Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” actor, Peyton List, will join the Off-Broadway production of “Heathers The Musical” as Heather Chandler, the ruthless queen bee at the center of the cult-favorite story. List will begin performances Jan. 26 at New World Stages in New York, according to Deadline. The casting marks her Off-Broadway debut and a new chapter in a career that has largely unfolded on television.
List steps into the role following Jodie Steele, who will play her final performance Jan. 25. The production has extended its run through May 24, 2026, following strong ticket sales and sustained audience interest, according to BroadwayWorld.
A Cult Classic Finds New Life on Stage
Based on the 1989 film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, “Heathers The Musical” reimagines the dark teen satire as a rock-infused stage production. The story follows Veronica Sawyer, a high school outsider who becomes entangled with the powerful Heathers clique and a dangerous new student, J.D. The musical explores themes of power, popularity, and violence beneath the glossy surface of teen life.
The Off-Broadway revival opened in June and has quickly become one of the most talked-about productions at New World Stages. The current cast includes Kuhoo Verma as Veronica Sawyer, Casey Likes as Jason “J.D.” Dean, Jackera Davis as Heather Duke, and Elizabeth Teeter as Heather McNamara. Kerry Butler also appears in a supporting role, according to IMDb.
Heather Chandler stands at the center of the story as the dominant and feared leader of the trio. The role demands sharp comedic timing, commanding stage presence, and vocal strength, making it one of the musical’s most recognizable parts.
List said she felt drawn to the character’s confidence and complexity. “She is larger than life,” List told People in an interview. She added that stepping into Chandler’s shoes allows her to explore a bold and unapologetic side that audiences may not have seen from her before.
Expanding Beyond The Screen
List rose to prominence as a child actor on Disney Channel series, including “Jessie” and “Bunk’d,” before transitioning into more mature roles. In recent years, she has gained widespread recognition for playing Tory Nichols on Netflix’s “Cobra Kai,” a character known for her intensity and moral complexity. She also stars in Paramount+’s “School Spirits,” where she serves as an executive producer.
The move to theater represents a deliberate expansion of her creative range. According to Deadline, List has long expressed interest in live performance and saw “Heathers” as the right opportunity to leap.
The production’s creative team includes director Andy Fickman, with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy. The show has built a dedicated fan base through previous runs in London, on tour, and through a filmed stage version that gained popularity online.
For audiences, List’s casting brings a familiar face to a production already fueled by nostalgia and dark humor. For List, it signals a willingness to take creative risks and engage with audiences in a more immediate, live setting.
