Posts with the label Mean Girls
Showing posts with label Mean Girls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mean Girls. Show all posts
Thursday, 11 July 2024
Mean Girls the Musical: A Fetch-Tacular West End Debut You Can't Miss | REVIEW
Mean Girls
Savoy Theatre
Mean Girls in the West End? That's fetch!
After much anticipation, Mean Girls the Musical has sashayed its way onto the West End stage, and it’s nothing short of a fetch-tacular extravaganza! Adapted from the iconic 2004 film penned by Tina Fey, this musical first dazzled Broadway audiences in 2018 and has now graced London with its fabulous presence, bringing all the drama, comedy, and high school hierarchies across the pond.
I first saw and reviewed Mean Girls at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway in 2018, and I was blown away by the sharp wit, vibrant performances, and infectious energy. Seeing it again on the West End feels like a fabulous homecoming for this beloved show, and I can confidently say that it has lost none of its sparkle and charm in the transition.
For the uninitiated, Mean Girls follows the journey of Cady Heron (played with charm and sincerity by the supremely talented Charlie Burn), a previously homeschooled teenager who moves to the American suburbs from Africa. Navigating the treacherous waters of North Shore High School, she encounters the Plastics, led by the fabulously tyrannical Regina George (Georgina Castle), with her loyal sidekicks Gretchen Wieners (Elèna Gyasi) and Karen Smith (Grace Mouat). With the guidance of her quirky friends Janis Sarkisian (at this performance played by Baylie Carson) and Damian Hubbard (Tom Xander), Cady embarks on a mission to take down Regina, only to find herself transforming into the very thing she swore to destroy.
This vibrant production boasts an amazing cast, blending West End veterans with exciting new talents who are firmly cementing themselves as stars. Aaron Samuels (Daniel Bravo) steals hearts, while Ms Norbury, Ms Heron & Mrs George (Zöe Rainey) bring a delightful double dose of adult hilarity and warmth.
The performances are unanimously nothing short of wonderful. Each actor brings their unique flair, contributing to the high-energy, electrifying atmosphere that permeates the entire show and theatre. The ensemble, in particular, is incredible, delivering dance numbers with precision and enthusiasm that leaps from the stage and feels so exciting to watch. The performances are so captivating that I find myself wanting to return to the show again and again, just to focus on a different performer each time and appreciate their individual contributions to this vibrant production. Charlie Burn is infectiously charming as Cady and provides faultless, pin precise vocals to match. The commanding presence of Georgina Castle as she floats above it all as Regina George is all you could ask for from someone playing this iconic role, plus, Georgina absolutely provides a top theatre moment of the year with her rendition of World Burn. Elèna Gyasi is heartbreakingly desperate to fit in and does so in such a fun but still heartbreaking way, whilst Grace Mouat's Karen is just happy to be there. Grace's performance is laugh out loud funny and I loved her act two song 'I'm Blowing Up' which has been reworked and added back into the show to great effect. Baylie Carson and Tom Xander are the perfect double act as Janis and Damian, again bringing huge doses of humour as well as some of the strongest vocals in the musical. I also loved Lucca Chadwick-Patel as mathlete Kevin Ganatra and Daniel Bravo who brought a real sincerity to Aaron Samuels. I could go on all day about the cast because they're really all fantastic and as I say, every new visit is sure to offer a new layer of enjoyment and discovery, maybe Cady is right and the limit does not exist for how many times you could watch this show!
One of the standout features of this production is designer Scott Pask's ingenious use of screens and projections, which not only bring the hallways of North Shore High to life but also add an immersive, almost cinematic quality to the musical. This dynamic visual approach enhances the storytelling, making scenes pop with vibrancy and energy and allowing for a number of locations without the hassle of in depth scene changes, something which really allows the show to flow and maintain pace.
The West End production has seen some exciting changes from its Broadway counterpart. The creative team, led by director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw, has refined certain scenes and musical numbers to better suit the London audience. There are subtle changes in the dialogue and some new staging that add fresh layers to the beloved story, keeping it as sharp and hilarious as ever. Additionally, the musical's score has been tweaked slightly to enhance its already catchy and memorable tunes.
Let’s be real—Mean Girls the Musical may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re not a fan of cheesy, over-the-top musicals, this might not be your thing. But for those who revel in fun, camp, and excellently performed music wrapped in a big pink bow, this show is pure joy. The musical numbers are infectious, with standout hits like 'Apex Predator', 'Revenge Party', and the empowering 'I’d Rather Be Me', each performed with gusto and flair by the cast.
The show captures the spirit of the original film while adding layers of depth through its songs and performances. It’s a fun, carefree romp that’s perfect for a night out with friends, a date night, or even a solo adventure to bask in its joyous glow. From the moment the curtain rises to the final bow, the audience is taken on a rollercoaster of laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments.
