Senior Bailey Abrego delivered an excellent performance as Cady Heron, the awkward new girl turned mean girl who joins ‘The Plastics’. Having been homeschooled her entire life, Cady believed high school would be a fairytale-like place where she would easily fit in. This notion was quickly shattered when she was met with disregard and disgust by other students, as portrayed in the song “It Roars”, sung by Abrego and the ensemble.
“The hardest part about playing Cady is on the outside – all the costume changes,” Abrego said. “In character, it’s probably how she tries to be a mean girl, but she’s not.”
Cady falls for her math classmate Aaron Samuels, played by Sophomore Kuol Dual. She immediately falls head over heels for Aaron, singing “Stupid With Love,” which humorously recounts her past failed relationships while expressing hope that Aaron will be different. However, Cady soon discovers that Aaron is the ex-boyfriend of Regina George, the meanest girl in school.
Junior Kylie Lee played the iconic role of queen bee Regina George, whom Cady reluctantly overthrows to gain popularity.
“She was like my dream role to ever do. So it’s a very exciting experience to be able to play Regina,” Lee said. “She’s just that iconic character you want to be. She’s just that girl.”
The roles of Janice Ian, played by Sophomore Adele Helleksen, and Damian Hubbard, played by Sophomore Connor Hanson, offered a fabulous portrayal of high school students trying to navigate a world where they don’t always fit in. Their comedic timing and sharp delivery earned big laughs from the audience, providing levity to the otherwise deep storyline. Janice and Damian’s experiences resonated with many high school students. Damian, an openly gay student, remains confident in who he is but shows the vulnerability of being torn down in a high school environment, especially when he becomes the only boy included in the infamous ‘Burn Book’. Meanwhile, Janice’s story of betrayal by a supposed best friend mirrors a common high school experience.
“I’ve had a lot of bad friends in the past, and I actually had an experience this year that’s similar to what she went through,” Helleksen said. “So her song about how she’d rather be herself than change to be liked by others really has a deep meaning for me.”
The Plastics—the most popular girls at North Shore High—included Regina George, Karen Smith (played by Junior Mayzie Paulson), and Gretchen Wieners (played by Sophomore Jaelani William). These characters stole the spotlight with their energy and powerful singing. The Plastics perfectly captured their roles, showcasing the distinctive personalities of each character.
Regina George is the most popular girl in school and will do anything to maintain her status, often at the expense of her friends. Despite her tough exterior, Regina’s insecurities make her relatable.
“Sometimes she has those moments where she’s vulnerable but sassy at the same time,” Lee said.
Gretchen Wieners, Regina’s supposed best friend, is a people pleaser who desperately seeks inclusion. Regina often takes advantage of Gretchen’s loyalty.
“I feel like I really connect with her because as a kid I was a people pleaser,” William said. “So getting the chance to play Gretchen, who is very attached to Regina and really wants to please her, is like looking back and wanting to create growth for the character I’m playing.”
Karen Smith, portrayed as ditzy yet sweet, is another lovable character. She tries her best to support Regina and her friends despite being underestimated for her intelligence. She may not be the smartest girl, but she will always have your back; she is a true girl’s girl at heart.
The songs in this musical were incredible. They ranged from deeper introspective pieces to lighthearted and playful numbers, like “Sexy,” performed by Paulson. “Sexy” is a humorous anthem sung during Cady’s Halloween party, celebrating fun and self-expression.
“I have this one part in the musical, and it’s my song called ‘Sexy,’” Paulson said. “It’s a whole Halloween party. I’m really excited to perform that.”
Other songs delved into emotional topics, such as “What’s Wrong With Me?” sung by William, where Gretchen questions her relationships with Regina and Cady. The musical concludes with the heartfelt number “I’d Rather Be Me,” performed by Helleksen and the ensemble. In this empowering song, Janice embraces the idea that it’s better to be authentic rather than conform to peer pressure.
The production of “Mean Girls” was both heartwarming and entertaining. The dedication of the cast, the creativity of director Mary Schoppers, and the contributions of the technical team brought this story to life in an unforgettable way.
“I want to call out Ken Fiscus for being so flexible and constantly adjusting out set to the specific needs of our cast. And Suzanne Mauer, for being a great sound/light tech, but also for being a great sounding board for me in my times of need throughout the process,” Shoppers said. “I also want to thank Allondra Lazaro and Kendal Clarey for being amazing back-stage managers and being so instrumental to making sure backstage set changes went smoothly.”
