The 10th Anniversary Concert of ‘Be More Chill’ Brings Together Original Cast A decade after its premiere, the cast of the beloved musical “Be More Chill” reunited for a special concert at the Two River Theater in Red Bank, N.J. on Thursday, July 24th. The event saw the return of actors like Will Roland and George Salazar, as well as composer and lyricist Joe Iconis, to celebrate the show’s milestone anniversary. Fans of the Tony-nominated musical adaptation of Ned Vizzini’s teen novel flocked to the theatre to join in the festivities.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Will-Roland-George-Salaza-072425-5d9fd01c35b94182a24f9bf39b2a0a81.jpg)
The musical, which first premiered at the New Jersey theater in 2015 before making its way to Off-Broadway in 2018 and subsequently to Broadway, has garnered a dedicated following over the years. Despite facing setbacks in 2020 with a planned run in Chicago being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the show has continued to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The 10th anniversary concert was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for both the performers and fans alike. The evening was filled with iconic musical numbers from the production, such as “More Than Survive” and “I Love Play Rehearsal,” performed with limited choreography. Additionally, the cast shared heartfelt stories and anecdotes from their time working on the show, bringing a new dimension to the beloved characters they brought to life.
As the concert unfolded, attendees were treated to surprises like nods to the original costumes, a performance of a cut song, and actors switching roles for a fresh take on familiar scenes. Joe Iconis, in his address to the audience, expressed his gratitude for the show’s enduring legacy and the overwhelming support from fans who had gathered for the special occasion.
Notably, standout performances from the night included George Salazar’s emotional rendition of “Michael in the Bathroom,” a fan-favorite hit that resonated with the audience, earning him a standing ovation. Salazar, reflecting on the impact of ‘Be More Chill,’ highlighted how the show had not only shaped their artistic growth but had also made them better individuals in various aspects of their lives.
“Be More Chill” tells a poignant story of teenage popularity in the digital age, exploring themes of authenticity, friendship, and the allure of social acceptance. The narrative follows Jeremy’s journey after he opts for a high-tech solution to his social woes, raising questions about the true cost of chasing popularity at the expense of one’s identity and relationships.
With music and lyrics by Joe Iconis, a book by Joe Tracz, and orchestration by Charlie Rosen, the musical has captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling and infectious tunes. The reunion concert not only honoured the show’s impact on its cast and fans but also served as a testament to the enduring message of embracing one’s individuality, no matter the societal labels.
As the evening came to a close, the Be More Chill 10th Anniversary Concert left a lasting impression on all those in attendance, reinforcing the show’s timeless message that there’s nothing wrong with being true to oneself, even if it means embracing one’s inner “loser” or “geek.” The event served as a fitting tribute to a decade of memories, laughter, and music that have made ‘Be More Chill’ a cherished part of musical theatre history.