“Mean Girls” at the Fox Theatre: A love letter to Tina Fey’s iconic movie
“Mean Girls” on stage is seriously, so fetch. It’s the beloved musical adaption from Tina Fey’s iconic movie of the same name. When news of this musical hit the press, theatre goers and fans of the movie giddily bought tickets to see their favorite characters and quotes come to life, then burst out into song. Trust me, Regina George is made all the more terrifying in the musical. She is still the classic, love to hate villain from the movie. But on stage, when she can belt a song so powerfully about watching the world burn, it gives the audience chills.
“Mean Girls” tells the story of Cady, a homeschooled girl who moved from Africa to suburban Chicago to attend high school. As an outsider, Cady witnesses all the strange and humorous social norms in high school, from lunch table cliques to the universally agreed upon notion that joining the mathleets will lead to social suicide. Just like the movie, the show adaptation is full of humor, wit and honesty that create a relatable narrative to the audience. Because everyone remembers a few of those same characters and cliques being in their graduating class.
Running from July 19 to 24, 2022 at the Fox Theatre, this show is a feast for the senses. The show begins with fan favorites, Janice and Damien, the two social outcast “art freaks” who befriend Cady her first day of school. For fans of the movie, seeing these characters on stage feels familiar yet exciting — especially when these characters begin to harmonize.
This musical is truly a love letter to the movie. Every single iconic quote that’s made its way into a generation’s vernacular is included. From “the limit does not exist” to “Danny DeVito I love your work!” The audience even burst out into applause when Regina’s mom appears onstage with her pink tracksuit and claiming not to be like a regular mom, but a cool mom. The audience even yelled along with the actor playing Damien, “She doesn’t even go here!” If you know, you know.
The show has classic moments of theatre magic, with big belting songs, innovative set designs, a tap number and a highly realistic bodysuit when Regina starts eating a few too many Kälteen Bars. It’s a feast for the senses that leaves audience members humming Janice’s triumphant song, “I’d Rather Be Me” on their drives home.
While this wasn’t my first time seeing this show, it certainly did not disappoint. There’s nothing like seeing a musical adaptation from excellent source material. But it’s made for people who already know and love the movie. Especially looking around before the start of the show, the audience was dominated by women in pink, and the occasional husband or boyfriend dragged along with their partner. It’s made for people who understand the references and the mature content jokes. The people who will bust out laughing when Aaron Samuels asks what day it is. (It’s October Third).
So if you love the movie, you’ll love the musical. It has all the goodness from the movie, just made all the more special with musical theatre. And trust me, you’ll want to sit with them.
