For the first time in years, a pit band will be accompanying the UMass Dartmouth Theater Company, one of two theater companies at the college, for its production of “Heathers: The Musical” over the April 12 to 14 weekend.

Approximately eight pit band members, led by Music Director Courtney Orsini, will be performing music live with the cast.

Director Anjaliyah Echemendia said while the live music makes her “nervous,” she is still excited, with rehearsals already going well.

Orsini said there were some initial challenges, such as needing to change her teaching style to better suit college students as well as conducting live for the first time.

However, she said she’s excited for the show and hopes to work with the theater company on future productions.

“Heathers: The Musical” was written by Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy, based on the 1989 film of the same name. It’s a black comedy that follows high school senior Veronica Sawyer and the Heathers clique.

Echemendia said the “big dance numbers” such as “Big Fun,” were most challenging and required the cast to come in on non-rehearsal days to get it down. 

However, she said she had lots of help from her “pro-team,” or production team, which she has found to be invaluable to her this semester. 

“It helped a lot because I would have lost my marbles if I didn't have that big of a team,” she said.

Sara Cravo, who plays the main character Veronica Sawyer, said her role “very vocally challenging,” requiring her to work on her breathing while also performing choreography.

In regard to her experience overall, she said, “I’ve loved every minute of it.”

“I love theater and getting to work with people has been amazing,” she added. “It's definitely been hard — had some ups and downs — but I think I think it's going to go well.”

Joseph Marques, who plays Heather Chandler, as well as president of the theater company, said finding the balance between completing his clinical rotations and rehearsals has been a lot of work. 

“It's been very busy, but a lot of fun,” Marques said, adding how much the cast has bonded over the last few months. 

With this being his final show, Marques said he looks forward to moving on in his adult life, but added, “It's kind of like leaving behind a part of me.”

See “Heathers” at the UMass Dartmouth Auditorium April 12, 13 and 14. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7 p.m., while the Sunday show starts at 2 p.m. 

Tickets will be sold at the door 30 minutes prior to the start of the show. Only cash will be accepted and an ATM is available outside the Campus Center. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for faculty/staff, alumni and veterans and $5 for students.