Can a teen version of ‘Mean Girls’ rival a Broadway national tour in terms of enjoyment? With Children’s Musical Theaterworks, the answer is yes
Update: I saw the Heron cast perform Saturday afternoon. I’ve added some thoughts below.
By Donald Munro
I’ve seen “Mean Girls” so many times in the past year that I could understudy Principal Duvall.
The tally includes: the original movie (in preparation for the “Mean Girls” onslaught to come); the stage version of the Broadway musical adaptation of the movie (high-school edition) at Selma Arts Center featuring a teen cast; the feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical in a local theater starring Tina Fey (and, please, let us pause to hum a few bars of “I’d Rather Be Me” and genuflect to the brisk awesomeness of one of our high priestesses of comedy); the national touring production of the Broadway musical at the Saroyan Theatre; watching the musical movie again on an airplane; and, most recently, the Children’s Musical Theaterworks production of the high school version on Sunday at the Fresno Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
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Call me crazy, call me obsessed, but here is the truth, starker than the screeching yellow school bus that plows down Regina George:
I loved the CMT version so much I’m going to see it again this weekend with a different set of young actors playing the leads. (I saw the George cast. Now I’ll see the Heron cast.)
Yes. I am a glutton.
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I felt much of the same, giddy satisfaction seeing the recent Selma Arts Center version. Which makes me realize: “Mean Girls” works better when you have real teenagers playing the roles (even the adults).
I often feel this way when watching Hollywood and Broadway versions of teen stories, with 20-somethings and even 30-somethings trying to play 16- and 17-year-olds. (Ben Platt, anyone?)
But perhaps because “Mean Girls” is so, well, mean, having age-appropriate actors in the roles softens the caustic edges. On Broadway, Barrett Wilbert Weed, who originated the role of Janis, was in her early 30s, and, I’m sorry, you just get a different vibe from that kind of performance.
The age of the performers isn’t the only reason that I like CMT’s version so much, however. Director Josh Montgomery has put together an assured, smart, buoyant production that gives the national tour (which is still fresh in my mind) a run for its money.
Longtime readers of these pixels know that I don’t “review” CMT shows in the traditional sense because these are young actors in a learning environment. But I do weigh in when I really like certain aspects of a show. My shout outs include:
The vocals. (Shannah Estep is vocal coach.) Zelia Ankrum, as Cady, and Ren Baker, as Regina, belted it to the balcony. (Yes, there still is a balcony in the Memorial Auditorium if you look closely.) Nina Munoz, as Gretchen, was stellar in the plaintive “What’s Wrong With Me.” As the rebellious Janis, Dani George fired it up with a raucous “I’d Rather Be Me.” The fourth member of the MG quartet, Olivia Munson (as Karen), scored with expert comic timing and a strong voice as well.
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The choreography and costumes. Often the weakest link in a teen production, the dancing in this show is very strong, thanks to Montgomery’s exacting standards. Kirsten Peters McGrath’s costume design is a combination of sparkle and authentic teen garb.
The visual effects. It’s no surprise that Dan Aldape’s lighting is pitch-perfect for the material – lots of pink! – given his CMT track record. Elevating the show even more is the way the lighting integrates with the projections (rented from another company). It’s taken a while for technological advances on Broadway to filter down to the community and youth theater level, but this one really explodes visually. (It reminds me of when I first saw “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” on Broadway.) Clever designers (like Peters McGrath, who also did the sets) can really shine on the local level.
The ensemble: The talent runs deep in this production, with many of the supporting players just as vivid as the leads. One standout in a small role is Justice (who goes by just one name), who is one of the show’s strongest dancers and just exudes stage charisma every chance he gets.
Finally: Aiden Flores, who attends Central East High School, excels in the co-narrator role of Damian. He’s got it all: the voice, the dance moves, the killer smile. He plays Damian for all four of the remaining performances this weekend, so you can’t miss him.
Update: It was great fun to settle back and watch the production a second time in less than a week with a different group of leading actors. I came away with an even greater appreciation for Montgomery’s direction and all the work of the creative team. (Along with his lighting prowess, Dan Aldape’s sound design is excellent.) The experience showed me that the talent pool at CMT is very, very deep, from the plucky acting/singing of Alexis Shelton as Cady to the vocal power of the Mean Girls trio (Londyn Lacy, Kelsie Oba-Spence and Emma Monson). Furthermore, a shout out to Antonio Quinonez as the dapper Kevin G, an ensemble nod to Arty Nevarez, and applause for Audrey Allen and Katie Bishop for handling the women’s adult roles for both casts. And, special recognition to Vega Ankrum for an outstanding Janis. I’m still humming “I’d Rather Be Me.” Thanks, all, for a “Mean Girls” for the ages!
“Mean Girls” will be performed 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 19 (George cast), 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20 (Heron cast), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20 (George cast) and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21 (Heron cast), Fresno Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are available here.
