Our indefatigable theater critic, J. Wynn Rousuck, joins us with her review of Mean Girls, writer-comedian Tina Fey's lively new musical theater adaptation of her hit 2004 movie, now getting its world premiere on the boards at The National Theatre in Washington, D.C., before heading to Broadway.
Like the movie, Mean Girls is a modern parable of human nature and friendship, told through the travails of Cady Heron. She's a sensitive and naive high-schooler who's just moved to Illinois after spending her childhood living in Africa with her zoologist parents. As she struggles to find her place in the social hierarchy, Cady attracts the attention of The Plastics, a trio of popular girls reigned over by the competitive and ruthless Regina George. Cady tires of Regina's cruel and controlling ways and plots to topple her from her throne. But things don't go precisely as planned.
The Broadway-bound show is produced by Lorne Michaels, Stuart Thompson, Sonia Friedman, and Paramount Pictures. The book is by Tina Fey, with music by Fey's husband Jeff Richmond, and lyrics by Nell Benjamin. Mean Girls is directed at The National Theatre by Tony-award winner Casey Nicholaw (Aladdin, The Book of Mormon).
Mean Girls (the musical) continues at The National Theatre DC until Sunday, December 3rd.
