Review: Be More Chill

How far would you go to achieve social popularity? In the Be More Chill universe, all it takes is swallowing a tiny supercomputer called “The Squip.” For socially awkward high school student Jeremy Heere (Connor McCartney), taking the Squip is a way to become popular and attract his crush, Christine Canigula (Megan Battad). It seems like a quick fix, but things quickly turn dark when Jeremy discovers that the Squip wants to dominate his life. Directed by Simone Nathalia, the founder of xoxo film & TV theatre co., this vibrant production ran at the Firehall Arts Centre from July 15–18.

With music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and book by Joe Tracz, Be More Chill is adapted from Ned Vizzini’s 2004 novel of the same title. This sci-fi musical, driven by Gen Z themes, explores peer pressure, the dangers of technology, and the importance of authenticity.

Firstly, the acting. Standouts include Megan Battad as Christine Canigula, who became an instant crowd favourite the moment she appeared on stage, thanks to her energetic and playful presence. Quinn Churchill as The Squip was smooth, striking, and played the antagonist role very well, with a remarkable presence and tone. 

JJ Peñaranda’s set design was simple yet meaningful, featuring long, thin poles in purple, pink, and blue hanging from the ceiling, some bent to resemble data lines. Small squares mirrored the pole colours across the floor, enhancing a sci-fi vibe. The stage, with its black background and flooring, highlighted the colourful props and lighting. Its spaciousness effortlessly accommodated the musical performances and prop movements.

Taylor McKee’s music direction was spectacular! Despite a small band, it sounded rich, vibrant, and pleasing. The standout song was Garrett Kidd’s performance of “Michael in the Bathroom,” set at a high school Halloween party. The song depicts Jeremy cruelly abandoning and insulting his best friend, Michael, leading Michael to a panic attack in the bathroom. Garrett’s powerful performance conveyed the pain of social isolation, captivating the audience.

The downsides that I noticed were that the supporting characters—Rich Goranski (Eric Timuss), Chloe Valentine (Statia Benny), Brooke Lohst (Alexis Cannon), and Jake Dillinger (Nicholas Keenleyside)—lacked depth and unique storylines. While the acting was strong, their individual motivations, from Brooke’s crush on Jeremy to Rich’s tragic breakdown, felt rushed. The musical focused heavily on Jeremy’s interactions with The Squip, making it the most memorable part of the show.

Overall, the cast and crew did an amazing job bringing this high-tech high school experience to life, perfectly capturing the chaotic energy of adolescence. This energetic performance proves that the Lower Mainland’s next generation of theatre performers has an incredibly bright future!

Rating: 4.5/5

Date watched: July 17th, 2026

Location: Firehall Arts Centre, Vancouver BC