Coming soon to the Caplin Theater is Sidwell’s production of “Mean Girls.” A week before Spring Break, Sidwell students will be performing a high school version of Tina Fey’s groundbreaking movie-turned-musical, all of which was originally based on a book.
The movie, which was released in 2004, tells the story of Cady Heron, a teenage girl who was homeschooled in Africa until she and her family moved back to the US. The plot follows Cady through the challenges of high school as she struggles to fit in amongst the cliques and cruelty of teenage girls. Based on the book “Queen Bees and Wannabes” by Rosalind Wiseman, the story dramatizes the social struggles high school girls might face.
An immediate hit, the original movie was one of the most impactful movies on pop culture from the early 2000s, called a “cultural phenomenon” by The New York Times. This January, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the original, a modernized reboot of the film was released. Although not as successful, the new movie featured an updated, modern perspective on the challenges of high school by incorporating social media and current trends.
Rehearsals for the production are already well underway, with almost 70 students involved in the cast and crew.
When announcing the spring musical, theater director Sentell Harper dubbed this choice “absolutely relevant.” Senior Theo Austell, who will play Damian, summed up this continued relevance, stating that “the musical is important because it is commentary on high school dynamics overall — even at a place like Sidwell, there are people who aren’t kind… exposing it [through the musical] reduces it.”
As Austell said, the hierarchies and competition depicted in “Mean Girls” still exist in high schools today, 20 years after the original movie was released. Known for a number of iconic lines, its lessons and themes have stuck around for two decades.
Sophomore Sophie Ochiai, a member of the ensemble, believes that “the fact that there’s a movie being made about it at the moment highlights how even today there’s a problem about bullying… our musical shows there’s a way to work harder and be more inclusive of all people.”
Senior Theo Austell, who will play Damian, summed up this continued relevance, stating that “the musical is important because it is commentary on high school dynamics overall — even at a place like Sidwell, there are people who aren’t kind… exposing it [through the musical] reduces it.”
Sophomore Sophia Toukan, who plays Sophie K. and is the understudy for Janis, added that “‘Mean Girls’ specifically also really highlights the sexism teenage girls face in our society, and the pressure to be both physically and inwardly ‘perfect.’”
Junior Sadie Lachman, who plays Martin and is the understudy for Kevin G, commented on the lessons in friendship that the musical offers. “It is important to show how people can make mistakes, and it’s okay to move on. It also demonstrates how it is important to surround yourself with people who support you, rather than who bring you down,” Lachman said.
At its core, “Mean Girls” is a comedy, despite its highly relevant and insightful nature. A combination of high school awkwardness and very strong characters blend together to create a painfully accurate and comedic depiction of high school life.
Freshman John Thomas, who plays Tyler K., thinks the story is the perfect combination of impactful and lighthearted. “[The show] brings up some important topics that we should be talking about in school, and it’s a good way to talk about those topics in a humorous way,” he says. Seeing personal experiences mirrored in the show can be a way for students to find humor in and solutions to their own high school struggles.
Additionally, the annual Spring Musical provides an opportunity for students to form new connections with their peers.
Toukan highlights the role theater plays in building community: “The theater community really strengthens friendships, especially across grade levels since it’s a time to get to know someone you might not have classes with,” said Toukan.
“Mean Girls” opens on March 15 and runs through March 17 in the Caplin Theater. Tickets are free for students and faculty, and $10 for other guests.
