Photo credit: Daniel Salmond
The South Australian premiere of the musical Be More Chill is now playing at the beautiful Stirling Community Theatre. To close out their incredible 2025 season, Hills Musical Company is proud to present the musical that has been a huge hit on Broadway and the West End. Be More Chill is based on the novel by Ned Vizzini, with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and a book by Joe Tracz.
Jeremy Heere is just an average teenager. That is, until he finds out about a ‘Squip’, a tiny supercomputer that promises to bring him everything he desires most: a date with Christine, an invite to the raddest party of the year and a chance to survive life in his suburban New Jersey high school. But is being the most popular guy in school worth the risk?
When the show was written, the concept of an AI computer chip being planted in a human brain and taking control seemed far-fetched, but these days, it does feel almost like art is imitating life.
This production is directed by Ben Stefanoff, with musical direction by Kristin Stefanoff and choreography by Emily-Jo Davidson.
Director Ben Stefanoff says, “The cast we have assembled is incredible. As a production team, Kristin, Emily-Jo and I are excited to showcase some of Adelaide’s best up-and-coming young performers. The energy they have brought to the rehearsal room is infectious and we can’t wait for Adelaide audiences to see these wonderful performers blow the roof off the Stirling Community Theatre. It has been very clear since day one how committed they all are and how much the messages in the show mean to them. We are fortunate as well to be supported by an equally impressive team behind the scenes as well. From our hard-working stage management, crew and lighting team through to costuming and props, we have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring our own spin to this exceptional show.”
In the lead role of Jeremy Heere is South Australian performer Tom Sheldon. Glam Adelaide spoke to Tom about the show and what drew him to be part of this South Australian premiere.
“I’ve loved Be More Chill ever since 2017, when a friend first showed me the song Michael in the Bathroom. From there, I fell down the rabbit hole of the show’s music and story and became completely hooked. What drew me in was how it celebrates the misfits and outcasts, the people who just want to belong. It carries such a powerful and heartfelt message about being yourself and rejecting the pressures of popularity.
“Jeremy’s character has always resonated with me. His journey of self-discovery, learning to quiet toxic and manipulative influences, and finding his own moral compass felt deeply personal, especially during my own time at school. His honesty, vulnerability, and loyalty to Christine showed me what it means to care for someone beyond surface-level affection.
“Funnily enough, I ended up finding my own Christine, my partner, Georgie, who’s been my biggest supporter through my performance journey. She’s actually the reason I auditioned for this role. Playing Jeremy has been a full-circle moment for me, and I hope audiences in Adelaide can feel the same connection to his story that I did all those years ago.”
For the first time in the company’s history, Hills Musical Company is excited to include a special relaxed performance as part of their season. On Thursday 20th November the company will be implementing changes to make this show as accessible as possible for neurodiverse and disabled audiences. This performance will include reduced overstimulating lighting and sound, access to a read-a-long script, a relaxed seating plan, and more!
Hills Musical Company’s president Tielah-Jade Cannon says, “As a company we are always striving to prioritise progressive action, and we are really proud to be bringing this initiative to life. For one performance of our upcoming production Be More Chill, on Thursday 20th November (7:30pm), we will be presenting an accessible ‘relaxed’ performance.
“The theatre is a place of wonder and belonging, and we like to believe that everyone who engages with our productions, both on and off stage, feels supported and comfortable.”
Be More Chill features a brilliant cast of Adelaide’s up and coming talented musical theatre performers and a rocking live band. This production stars Tom Sheldon as Jeremy Heere, Mia Ferraretto as Christine Caligula, Sebastian Mendoza Giannotti as Michael Mell and Maximillian Maher as The Squip. They are supported by Chloe Anderson as Brooke Lohst, Ava-Rose Askew as Chloe Valentine, Molly Noel as Jenna Rolan, Lucas Tennant as Jake Dillinger, Bennett Blaine as Rich Goranski and Scott Beauchamp as Mr Heere/Mr Reyes/Scary Stock Boy. Be More Chill will also feature an energetic ensemble including Ella Heywood-Smith, Isabelle Milsom, Oliva Tod, Charlotte Turner, Matty Turner and Josh Winkler.
All ticket bookings available at www.hillsmusical.org.au/bemorechill
Ph: 0493 392 013 or e: [email protected]
Tickets $40 Adults, $35 Concession, $32 Groups 8+
Read the Glam Adelaide review of the show here.
Performances are November 7 – 8, 14 – 15 and 21 – 22 at 7.30pm.
Matinees on November 9 and 15 at 2pm.
Relaxed performance on November 20 at 7.30pm
Stirling Community Theatre – 9 Avenue Road, Stirling
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