Ways to Be More Chill

Unfortunately for all my fellow constantly anxious readers, this post is not a how-to guide for handling stress; it's a desperate rant begging you to understand my undying love and affection for the 2015 off-Broadway production of Be More Chill. Be More Chill is a musical adaptation of Ned Vizzini's novel of the same name. It features original music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and a book by Joe Tracz. The musical premiered at the Two River Theater in Red Bank, New Jersey, in 2015. It then transferred off-Broadway in 2018 and, after building a cult following online, landed a Broadway run at the Lyceum Theatre in 2019. While its time on the Great White Way was brief, its impact on fans, especially younger ones, was long-lasting and deeply emotional.

Be More Chill (BMC for short) is a sci-fi teen musical centered around Jeremy Heere, an anxious high school student desperate to climb the social ladder and win the affection of his classmate, Christine Canigula (dream role, btw). In an effort to become popular, Jeremy takes a pill called a SQUIP (Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor), which implants an artificial intelligence in his brain to coach him on how to be “cool.” With the SQUIP’s guidance, Jeremy quickly rises through the ranks of the high school hierarchy. But in doing so, he begins to lose parts of himself—his personality, his individuality, and even his closest friendship with Michael Mell (also a dream role if gender didn’t count).

Guys, I'm so Boyf

Now, if you've seen it, you're probably calling me extremely cringeworthy right now. If you haven't heard of it, just know that this show isn't exactly the most respected in the musical theatre community. It's viewed as a cringy middle school musical, made for bullied children to feel less alone. I'm here to tell you that those kinds of shows are wonderful. Sure, BMC is no Phantom or Les Mis, but it speaks to the adolescent experience. Jeremy is a beautiful representation of all the fears, worries, and pains of adolescence, compiled into a stuttering acne acne-ridden character. Maybe it's because I was 12 when I first found this, or perhaps because I was going through a rough time with friendships, but it spoke to me like no other piece of media had. I felt seen, and to this day, I stand by the fact that Joe Tracz has cameras on me and modeled Christine after me in particular.  

Everyone is either boyf or reinds, you pick a choice and die with it

The musical focuses on important themes, like identity, friendships, and staying true to oneself. BMC frequently references ideas of staying true to yourself. The show tells viewers that going against your instincts and wishes may make you more popular or well-liked, but result in losing your sense of self. This is seen through Jeremy, who, after handing over decision-making to his SQIP, dates a popular girl and loses his status as a "Loser, Geek, or whatever". However, he loses his friendship with Michael and diminishes his chances of a relationship with Christine. His blindly following decisions made for him by someone else may have resulted in him being more likeable to others, but it made him less likeable to those whose opinions he values. 

LIVES WERE CHANGED

I recommend watching BMC, particularly checking out the off-Broadway production featuring Will Connolly as Jeremy. It's incredible and well worth the watch. If you're not in the mood for a blurry video filmed on a literal rock, watch the high school production uploaded to YouTube, which is similarly amazing.