‘Mean Girls’ interview: Aiden Flores makes a mark in a standout performance in Children’s Musical Theaterworks production
By Donald Munro
One of the high points of the new Children’s Musical Theaterworks production of “Mean Girls: High School Version” is a rousing number at the top of the second act titled “Stop!” It’s a standout moment for the character of Damian, one of the show’s two co-narrators. Not only does it impart important plot stuff about the transformation of the show’s protagonist, Cady, as she shifts from immensely likable new kid to power-crazed meanie, it’s also a chance to enjoy the acting, singing and dancing chops of the actor playing Damian.
Pictured above: Aiden Flores, right, plays Damian in ‘Mean Girls.’ Photo: Children’s Musical Theaterworks
And, man, does he deliver. Aiden Flores, a 17-year-old student at Central East High School, ends the number with the sort of smile that says: Yeah, I just conquered my little corner of the stage.
If you’re a “Mean Girls” fan, you might have already seen Flores play Damian. He tackled the role in the October production (also the high school version) at Selma Arts Center.
I caught up with him via email to ask a few questions about his audience-pleasing performance.
Q: You play Damien in both casts of “Mean Girls,” and while the other leads alternate and get a chance for a break between starring moments, you don’t. As we head into the second weekend, how are you holding up?
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A: I’m holding up very well. I was able to get plenty of rest during the break between shows. I’m feeling energized and excited to be back on stage performing with the cast and crew. Doing this show with such an amazing group of people makes it easier to get through back to back performances, and even though I don’t get a break, I’m grateful to have been placed in both casts.
Q: After playing Damien in the Selma Arts Center production, you turned around and auditioned for CMT. What made you want to come back for more?
A: “Mean Girls” is one of my favorite musicals and I had such an amazing time when I performed it at the Selma Arts Center. Everything from the iconic scenes and lines to the addictive songs makes the musical a standout for me. When I saw that CMT would be doing the show, I wasn’t entirely sure if I was going to audition. After thinking things through, I decided to take the opportunity and go for it. I was lucky to have been cast as Damian again with CMT. I enjoyed bringing him to life and playing him before, so getting to reprise the character has been exciting for me.
Related story: 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
Q: Your big number in the show is titled “Stop!” Tell us about that song and what it tells us about the arc of the show.
A: The song “Stop” opens up the second act of the show. It’s Damian’s advice and attempt to knock sense into Cady after there’s been a negative shift in her attitude and behavior toward her friends. His message to her is that she shouldn’t be consumed with this new identity and lifestyle and that she should stop making decisions based on her emotions. The song and scene spark up the downfall of Cady’s friendship with Janis and Damian. We see the different person Cady has become after dethroning and replacing Regina George.
Q: How did you research and prepare for the role of Damian?
A: Some ways that I’ve researched and prepared for playing Damian is by analyzing the different interpretations of the character. Each way that he’s been portrayed has been different, from the original 2004 film to the broadway show’s version to the 2024 musical movie adaptation, Damian has different variations. I like to draw inspiration from each actor’s take, put my own twist on it and build the character from there. I am a very eccentric and humorous person, so I channel some of my personal energy into my portrayal as well.
Q: What is one thing you’ve learned about life by being in “Mean Girls”?
A: I’ve learned it’s important to stay true to yourself and to not believe the lie that you have to be liked by everyone. Your true friends will support and accept you for the person you are and shouldn’t expect you to change or act a certain way.
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Q: High school can be tough. We all know that “Mean Girls” is an exaggeration. When you think about your own school, how much truth is there in the theory of high school as a jungle with an all-powerful apex predator at the top of the food chain?
A: I feel there’s some truth to it, but at the same time it’s inaccurate. There are definitely the “popular” groups or people who are well known that everyone talks about throughout the school. Cliques and people like this always exist. That can be a negative, positive or even a neutral thing, it just depends on the energy they give, and what type of person they are. From personal experience, I feel most people keep to themselves in high school and don’t care much about what other people do. Everyone has their group of friends that they stick with and it’s that way with most students. Obviously, there are social hierarchies, but it’s not as dramatic as portrayed in “Mean Girls”.
Q: Speaking of which, if you could be any animal in the jungle, what would it be?
A: I think I’d want to be a parrot. They’re a really pretty bird and they seem to have it easy too!
Q: What are your own plans after high school? Have you been bitten by the acting bug?
A: I’m planning on attending college, but I’m not sure where yet. I’ve been looking into different schools and their theater programs because it’s something I want to continue. I have so much to learn and I’d love to pursue a career in theater and acting. So yes- you can definitely say I’ve been bitten by the acting bug, but to be honest, that probably happened back in elementary school when I was in my first show — “Beauty and The Beast.”
Q: Anything else you’d like to say?
A: This show is as amazing as it because we have so many talented and gifted people. Everyone always puts their all into the production and it doesn’t go unnoticed. I feel grateful to be a part of this team.
“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.
