(Photo by @braydenhadephotography)
Reviewed by Katy Kragel
Wisteria Theater
Through August 16
RECOMMENDED
(Photo by @braydenhadephotography)
With Y2K back in style, it only makes sense to take a trip down memory lane with cultural touchstones like the 2004 Mean Girls movie. In 2017, a musical adaption of Mean Girls brought it back into the spotlight, and with the rights recently being released for theaters around the United States, productions like Wisteria’s will keep the memory of Mean Girls as “fetch” as ever.
Immediately immersed into the grungy hallways of North Shore High School (via Sydni Sawyer’s impeccable and detailed set design), the characters of Janice (Shelby Miguel) and Damian (Omari Miller) break the fourth wall to guide the audience through this story. Not only are they acting as our guides, but they’re guiding new girl Cady Heron (Lexi Collins) through the cliques and ruthless social dynamics of high school with the trio known as “The Plastics” at the top of the food chain. With their quirky, “best friend” chemistry, Miguel and Miller take these now iconic roles and make them their own. Their star-quality and partnership shines in small improv-ed comedy moments and direct audience interaction. Miller has a particularly striking performance with his strong, dynamic singing voice and unbeatable energy that helps carry the entire show.
Taking on the other main characters: Cady Heron, Regina George (Renee Wylder), Gretchen Weiners (Armie Jane), and Karen Smith (Arianna Nelson), the main cast fills those high heels with ease and grace. Rather than trying to copy or imitate past versions of these parts, they elevate the roles as their own. Powerful acting choices, pristine vocals, and of course, lots of pink make these ladies shine!
The ensemble beautifully supports the leads with constant joy and energy. They all craft their own specific characters and background moments that compliment every scene/song. Special credit to Lia Peros and Chris Thume who have the challenging task of portraying all of the various adult characters throughout the show, and they make each one clear and distinct with their comedic genius. Plus, I had the pleasure of seeing Ali Hoghoughi – the Aaron Samuels understudy – go on alongside Meghan Ripchik (also the director) and Nolan Monsibay stepping into Ali’s typical ensemble track. Their seemingly-effortless mix into the cast serves as yet another example of the top-tier performers at this company.
The high level of talent on the stage is matched by the creative talent behind the scenes. Despite a smaller stage, the illusion of large high school spaces/settings appear when the actors perform complex, seamless scene transitions with square tables, as if these moments are additional dance sequences. Under Ripchik’s direction and Madison Mi Hwa Oliver’s choreography, many clever movement-centered moments add yet another layer of specificity to the world of this play. The lighting (Josh Collins) and screen design (Tyler Angier) bursts with color and patterns that thrust you even further into the bright, dynamic world of North Shore High School and its students. This is a flashy, fun, fearless production that could finally make “fetch” happen.
The Wisteria Theatre, 7061 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 3 pm., Wed., July 29 and Aug. 5; thru Aug. 16. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/wisteriatheater/2207151 Running time: three hours, with intermission.
