Last year I had the chance to see Heathers: The Musical put on by Mad King Productions and I was blown away with my experience. I absolutely loved everything about that show so I was excited when I heard Mad King’s next show is a similarly themed We are the Tigers and I knew I needed to see it opening night if possible. While I don’t think the material is as strong as Heathers, Tigers is still a really fun night of theatre and one I recommend checking out while you have the chance.

Like Heathers, We are the Tigers centers around a group of high school cheerleaders with things becoming unexpectedly violent at the team slumber party. The cheer captain is named Riley, and she is intense and maniacally positive. Hannah Romney plays Riley at Mad King and it’s an unhinged passionate performance and I left thinking how is she going to build up that kind of energy to play that role later again that night (I saw the matinee)? Actors are really quite amazing at what they do! It’s an interesting performance because she has the mannerisms of positivity but every other character seems rightly terrified of her and eager to not anger her.

The production takes place at the black box theatre Mad King has at The Gateway so it is a simple set but director Carleigh-Jo Naylor does all she can with the space available. Everything takes place at Riley’s house so it suits a black box stage quite well. Carleigh-Jo is also the costume designer and they all are perfect for a high school cheerleaders look even down to the pom-poms and tight ponytail hairdos.

There were some audio issues, but I appreciate they had a band make a live recording of the music. It’s those additional touches which make a production feel special and memorable. My favorite songs of the show come in Act 2 when the serial killer elements ramp up and the plot becomes less dialogue dependent. I enjoyed “The Breakdown” and “Shut Up and Cheer.” The latter is sung by Yasamin Marashi who plays Eva, a new recruit to the cheer team as the team members are dropping like flies.

Obviously We are the Tigers is a horror-themed show about a serial killer so expect violence, language and other mature discussions but this made it all the more fresh and exciting. The performances at Mad King are up for the material and overall it’s a bold piece of musical theatre. It may not be as memorable as Heathers but it’s still definitely worthy of your time. It is playing through Nov 2nd and tickets can be purchased here.

We are the Tigers is the work of Preston Max Allen (music, lyrics and book) and was first performed off Broadway in 2019

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