Tina Fey, of “SNL” fame, can do no wrong. She’s a comedy writer and a TV and movie actress. Now she has adapted her 2004 cult movie "Mean Girls" into a rollicking musical, one that been nominated for several Broadway awards. High school was always a challenge, but it's even harder for Cady (Erika Henningsen) who has come from Kenya where she was homeschooled. Cady goes from a jungle of wild animals to a school of human animals whose pack is led and ruled by Regina George. An Alpha animal, Regina is gorgeous and imperious with two loyal followers. She sets arbitrary rules (“Sweat pants only on Fridays, ponytails only once a week”). She’s a wonderfully drawn character, played well by Taylor Louderman, who is arrogant, bossy, and funny as Regina: “being mean is easier than being nice.” Her friends include Karen (Kate Lockport) playing the dumb blonde to the nth degree. Her blank stare and perfect looks are hysterical, adorable with a stone expression. Ashley Park is Gretchen, the anxious insecure one, who even in her pain, is endearing. Together the three comprise “the Plastics.” Cady is befriended by two misfits, Damian (Grey Henson), an artsy young man who uses theater references, and Janis (Barett Wilbert Weed), an angry feminist-type. Weed has a powerful voice and a steely demeanor and Henson is a talented comedian and a good singer. They also give Cady the low-down on the students, especially Regina. When the “Plastics” invite her to their table, Damian and Janis convince her to go and spy so they can bring Regina down. Fey’s messages are obvious. Damian and Janis sing to us about a “cautionary tale.” Girls shouldn't treat one another like enemies and certainly shouldn't "dumb" down. Besides being entertaining, Fey uses the musical as instructive for young women. One way they get back at Regina is to play on her insecurities about her body and weight. They trick the svelte Regina into eating high calorie bars that she thinks will help her lose weight. As time goes by, Cady becomes like the girls she hates. In a triple role, the seasoned Kerry Butler plays Regina’s “cool” mother, Cady’s mother, and the teacher Ms. Norbury. She adds bursts of humor to all three. The musical has updated the film to include technology, cell phones, and twitter. And lest we forget that Fey is a former Weekend Update anchor, the show adds a few pointed political barbs about twitter and politics. Mean Girls boasts a super cast of young people, though all are in their 20’s and 30’s. Director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw has created some creative innovative dance routines, some using cafeteria trays. The Halloween scene has terrific dancing and wonderfully original costumes by Gregg Barnes. One of this season’s new musicals and certainly one of the best, Mean Girls is like a guilty pleasure. It gives you the chance to return to high school (even when you said you never would) to see the popular girl get hers.
