic look at teenage problems like bullying, isolation and suicide in Act II, which opens the door to more range in the musical numbers and a more positive, upbeat feeling. Johnny Hebda's direction accordingly settles down from campy, over-the-top tendencies to highlighting the quieter moments. Rick Rea's musical direction is sharp and clear, and the live band is a great addition to the musical numbers.

Cara Pomeroy's set design is a mixed blessing in the Sorenson's confined space, however. The projected images of high-school scenes behind the action work well to create an environment, but hauling the different-sized blocks that make up the set in and out is distracting and time-consuming. Why are they even needed? They also hamper the creativity of Michael Hernandez's choreography. Bobby Cody's brassy lighting and shifting spotlighting firmly focus attention, and Nancy Susan Cannon's color-coordinated short skirts, jackets and knee socks carry us indelibly back to the 1980s and provide helpful distance.

Distance is the key to enjoying "Heathers: The Musical." If you accept that it looks back to a time when high-school life was simpler and more straightforward, it's easier to relate to its darkness, and the second act offers some satisfying payoffs. The energetic intensity of its performances goes a long way to compensate for its shortcomings. —

'Heathers: The Musical'

Vibrant performances and flashes of insight into teenage angst compensate for the inconsistencies in Utah Rep's production.

When • Reviewed Nov. 4; plays Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m., through Nov. 20; additional show Nov. 20 at 3 p.m.

Where • Sorenson Unity Center, 1383 S. 900 West, Salt Lake City

Tickets • $20; $17 for students and senior; http://www.utahrep.org; contains adult language and situations

Running time • Two hours and 20 minutes (including an intermission)