During the summer, the pool of community theater actors swells with young people off from school and home from college.

That is partly why the Drama Group went with “Heathers, the Musical” to close its 2016-17 season. The show, which opened July 28 at Milord Studio Theatre in Chicago Heights, runs through Sunday.

“It’s a dark comedy with a message that really appeals to the teen and college-age actors that we try to attract during the summer,” said Curt Lang, who is co-directing “Heathers” with his wife, Tammy.

“We are blessed with an ‘uber-talented’ group of young adults. Our cast consists of people that are past theater majors or current theater majors or that want to be musical theater majors. They all have a real large amount of raw talent.

“They’ve also been trained. A lot of them have even done professional stuff. We’re lucky to have them come out for this show.”

“Heathers, the Musical” is based on the 1988 film “Heathers,” which was written by Daniel Waters and stars Winona Ryder, Christian Slater and Shannen Doherty.

The stage version features book, music and lyrics by Kevin Murphy (co-writer of the musical “Reefer Madness” and former head writer and co-executive producer of the TV series “Desperate Housewives”) and Laurence O’Keefe (co-writer of “Bat Boy: The Musical” and the musical “Legally Blonde”).

“The musical is much more satirical,” said Lang, of Monee. “It’s pretty satirical in the movie but the songs in the musical are much more comedic than the movie itself.”

Featuring an adult theme and language, “Heathers, the Musical” follows brainy Veronica making her way into the Heathers, a ruthless clique of high school girls, and being pressured into cruel acts. The tables turn when Veronica’s boyfriend, JD, helps her plot revenge on the powerful trio.

“It’s about people trying to fit in and be the popular one, and finding out that being popular isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be,” said Lang, who has two other roles, including Big Bud Dean, and who handles scenic design for the show.

“I’ve been acting since I was 10,” Lang said. “That part is very natural for me. The set and scenic design is my strong point. My design is usually simplistic so the story shows through. I have taken on small roles in most of the shows we direct.”

Lang’s wife also worked on the production’s costumes, makeup, hair design, props and decor with their daughter Hope, who is assistant director and part of the ensemble.

“We all know we can trust each other, so that helps a lot,” he said.

The cast and crew include residents of Alsip, Frankfort, Hickory Hills, Homewood, Mokena, New Lenox, Olympia Fields, Robbins and Tinley Park.

The Drama Group’s 2017-18 season includes “Wait Until Dark” (Sept. 22-Oct. 1), “Eating Raoul” (Nov. 10-19), “Whiskey Neat” (Jan. 12-21), “A New Brain” (March 9-18), “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” (May 4-13) and “Fame” (July 27-Aug. 5).

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.