Mean Girls – Courtesy of Jenny Anderson. Used with permission.
For fans of the 2004 film “Mean Girls,” who consider themselves purists and skeptical of a stage musical version, have no fear. Not only does “Mean Girls” get it right, in some ways, it even surpasses its namesake. I had the pleasure of attending Tuesday’s opening night of the national touring production, presented by Broadway in Indianapolis, at the Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre. The run continues through Sunday, April 3.
Mean Girls – Courtesy of Jenny Anderson. Used with permission.
Nine-time Emmy Award-winner Tina Fey, who played Ms. Norbury in the film, wrote the book for “Mean Girls,” which is based on her screenplay for the film. The show’s music is by three-time Emmy Award-winner Jeff Richmond, and lyrics are by two-time Tony Award-nominee Nell Benjamin. Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs.
Fey’s hilarious, biting, and satiric wit is sharper than ever in “Mean Girls,” a valentine to any misfit who’s ever endured coming-of-age trauma in high school. For those who’ve seen the film, the familiar plot focuses on Cady Heron. Having been raised in the African bush, she experiences culture shock when she and her parents relocate to suburban Illinois, where she attends North Shore High School (Think Carmel High). Forced to navigate the school’s pecking order, guileless Cady encounters Regina George, the charismatic, intimidating leader of The Plastics, who rules the roost of the school’s social scene. From that point on, Cady has to decide whether popularity trumps loyalty and learn what true friendship, compassion and empathy mean.
Starting with the first scene depicting Cady surrounded by ensemble members dressed as animals on the savanna (a nod to “Lion King”), all the way to the end, the bouncing, frenetic energy of the cast was substantial in volume, with nary a lull in the action. Director Nicholaw did an extraordinary job of choosing a diverse cast of presumably twentysomethings, who passed for high school students, for whom he created hip-hop-inspired choreography that made the most of their triple-threat talent.
Mean Girls – Courtesy of Jenny Anderson. Used with permission.
Featuring versatile performers, the cast included Danielle Wade as the unspoiled Cady, who later undergoes an unfortunate transformation, Adante Carter as Cady’s love interest Aaron Samuels, Nadina Hassan as Queen Bee Regina George, Megan Masako Haley as sycophant Gretchen Wieners, and Jonalyn Saxer as ditsy Karen. Standing out were Broadway-musical-obsessed Eric Huffman and Mary Kate Morrisey as outlier Janis Sarkisian.
One attraction of the musical, a departure from the film, is the inclusion of the internet, smartphones and social media, all of which were either not in wide use or nonexistent when the film was made. Now, of course, they’re all ubiquitous on stage, TV and in film as part of the storytelling. Ironically, Regina’s infamous “Burn Book” seems archaic, considering technology plays such a prominent role in the story.
As far as the show’s score, like so many of today’s pop-rock scores, there weren’t any songs I found particularly memorable, but for the purposes of the story, they were effective and appropriate. The show’s sets, which actually involve video projections that instantly create locations such as classrooms, Regina’s bedroom, Cady’s parents’ home, etc. are unique. The production’s costumes successfully reflect contemporary teenage fashion.
Finally, with its inspirational message of tolerance and acceptance, the musical interpretation of “Mean Girls” continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, not only for its uplifting qualities, but also for its joyful, infectious tone and flavor.
“Mean Girls” plays Old National Centre through April 3. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com. Groups of 10 or more may call 317-632-5183. The performance schedule will be Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m. Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m., Sunday matinee at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m.
