Get in, everybody; we’re going to the theatre, and it’s gonna be so fetch! Consider this your personal invitation from Queen Bee Regina George, the Broadway Players and the music department of Fairfield High School to attend Mean Girls High School Version in the FHS auditorium. Performances will be April 26 and 27 at 7:30 PM and April 29 at 2:00 PM. General Admission is $10 or $8 with an FCSD activity card.
Adapted from the hit Paramount Pictures 2004 film of the same name, the Broadway run of Mean Girls was nominated for 12 Tony Awards. The fiercely hilarious musical is from book writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt). The plot explores how easy it is for teens to lose sight of their personal identity and morals when faced with bullying, peer pressure, and a desperate need to fit in.
Cady Heron (Allison Hunger), homeschooled on an African savanna, is a naive newcomer to suburban Chicago. Damian (Connor Hawkins) and Janis (Ella Holderbaum) befriend and mentor Cady, helping her to survive the wild society of her bewildering new home. North Shore High School is dominated by The Plastics, a trio of predatory frenemies, led by the charming but ruthless Regina George (Evie Messer). Gretchen Wieners (Nicole Hunger) and Karen Smith (Manon Kermott) are her devoted minions. The first song of the show describes Cady’s story as a “cautionary tale” because Cady makes a series of poor decisions while under the influence of her peers, and soon learns that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.
Cady’s crush, who happens to be Regina’s ex, Aaron Samuels is played by R. Brock Curtis. The rest of the supporting cast is rounded out by actors often playing multiple characters, and everyone sings and dances in the teen ensemble. Marcus Trent is Principal Duvall, Glenn Cocco, and Lil Bibbly Lee. Bailey Belzer portrays Ms. Norbury, Taylor Wedell, and is a featured dancer, David Creer is Kevin G, Mady Smithburg plays Mrs. George, French Teacher, Grace A, and Tristen Garretson portrays Coach Carr, Shane Oman, and the MaryMount Captain.
Additional members of the cast include Aurora Anderson (Rachel Hamilton), Paige Bisgard, Josua Carlson (Mr. Heron, Tyler K), Alexis Eisenbraun (Mrs Heron; Mathlete Moderator), Mia Gates (Caitlyn Caussin), Jay Hames (Dawn Sweitzer, teary girl), Valerie Hernandez (Lizzie Therman; Caroline K), Ethan Hsia (Jason W; Martin J), Meara Malloy (Sonja Acquino), Kam/Kyra Mellott (Mr. Buck, MaryMount 3), and Marleigh Waugh (Sophie K),.
Sets, costumes, sound, lights, and props are coming to life with the work of student crew members: Ronan Daniels, Aja Dorothy, Colton Jennings, Olivia Kensel, Rorey Krause, Stormy Lint, Charlie McKerley, Kam/Kyra Mellott, S Poletti, Tristyn Sheehan, Moon Sutherland, Faye Tonelli, Cameron Rose-McBride, and Pearl Winheim.
Adult Production Staff includes: Noel Wotherspoon (Director / Choreographer), Zach Reiter (Music Director), Tyler Nunziato (Orchestra Conductor), Meshari Alnouri (Technical Director), and Betsie Wotherspoon (Costume Mistress).
The show is accompanied by a live pit orchestra composed of FHS students and community members Diane Bekel, Jim DePriest, Jim Edgeton, Leanne Edgeton,Teague Hannes, Fred Hucke, Betty Mayer, Mindy Phomvisay, Zach Reiter, Christian Rasmussen, and Jim Wotherspoon.
CONTENT WARNINGS:
Music Theatre International rates this show PG-13. Viewer discretion is advised concerning the attendance of younger than 13 year old audience members.
Mean Girls High School Version includes the option of some approved content changes to the original script, and FHS’s production will use all of those changes. PG-13 content is not glorified in the show or portrayed in a gratuitous manner. They serve the story as realistic depictions of the peer pressure and dangers all high school students encounter. All PG-13 content has been handled with great sensitivity and care, and these elements are being downplayed whenever possible while still maintaining the integrity of the plot.
PERFORMANCE DATES:
Friday, April 26th and Saturday, April 27th at 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 28th at 2:00 PM
TICKET INFORMATION:
All tickets are General Admission/Seating;
Price - $10, $8 with FCSD Activity Pass
Advanced tickets will be available for purchase in the FHS Main Office during school hours starting Friday, April 19th
**Box Office will open 45 minutes prior to performance and house will open 30 minutes prior.**
Mean Girls High School Version is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com