The RHS Drama Club’s highly anticipated production of “Mean Girls: High School Version” is finally here, with the opening curtain rising on Thursday, April 3, and additional performances being staged on Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5.
The iconic show tells the story of sweet Cady Heron, who moves from Africa, where she was homeschooled, to an American suburb, where she attends public school for the first time and learns how to navigate the complex social dynamics of high school from the “mean girls” who go there, including queen bee Regina George.
Taking on the leading roles are freshman Sophia Isabella Dominguez as Cady Heron and senior Mikayla Watkins as Regina George, who shared their thoughts on both the art of musical theater and the characters they’re playing.
“I haven’t taken lessons outside of school choir and theater, so I would say that passion has gotten me this far,” Watkins said. “I have always adored theater and soulful music, and I am so thankful to be able to share my version of Regina George with the audience.”
Added Dominguez, “I prepared myself by studying and understanding the characters. I also don’t think that I really had to step too far outside of my own shoes to relate to Cady, as I am a freshman in a new school and like her, I wanted to fit in and make friends. A lot of my emotions during the audition process were very real, and so I believe that it came through.”
Jeorgi Smith, the director and choreographer, worked alongside cast members to stage the musical comedy, which was written by Tina Fey. “As director, my job is to create and bring to life the ultimate vision of the production,” she said. “That comes with a lot of research. For this production, we have focused on how ‘Mean Girls’ relates to today’s generation and society. This production is filled with memorable tunes, ambitious dancing and believable acting that will hopefully excite the RHS students and community.”
As they prepared for opening night, cast members demonstrated a level of commitment to the show that is certain to shine through in each performance. Among the actors was RHS junior Emma Carothers, who plays dual roles as Lizzie and Teary Girl and is also the show’s dramaturg and a member of the social media committee.
“Commitment is important because ‘Mean Girls’ is a very large show with lots of moving pieces and parts both on and offstage,” Carothers said. “Things like transitions between scenes and even spacing on the stage are important to make sure our show runs smoothly, and it’s the best and safest that it can be.”
Come support the Drama Club’s production of “Mean Girls: High School Version,” being staged at the high school on Thursday, April 3, at 7 p.m.; Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, April 5, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $5 for children and students. Tickets can be purchased at rhs.booktix.com.