We all know the movie. But do we know the musical?                                                                                       

By Kaela Curtis ’20

In 2004, Tina Fey took the world by storm with her teen comedy turned cult-classic entitled Mean Girls. Since then the movie has become a pop culture phenomenon. Even those who haven’t seen the movie know the references. October 3rd has been dubbed “Mean Girls Day” and of course on Wednesday’s we wear pink. I spent years going against the tide, refusing to watch it, but eventually like most my age I relented. It’s not my favorite movie, but I respect and acknowledge the cultural impact it has had. I now have a better grasp on references and begrudgingly understand why it’s so popular. I thought that was it. But then, a musical was announced making its Broadway debut nearly two years ago.

I first had the privilege of seeing Mean Girls on Broadway with the Original Broadway Cast back in the Fall of 2018 for my sister’s birthday (which just so happens to be on October 3rd, no I’m not kidding). And then yet again at the Durham Performing Arts Center on February 16th of this year. So I thought it was fitting as we approach the 16th anniversary of the movie, to reflect upon how one of the most iconic teen films of the 21st century translates onto the Great White Way.

Now movie to musical adaptations is certainly not new. In fact, many fan-favorite musicals were previously movies (or movie-musicals). Broadway and Box Office hits like Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, Aladdin, Hairspray and The Lion King have all made the transition from the silver screen to the shining stage. But not all adaptations are made equal, and Mean Girls was no exception.

I must admit, I am hard-pressed to find a musical I don’t like. And both times I have seen the stage adaptation of Mean Girls I have truly enjoyed it. As a sucker for set design, I love how Mean Girls utilizes technology and limited set pieces to transform its set from scene to scene quickly and seamlessly. I laughed at most of the jokes and all in all, had a good time. The costumes were simple but efficient and the actors looked like actual teenagers and not overgrown college students. However…it’s time for me to be honest.

It is indeed cringey at times. Some lines were a bit heavy-handed and some songs over-the-top or cliché. The vocals on the cast album are excellent (as are both the Broadway and Touring live performance vocals) but the songs? Not so much.  Despite these issues, it’s Mean Girls! The name recognition and cultural impact alone makes it a hard show to hate. And while it might not be my favorite (or anywhere near that tier) it was fun and funny, and colorful and creative. All the aforementioned qualities make Mean Girls a decent and worthwhile piece of theatre even as it falls just short of finding the perfect formula for a smooth transition to the stage.

So I would say, go see it for yourself! It makes for the great afternoon or evening of theatre, laughter, and music. And while I don’t hold my tongue when it comes to criticism, the next time the tour is in town I will likely go see it yet again. After all, the limit does not exist.

Feature image via Momtrends.