Mean Girls in the West End is a pink-tinted, fabulously fun, spectacle that shouldn’t be missed- grab your tickets now and join the party at North Shore High!
★★★★★
Reviewed on Wednesday 10th July 2024 by Olivia Mitchell
Photo Credit: Brinkhoff / Moegenburg
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Wednesday, 3 October 2018
Mean Girls, August Wilson Theatre | Review
Mean Girls
August Wilson Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 19th September by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
It lives up to the hype. It truly lives up to the hype.
Mean Girls follows Cady Heron, who moves from the wilds of Africa to the wilds of suburban America, where instead of facing lions, malnutrition and loneliness, she faces boy drama, social issues and the struggle to stay true to herself. Shortly after joining North Shore High School, Cady is shown the various cliques that inhibit the halls. When the most popular girls at school, The Plastics, invite her to join their group, her real friends see it as a perfect way for her to go undercover and infiltrate the cool kids who rule the school.
The musical is based on the 2004 movie of the same name, written by Tina Fey who adapted her own work from screen to stage. The music is by composer of various television songs and Tina's husband, Jeff Richmond, lyrics are by Nell Benjamin who also wrote for other hit screen to stage musical, Legally Blonde. This is a super high energy musical which is perfect for all audience types (although perhaps a little mature for younger children).
There are mixtures of sounds and styles which makes this musical feel very fresh in the current theatre climate. There's pop, contemporary musical theatre, soft-rock, classic musical theatre and so much more which brings the show right up to date and keeps the audience on their toes. Each character has it's own musical feel which fits perfectly; Regina for example has slow, drawn out music which keeps us all in her web of power, whilst Gretchen has to sing everything quickly so as not to be cut off by Regina and Cady's songs are all very Disney-esque and flouncy. The songs of Mean Girls are sure to become regulars in rep folders, karaoke essentials and just earworms in general.
Ashley Park as Gretchen Wieners is so solid and provides a masterclass in committing to your character and putting the work in to make you believe every moment. She is hilarious and vocally stunning as Gretchen but the way she embodies the character is truly what makes the performance special. Kate Rockwell is dippy to perfection as the iconic Karen Smith and she really shines during Sexy which has the audience howling. Jennifer Simard is hilarious and versatile as Mrs Heron/Ms Norbury/Mrs George. Her voice is outstanding and she again brings the memorable moments of the film to life but puts her own spin on them.
At this performance, Cady Heron was played by understudy, Becca Petersen who is wonderful in the role both vocally and acting wise. Compared to the film, I felt much more sympathy for Cady and due to her kindness and innocence, found her a much more likeable character. Her being drawn to the allure of popularity feels natural although we still see the awful way she abandons her true friends.
Barrett Wilbert Weed as Janis is outstanding. From the first moment of Cautionary Tale she is completely natural in the role and it feels as though the real Janis has been plucked out of Illinois and placed on the August Wilson stage. Her best friend, partner is crime, Damien is played superbly by Grey Henson who is comedy on feet and it feels as though it was written in the stars that he would play the role.
The stand out of the show has to be Taylor Louderman who is everything and more as the head Plastic, Regina George. Her voice soars so effortlessly that it's like she's being auto-tuned in front of our eyes. Again, the way Taylor embodies Regina is mesmerising to watch and she is so spot on with every aspect of her performance. Someone Gets Hurt and World Burn are two of the best theatrical moments I've ever experienced.
Technically this show is sensational. The sets by Scott Pask are super simplistic but work well in a jenga-like way to transport us to the few locations of the show; with the screens not only bringing the show into the digital age, but providing constant stimulation for the audience. Modernity is also brought through Gregg Barnes' costumes which are intimately thought out. The Plastics of course, are dressed like they're constantly at an afternoon tea but the rest of the cast look like real, current students. So often with shows set in High Schools, the costumes are unrealistic or even outdated; the playbill states the the show takes place in "The Present" so it will be interesting to see whether the costumes change over time to fit with trends or whether the show becomes synonymous with 2018. Small details such as the theatre 'geeks' wearing actual show merch and Janis letting her hair grow out (perhaps symbolising her desire to avoid conformity), make the show feel truthful and grounded.
Tina Fey's book brings all our favourite moments from the Mean Girls film to life but the addition of new witty one liners and more character development means nothing feels recycled. Mean Girls is fresh and funny as well as having a strong moral heart which highlights bullying and acceptance. If you want a grool night out, get yourself along to the August Wilson theatre... and for us in the UK, lets start a stagey prayer circle for a West End transfer!
photo credit: Joan Marcus
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