The perils of being popular are showcased in the pink, pop-filled musical Mean Girls now onstage at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia through Dec. 1. The stage show is based on the hit 2004 movie of the same name written by and starring Upper Darby’s own Tina Fey.
This national tour, the show's first since debuting on Broadway just two years ago, features Philadelphia native Mary Kate Morrissey who plays Janis Sarkisian. Morrissey attended Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown and was a member of the Philadelphia All-Catholic Chorus and was a former Kimmel Center programming intern. Her family has resided in South Philly and Upper Darby, and now live primarily in Downingtown.
The much-loved movie, which starred a teenage Lindsey Lohan, matches the musical with a few updates and tweeks. Cady Heron (Danielle Wade) is a teenager growing up on an African savanna but is challenged by the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home in Illinois. She is immediately introduced to the different cliques of the school and takes on The Plastics, a trio of frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George (Mariah Rose Faith). Cady then devises a plan, with her new friends Damian (Eric Huffman) and Janis, to end Regina’s reign.
To the audience's delight, the musical faithfully retains many of the movie's famous one-liners such as "fetch," "you go Glen Coco" and "you can't sit with us!" Fifteen years since the movie hit the big screens, the musical's updated pop-cultural references to social media are a nice touch and aren’t overused.
As part of a cutting edge musical with quick scene changes, projections on moving cubes make up the bulk of the set pieces. Doorways appear and scenes can change in an instant to mimic the pace of a busy high school day. Not only do the projections provide location but they are now a full part of the narrative. Jokes such as store names in a mall (1-3-5 instead of 5-7-9 or Suburban Outfitters) invite the audience's eye to wander during a dance break or pause.
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| Danielle Wade (Cady), Megan Masako Haley (Gretchen), Mariah Rose Faith (Regina) and Jonalyn Saxer (Karen Smith) in "Mean Girls." Photo by Joan Marcus. |
The much-loved movie, which starred a teenage Lindsey Lohan, matches the musical with a few updates and tweeks. Cady Heron (Danielle Wade) is a teenager growing up on an African savanna but is challenged by the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home in Illinois. She is immediately introduced to the different cliques of the school and takes on The Plastics, a trio of frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George (Mariah Rose Faith). Cady then devises a plan, with her new friends Damian (Eric Huffman) and Janis, to end Regina’s reign.
To the audience's delight, the musical faithfully retains many of the movie's famous one-liners such as "fetch," "you go Glen Coco" and "you can't sit with us!" Fifteen years since the movie hit the big screens, the musical's updated pop-cultural references to social media are a nice touch and aren’t overused.
As part of a cutting edge musical with quick scene changes, projections on moving cubes make up the bulk of the set pieces. Doorways appear and scenes can change in an instant to mimic the pace of a busy high school day. Not only do the projections provide location but they are now a full part of the narrative. Jokes such as store names in a mall (1-3-5 instead of 5-7-9 or Suburban Outfitters) invite the audience's eye to wander during a dance break or pause.
The high school experience becomes immersive as lunch trays take the place of tambourines during a dance break, school desks turn with class changes and even locker and bathroom stall doors as set pieces.
This season, the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus is pairing its 2019-20 Broadway shows with charities and "Mean Girls’" charity partner is Susan G. Komen Philadelphia. Use code PINK and $1 from every "Mean Girls" ticket sold with the code will be donated to Susan G. Komen Philadelphia.
If you go: "Mean Girls" plays through Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia. For tickets call 215-893-1999 or online. The musical is recommended for ages 12 and older.
This season, the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus is pairing its 2019-20 Broadway shows with charities and "Mean Girls’" charity partner is Susan G. Komen Philadelphia. Use code PINK and $1 from every "Mean Girls" ticket sold with the code will be donated to Susan G. Komen Philadelphia.
If you go: "Mean Girls" plays through Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia. For tickets call 215-893-1999 or online. The musical is recommended for ages 12 and older.
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