Pictured (L-R): Katie Yeomans (Cady Heron), Kristen Amanda Smith (Gretchen Wieners), Maya Petropoulos (Regina George), and MaryRose Brendel (Karen Smith). Photo by Jeremy Daniel, 2025

Presented by Emerson Colonial Theater
Book by Tina Fey
Music by Jeff Richmond
Lyrics by Nell Bejnamin
Directed by Casey Hushion
Choreographed by John MacInnis

April 29^th – May 4^th, 2025
Emerson Colonial Theater
106 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02116

2 hours 15 minutes with one intermission

Review by Helen Ganley

BOSTON — Cliques endure throughout life, beginning as early as elementary school and continuing into adulthood. You might find them at work, with the crew that always goes to Happy Hour (with no extended invite), among couples who only hang out with other couples, or with PTA Power Parents who plan events without outside input. The most common place to find them, however, is in high school. Emerson Colonial Theater’s production of Mean Girls explores the dangers of cliques while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and kindness throughout life.

Mean Girls: The Musical premiered on October 31, 2017, in Washington, D.C., and opened on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre on April 8, 2018. With a book by Tina Fey, music by Jeff Richmond, and lyrics by Nell Benjamin, the musical earned 12 Tony Award nominations in 2018. Based on the 2004 film (itself inspired by the book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman), the story follows Cady Heron, a homeschooled teen who enters public high school and gets swept into a ruthless clique, learning hard lessons about identity and kindness.

Warbling with a Barbie-esque vibrato is Katie Yeomans as Cady Heron. Yeomans grounds her performance in sincerity, capturing Cady’s journey from naïve innocence to vindictive corruption and, ultimately, to authentic self-realization. Her voice blended seamlessly with José Raúl’s Aaron Samuels in “More is Better.” Raúl’s portrayal of the sympathetic heartthrob added depth to the character, presenting him as an understated new kid himself. Alexys Morera was the show’s standout as Janis Sarkisian. Morera’s powerhouse vocals in “I’d Rather Be Me” incited enthusiastic cheers from the audience, her commanding stage presence intoxicating. Alongside her, Joshua Morrisey played Damian Hubbard, bringing gusto and flamboyance to the stage, though some lines were occasionally mumbled during “Where Do You Belong?”

The Plastics—Maya Petropoulos, Kristen Amanda Smith, and Maryrose Brendel—brought iconic roles to life with their own unique flair. Petropoulos infused Regina George with a brassy affectation, making “World Burn” overtly scary rather than subtly terrifying. Smith’s portrayal of Gretchen Wieners heightened her character’s anxious mania, particularly in her renditions of “What’s Wrong with Me?” Brendel nailed the perfect Karen Smith, moving robotically with a carefree, clear voice. The entire ensemble impressed, with their dance abilities and characterization on full display throughout the production.

The technical aspects of the show were equally exhilarating. Scott Pask’s scenic design transitioned from Kenyan landscapes to high school hallways to all-pink bedrooms. Brian Ronan’s sound design, combined with Kenneth Posner’s lighting, fully immersed the audience in the story. Gregg Barnes’s costumes epitomized the early aughts, while John MacInnis’s intricate choreography captivated with dynamic dances, featuring lunch trays, on-desk percussion, and impressive dancing feats.

Mean Girls brings plenty of laughs, catchy songs, and sharp one-liners, but it also delivers a surprisingly thoughtful message about growing up and finding your place. Fun, fast-paced, and full of energy, it’s perfect for anyone who’s ever survived high school or just loves a good story about friendship, identity, and a bit of chaos. Whether you’re there for the nostalgia or the music, you’ll leave the theater smiling—and probably quoting a line or two.

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