Mean Girls Reviews
LA Weekly- Highly Recommended
"...The L.A. production features a few tweaks to the story, and some inclusive casting choices that make it feel fresh. Some things have changed since the film came out in 2004– like, there wasn’t even Instagram! But the new production is a self-aware, contemporary take on a movie that skewered herd mentality and self-absorbed youth, even as it celebrated the nubile appeal of its leads and focused more on the humor of their narcissism than the harm. We were all enthralled by girls like these in high school, even if we hated them. Seeing them on screen and now stage, it’s clear nothing much has changed."
Stage and Cinema- Recommended
"...The musical adaptation of the 2004 teen comedy film Mean Girls opened on Broadway in April 2018 and was one of the many victims of the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in an early closure on March 11, 2020. The musical book and the original film are written by veteran comedian Tina Fey (SNL, 30 Rock). Fey’s husband and longtime collaborator Jeff Richmond composed the score with lyrics written by Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde). The National Tour began in Nov 2021 and has just landed in Los Angeles at the Pantages."
Daily Bruin- Recommended
"...The notorious Plastics will be preying on the Hollywood Pantages Theatre stage until Jan. 29. Mirroring the premise of Tina Fey’s 2004 cult classic, “Mean Girls” follows new girl Cady Heron (English Bernhardt) as she goes undercover and climbs to the top of the North Shore High School social chain under the guidance of revenge-fueled Janis (Lindsay Heather Pearce) and Damian (Eric Huffman). Although the stage adaptation freshly resurrected the beloved film with modernized adjustments, the few technical faults scattered throughout made it occasionally difficult to follow along with the premise."
Ticket Holders LA- Highly Recommended
"...Luckily, even without any prior introduction to the movie’s conflicted teenaged protagonist Cady Heron (English Bernhardt) and the clique-heavy high school cabal she tries to infiltrate at any cost upon her move from Kenya to Evanston, Illinois, once the phenomenon of prolonged cheers and applause died down emanating from people to whom these particular actors are totally unknown, the musical version stands up beautifully on its own."
Indulge Magazine- Highly Recommended
"...Only Fey’s comedic geniality can turn serious themes like bullying, peer pressure, insecurity, and the need of love and acceptance into memorable “pearls” like Gretchen’s: “Sometimes I feel like an iPhone without a case. Like, I know I’m worth a lot, and I have a lot of good functions, but at any time I could just shatter.” Come see the teenage queen battle and don’t forget write down your favorite quotes!"
Broadway World- Highly Recommended
"...Directed and choreographed by Tony winner Casey Nicholaw, the musical is colorful and energetic and snarky and heartfelt all at once. He gets fantastic performances from his actors and the flow from rocking to reflective in the musical sequences is smoothly done. His choreography is jaw dropping at times, especially when employing the ensemble. The music by three-time Emmy Award winner Jeff Richmond and lyrics by two-time Tony nominee Nell Benjamin is varied to gorgeous effect, giving depth and insight to each of the major ensemble characters."