The truth about “Mean Girls,” a touring production company that will perform at Orlando’s Doctor of Performing Arts this weekend, is that the real star remains Tina Fey.
On-screen alumni of “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock” wrote the screenplay for the original 2004 “Mean Girls” film, and adapted it in 2018 as a stage musical. You can still hear Fey’s voice. Unfortunately, the sound was uneven on the opening night.
Jeff Richmond’s music is helped by Nell Benjamin’s lyrics. This cleverly mimics Faye’s style. The fun percussion effect amp also adds fun elements. Students use plastic cafeteria trays or drum pencils to add rhythms. The song is good for now, but it doesn’t stick to you in a meaningful way. But attitudes and dialogue certainly do.
The story tells about Caddy, a student who was homeschooled while her parents were working in Africa. However, when her family returns to the United States, she discovers that the high school hall is more wilderness than the African savanna. This is an observation that is sometimes handled with heavy hands (literally called “apical predators,” but it creates opportunities for shaking and voice like a humid animal.
Her two artistic friends, Janis and Damian, persuaded her to infiltrate the popular girl Creek (led by Queen Bee Regina George), and spyed on them. Things get out of hand when the caddy starts using the tricks from Regina’s playbook.
The opening night in Orlando saw a pair of research in key roles. Paloma Daulia as Regina and Gino Bloomberg as Aaron – the object of Regina’s former and Keddy’s affection. Both take on roles with talent, she is accompanied by a cool condolence, and he has friendship and equality.
As Cady, Katie Yomans has the right combination of picking and naiveness so that you can continue to cheer her on, even when she heads to the dark side. Kristen Amanda Smith and Mary Rose Brendel remain sympathetic as Regina’s minions, thanks to their strong comic timing and ability to convey the character’s insecurities through laughter.
Kristen Segio does an excellent job distinguishing between the two main roles. Straight-torked Noberry (Fay’s teacher character from the film) and Regina’s mother are too busy being “cool moms” to actually parent their daughter. Tym Brown adds great support as the school’s tired and tired principal.
Maybe that reflects my own high school days, but I was particularly drawn to nerds. The loud voice Alexis Morera is as the mean but vulnerable Janice. And in particular, Kabir Gandy is the leader who has become obsessed with the douche-like raps of the math club.
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The show isn’t particularly layered, but it could be permissible to watch all the stories between high school and today’s political situation. Self-proclaimed popular people will create rules to suit themselves and bully or pardon “unpopular” to keep “unpopular” on top.
But “Mean Girls” does an amazing job of conveying the message that women have more power than they think. Based on the audience’s whooping cough, I think the message was well received – the crowd was so much fun.
Smart Gestures Outside the Theatre: In the lobby, the patrons were encouraged to fill out the cards with a simple positive message, “See you look good today” and “Thank you for what you do.” A drop of world kindness that means too often.
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“Mean Girls”
Length: 2:35, with breaks included: Dr. Walt Disney Theatre for Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Avenue in Orlando. 1 & 6:30 pm March 30th Cost: $55 or more Information: drphillipscenter.org
Going to laugh (and snacks) at One Wild Garden Party
Original issue: March 29, 2025 5am Edit
