News release
West Ranch Theatre is scheduled May 7-9 to present “Mean Girls High School Edition,” the musical version of the hit 2004 movie that portrayed the wild and vicious nature of the suburban high school social scene.
“When Cady Heron moves into town, straight from a sheltered life on the African savanna, she must learn to navigate new camaraderie, crushes and cruelty,” says a news release from the high school theater group. “The latter is exemplified by Regina George, the most popular girl in school who rules her social clique with an iron fist.”
The musical production is narrated by Cady’s other new friends, Janis and Damian, who encourage Cady to infiltrate Regina’s group. But, things go decidedly awry, with life-changing consequences.
“I do think the show reflects many real aspects of the high school experience,” Daniela Dolan, who plays Cady, said in the release. “While it’s definitely heightened for humor and entertainment, the themes of friendship, peer pressure and finding your identity are very real.”
West Ranch Theatre Director Jarod Spradling said in the release that the show is intended for audiences 14 years old and up, due to mature language and sensitive content. But, for those teenage viewers, the bullying and other difficult situations in the show could promote worthwhile discussions with their parents.
“Mean Girls” was written by Tina Fey, with songs composed by Jeff Richmond and lyrics by Nell Benjamin.
“Tina Fey does a great job of balancing the humor in the challenges of navigating life as a teenager in today’s high school structure,” Spradling added.
Besides featuring lots of song and dance, Spradling said the production will make use of a physical, static set, along with an LED wall for projecting digital images. The character Janis is an artist, and she will tell parts of the story through her art, created by two of Spradling’s students.
Gabby Anis, who plays Regina George, said that audiences will appreciate the show’s fun, pop music and its message of treating people with kindness.
“Everyone can have a mean side and a mean streak, because not only is Regina mean, but you see little speckles of mean in everyone else, like Janis and Cady, when she’s plotting against Regina,” Anis said in the release. “Everybody can be a mean girl. But you should try not to be, and try to treat everyone with kindness.”
Anis and Dolan both said they’ve greatly enjoyed bringing life to their characters.
“She’s such a dynamic and relatable character because, at her core, she’s just searching for acceptance and belonging,” Dolan said of Cady. “While she sometimes gets caught up with the wrong crowd, her journey is ultimately about growth and self-discovery, which has been incredibly rewarding to bring to life on stage.”
Tickets are available at the door for $12 general admission, $10 seniors/veterans. Or, tickets can be purchased online prior to the day of show, with a $2 discount, at www.westranchtheatre.com. Showtimes are 7 p.m. May 7, 8 and 9, with a 2 p.m. understudy performance on Saturday, May 9, at the West Ranch High Auditorium, 26255 Valencia Blvd.
