Be More Chill – About the Show
Highlights of Be More Chill – Must-See Moments
Praised by The New York Times as “One of the Most Popular New Musicals in America”
Originally staged Off Broadway in July 2018, Be More Chill transferred to Broadway in February 2019. During its Off Broadway run, tickets quickly sold out, and the buzz was so intense that fans covered the theater’s entrance sign with handwritten notes of praise. This cult sensation became one of the most talked about musicals of its season.
A High School Story in the Spirit of Dear Evan Hansen and The Prom
Be More Chill is often compared to other hit musicals about modern teenage life, such as Dear Evan Hansen, winner of the 2017 Tony Award for Best musical, and The Prom, a 2018 Broadway favorite. Like those shows, it explores the struggles and emotional changes unique to contemporary teenagers and the pressures of their environment.
What sets Be More Chill apart is its quirky, distinctly American twist: a socially awkward boy takes a mysterious pill called the SQUIP in hopes of becoming popular. With its mix of heartfelt coming of age themes and outrageous comedy, the show captured the imagination of young audiences everywhere.
Be More Chill – Show info
Show details of Be More Chill
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Theater location： Lyceum Theatre 149 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 (Map) |
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Performance Run: Previews: February 13, 2019 Opening: March 10, 2019 Closing: August 11, 2019 |
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Type of the show: Fun Emotional・Touching Stunning Songs Stunning Dance |
Be More Chill – Story
The Plot / Summary of Be More Chill
Jeremy, the main character, lives with his father after his mother has left home. Shy and withdrawn, he struggles with confidence and secretly has a crush on Christine, one of the most popular girls at school. He longs to talk to her but has no idea how to get close.
One day, a school bully convinces Jeremy that taking a Japanese-made pill called the SQUIP (Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor) will give him the courage to approach Christine. The drug supposedly makes you bolder and instantly turns you into one of the school’s “cool kids.” At first Jeremy is skeptical, but as he hears more about it, his curiosity grows and he decides to buy the pill.
The very next day after taking the SQUIP, Jeremy’s timid personality is gone. Suddenly he is outgoing, confident, and friendly with everyone, quickly becoming the center of attention. But as his popularity skyrockets, the SQUIP begins to take control of his thoughts and actions, leading him down a dangerous path…
Be More Chill – Movie
The YouTube trailer of Be More Chill
This is the promotional video for the Broadway musical “Be More Chill.” You can see the comedy-filled stage action.
Be More Chill – Explore, FAQ
Behind the Scenes of Be More Chill
From a Limited Off Broadway Run to Cult Status
Be More Chill is based on the 2004 novel of the same name by Brooklyn born author Ned Vizzini. The musical premiered in June 2015 at the Two River Theater in New Jersey as a one month limited engagement. The story of a high school student struggling with insecurity resonated deeply with young audiences, and the show quickly became a sensation on social media, particularly among fans in their teens and twenties.
A Nerdy Teen Becomes Popular Thanks to the SQUIP
The New York Times praised the show with the headline “A Nerdy Teen Becomes Popular Thanks to the SQUIP,” helping it reach a much wider audience. During its New Jersey run, the cast recorded an album that was released three months after closing. That album went viral online, sparking a wave of interest that led to an Off Broadway production at Signature Theatre in July 2018.
Initially scheduled for a two month run, the Off Broadway engagement was extended by a week due to overwhelming demand. Less than a month after that closing, Be More Chill announced its Broadway transfer, an achievement often described as a true American Dream success story. However, behind this triumph lies a somber truth: author Ned Vizzini tragically died by suicide in 2013, two years before the musical’s stage premiere. His struggles with depression and hospitalization during adolescence shaped much of his work, and the character of Jeremy reflects many of his own experiences. The SQUIP itself symbolizes both his anxieties and his sharp sense of satire.
An Unlikely Beginning with a Young Creative Team
The first production in 2015 was mounted by a relatively new creative team, which became a major talking point when the show later transferred to Broadway. Choreographer Chase Brock brought prior experience from shows like Spider Man Turn Off the Dark in 2011, but composer Joe Iconis and book writer Joe Tracz both made their Broadway debuts with Be More Chill. Together, they delivered a bold mix of electronic pop and heartfelt storytelling that connected strongly with a younger generation of theatergoers.
“The SQUIP Song” and Its Quirky Japanese Connection
A pivotal moment in the show comes when Jeremy takes the mysterious pill called the SQUIP, short for Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor, described as a product “from Japan.” This leads into the number The SQUIP Song, in which a bully convinces Jeremy to try it, chanting the memorable line “It’s from Japan!” The song blends comedy with a satirical take on drug culture, creating one of the most unforgettable scenes in the show. Fans can find videos of the number online, and it is well worth watching before seeing the musical live.
Be More Chill – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for Be More Chill (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about Be More Chill tickets.
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How much are tickets for Be More Chill (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical Be More Chill start at $62 with our discounted prices. See more details for Be More Chill tickets.
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Is the English in Be More Chill (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical Be More Chill has a slightly higher level of English difficulty. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
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Do you have a summary or synopsis of Be More Chill (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical Be More Chill are introduced in the Be More Chill Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
Be More Chill – Audience Reviews
Review from Hanazawa:
Stage Door Experience
I went to see the show after hearing it was about to close. Buying tickets was easy, though I had no printer and had to pick them up at a store. The staff gave me detailed directions to the theater, which was a huge help since I didn’t know the area.
Because it’s a high school story, the audience seemed a bit younger than me. The dialogue was fast-paced, and I couldn’t catch everything in English, but it was a great chance to experience something new. As others mentioned, there wasn’t much connection to Japan, but I still found it fun to hear familiar words here and there.
After the show I joined the stage door crowd, and I was amazed at how friendly the cast were, taking time for photos and autographs. It made my short stay in New York unforgettable.
July 26, 2019
Review from New Yorker Takeshi:
Loved It!
It was far more entertaining than I expected, absolutely hilarious.
May 23, 2019
Review from Yumeko:
Something Different
I had already seen Disney musicals with other companies, so I wanted to try something different. I’m glad I did, Be More Chill was fun and the music was great. I couldn’t follow every detail of the English, but it was still worth it. Next time I’m in New York, I’d like to check out more shows I haven’t heard of before.
May 4, 2019
Review from Namekuji:
Struggled with the English
The English was tough for me to keep up with, but I still got the gist of the story and the ending. It really felt like an American high school musical, full of energy and humor.
May 2, 2019
Review from Takaki R.:
Great Music
I especially loved “Michael in the Bathroom.” The emotions in the performance were so powerful that even though I had never heard the song before, it really stuck with me. I’d recommend listening to the soundtrack before seeing the show, it makes the experience even better.
April 24, 2019
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