(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Exit 82 Theatre presents Be More Chill from November 9 -12 at Strand Center for the Arts in Lakewood, NJ.  Be More Chill is a contemporary musical based on the novel by Ned Vizzini and features awesome music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and book by Joe Tracz.  The musical was originally commissioned and produced by Two River Theater Company in Red Bank and contains a Jersey theme.

Matt Dalton stars as Jeremy Heere, just an average teenager trying to survive his suburban New Jersey high school years with his best friend Michael, played by Ryan Everett Wood. That is, until he discovers “The Squip” – a tiny supercomputer, played by Sal Pavia, that promises to bring him everything he desires most: a date with Christine (Lizz Ritacco) and an invite to Jake’s (Billy Cardone) biggest party of the fall. But for his chance to thrive, Jeremy must take the upgrade to navigate the dangerous high schools halls with the likes of Rich (Jason Arellano), Chloe (Lisa Adams), Brooke (Katie McGrath) and Jenna Rolan (Emily Nielsen). BE MORE CHILL also features Vincent DiStefano as Jeremy’s Dad / Mr. Reyes along with ensemble members, Carly Cosentino, Frankie Confalone and Bridget Hughes.

Exit 82 Theatre’s production is directed and choreographed by Sean Openshaw with musical direction by Chris Sabol, assistant direction by Jennifer Nelson, costume design by Desiree Davenport, set design by Mike Lindenmayer, and produced by Keely Arellano, Carly Cosentino, Lexi Davenport, Nicole Grassano and Amy LaPosa.

Performances run Thursday, November 9th at 7:00pm, Friday, November 10th at 8:00pm, Saturday, November 11th at 2:00pm and 8:00pm and Sunday, November 12th at 2:00pm. Tickets are available at www.exit82theatre.com.

There will be an exclusive Talk Back with the Exit 82 team plus members of the original cast including George Salazar, Katie Ladner, Katlyn Carlson, Lauren Marcus and writer of music and lyrics, Joe Iconis, on Sunday, November 12 after the 2:00pm matinee.

Be More Chill was originally supported by a Theatre Commissioning and Production Initiative grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Orchestrations and Arrangements by Charlie Rosen. Exit 82's production is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals, www.rnh.com.

Exit 82 Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre organization based in Toms River, NJ. Since 2008, Exit 82 has involved hundreds of volunteers and performed to thousands of patrons in NJ over the past nine seasons. Exit 82 is always looking to expand their family, so take part in supporting this local non-profit to help cultivate the arts in NJ and your community!