The early 2000s teen film “Mean Girls” is now being adapted into a song & dance musical that make its Broadway debut in March 2018. Their first stop, though, is in my home city of Washington D.C. at the National Theatre for a pre-Broadway preview. Only about 3 and a half weeks into production and this show has already proven that it is going to be a guaranteed smash-hit once it hits the August Wilson Theatre this upcoming Spring.
If you’re a child of the 2000s, like me, who grew up watching this movie, your main concern is probably whether or not they are going to stay true to the plot of the movie. I can tell you right now that you won’t be disappointed. There is plenty of Glen Coco, Fetch, Sexy Santa dances, and “she doesn’t even go here” to satisfy the most dedicated of fans. However, don’t expect a carbon-copy of the movie onstage. They do leave out some of the lines, but maintain the ones that we all know and love. The book has been updated for the Instagram and Snapchat generation, incorporating social media as a big part of how the teens in the show communicate and back stab each other. The movie was made in 2004, when army pants, Ashton Kutcher, and flip-phones we’re the big trends. Thirteen years later, with the rise of social media and different stars and trends in the spotlight, Tina Fey (who wrote the book for the play and screenplay for the original film), takes inspiration from high schoolers today to accurately represent high school in 2017.
The music, written by Jeff Richmond (Fey’s husband), and lyrics, written by Nell Benjamin, take inspiration from pop, rock, jazz and Africana. The music style is similar to other teen cult films turned musicals such as, Bring It On, Heathers, and Legally Blonde. What I noticed about Richmond’s score is how each character has a different musical motif coordinating to their personality. I was surprised at how song heavy the show is, seeing how the dialogue is so iconic; I thought there would be more of a balance between dialogue and music. Nonetheless, Richmond and Benjamin did a fantastic job of translating each character’s thoughts, emotions, and most famous moments into song.
The cast for this blockbuster musical is completely Broadway A-list. I came in having high expectations for all of them, and boy, did they deliver. Erika Henningsen (Cady Heron), Taylor Louderman (Regina George), Ashley Park (Gretchen Wieners) and Kate Rockwell (Karen Smith) were consistently hilarious and extraordinary. These ladies delivered high belting numbers, incredible humor and one liners, and believable performances as the teen queens of North Shore High School. Every time one of them came on stage, I knew was going to be hit with a tidal wave of talent.
Barrett Wilbert Weed (Janis Sarkisian) of “Heathers: The Musical” and Grey Henson (Damian Hubbard) were show stealers throughout. Janis and Damian served as the main narrators. Both were hilarious, sarcastic, and a treat to watch. Especially Wilbert Weed, whose vocals are unmatched and completely unique to any other person the musical theatre world right now. Being a fan of “Heathers: The Musical” and listening to the cast recording thousands of times, hearing her live was an experience.
Kerry Butler of “Hairspray” and “Xanadu” possibly had the hardest job of all, playing three different characters: Mrs. Heron, Ms. Norbury, and Mrs. George. Throughout the constant costume and wig changes, she delivered energetic performances as all three characters. Her vocals and acting were as strong as ever; she killed it as always.
The ensemble was nothing to ignore. A significant portion of the dancing was performed by them. Casey Nicholaws’s choreography captures the spirit, ugliness, and mystery of high school life. It made me want to jump up there and dance along with them.
If you live in the D.C. area I recommend getting in Regina Georges’s car ASAP and heading to the National Theater. If you don’t, buy your tickets to this fetch musical right now before it hits Broadway on March 12, 2018.