Mean Girls the Musical: A cautionary tale that teaches everyone to be fearless

Whether you wear pink on Wednesdays or not, Mean Girls the Musical finds a humorous yet poignant tone to bring those high school insecurities to the stage.

As the curtain rises on Mean Girls the Musical, the audience is warned of the cautionary tale. While some people might instantly get flashbacks to that first day of high school, those relatable moments are what make this musical adaptation of the popular Mean Girls movie lighthearted and hilarious.

Some pop culture phrases are part of the common collective. While everyone heeded the warning not to make “fetch” a thing, the idea of wearing pink on Wednesdays, a Burn Book, and the fear of the Queen Bee brings up instant reactions. In some ways, it can bring even the most successful person back to those uncertain, awkward high school days.

Currently on a national tour, Mean Girls the Musical is a night of theater that is a touch of escapism and a reminder that women need to be nicer to each other. Mixed into the laughter are the moments that people need to think before they speak, consider before they act, and learn to be brave.

Although no one dies, the quiet moments are the ones that have the audience leaning in, on the edge of their seats. Whether it’s the cunning notes announcing Regina George’s arrival or the realization that Cady has become the person she sought to destroy, the nuance plays bigger than the high note. While all the players can belt the impressive, powerful diva moments, the subtle, reflective pieces show the immense talent.

For example, Janis, played by Mary Kate Morrissey, nails the brooding artist looking to cause upheaval at North Shore High School. Her voice is powerful, yet when she sings in “I’d Rather Be Me,” that “cause sometimes what’s meant to break you makes you brave” takes everyone back to that moment of doubt that they can overcome.

At the same time, she can deliver the perfect twist of a phrase or nail the timing on that make-you-laugh line. There is something that brings a touch of vulnerability, even in the biggest belt, that makes this portrayal so relatable.

As Janis’ cohort, Damian, played by Eric Huffman, has the biggest moments of the show. While your best friend might not know how to nail an epic tap number, his performance will make you wish that you took a musical theater class at least once. From a twist of a phrase to a twinkle in his eye, everyone knows that he is just waiting for his time in the spotlight.

In the most endearing role of Karen, Jonalyn Saxer finds a way to make stupid sublime. Sure, Karen is lacking some brain cells, but her rule of two was incredibly insightful. That cautionary tale shows that people shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover.

Of course, everyone waits for the Queen Bee’s arrival. Regina, played by Mariah Rose Faith, has the ominous flare. Even though everyone fears her, they secretly want her approval or to be her. But her vulnerability still comes through. She is flawed, but no one sees it under that plastic veil.

While Janis and Cady want to find a way to bring down that Apex Predator, Regina is her own worst enemy. She fears anyone seeing a crack in her plastic demeanor. Deflection with her biting retorts is her only protection.

In the end, Cady, played by Danielle Wade, has the biggest arc. From the uncertainty of being new to the thrill of being the “it” girl, Wade seamless handles both extremes. Both goofy and glamour or confused and confident, she gives voice to all those parts of a teenager’s life.

Whether the audience has worn their best pink dresses or arrived with their hair in a pony tail, Mean Girls the Musical is an entertaining night of theater. While you can leave the tissues at home, you will have several good laughs along the way.

And, if you are tempted to look back at that high school yearbook the next morning, no one would blame you. Just as the audience is warned, it was a cautionary tale. Being fearless isn’t limited to high school and neither are mean girls. In a world where more people are trying to tear each other down, it might be time for everyone to wear their own piece of the crown.

Mean Girls the Musical is currently playing Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, Florida through March 1. The national tour continues through June 2021.

It is time to banish that Burn Book forever. No one needs to be thirsty for complements when they are confident in themselves.