Middle Park High School theater students are in final rehearsals for their fall production of “Mean Girls: High School Version.” Theatergoers can watch the humor and drama unfold at the high school stage from Nov. 9-11, with shows at 7 p.m. each evening.
The musical, adapted from writer Tina Fey’s 2004 film “Mean Girls” and nominated for 12 Tony Awards, tells the story of Cady Heron, who grew up on an African savanna with her biologist parents. When their family moves, Cady is not prepared for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home – suburban Illinois.
This naïve newbie attempts to rise to the top of the popularity pecking order by taking on the Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung.
Sophomore Vallie Mace takes on the lead role of Cady, while the Plastics are played by senior Sophia Gantt (Regina), junior Sabra Forquer (Karen) and sophomore AJ Feacher (Gretchen). Cady’s “starter friends” at her new school – Janis and Damian, who also act as the show’s narrators – are played by senior Abilene Yurich and junior Tyler Maurais. Cady’s new love interest, Aaron, is played by junior Logan Kielley, and her eventual buddy and fellow “Mathlete,” Kevin G., is played by freshman Adrien Brower.
Supporting roles are played by juniors Nathan Chua (Mr. Duvall), Jacki Martinksi (Mrs. Heron/Mrs. George) and sophomore Toby DeLoach (Ms. Norbury). Rounding out the cast in ensemble roles are juniors Keaton Fox, Kaya Hamasaki, Kendi Smith and Gretchen Tracy; sophomores Reese Kervin, Jael Montandon and Baleigh Smith; and seventh grader Ellie Sanders.
Middle Park High School alum Ruthie Everhart leads the tech team, who returned for this show to work as production and stage manager. Tech team members include juniors Kaylee Hoover (lighting director/designer), Bridget Aither (lighting technician/designer) and Jacki Martinski (wardrobe manager); sophomores Colvin Villup (sound director), Vyla Clark (sound technician), Jacob Zeleznikar (set construction lead), Jax Redmond (painter), Calleigh Bobo and Lillian Sloan (stitchers/wardrobe assistants); and freshman Lewis Forquer (tech assistant/spotlight operator). The choreography for this production is by professional actor Jerod Turner.
Tickets for “Mean Girls: High School Version” will be available at the door: adults $10; youth $5; community seniors and East Grand Student District students/staff are free. Audience members should be aware that this production includes mature language and situations.
