You Can Sit With Us — Champaign Urbana Theatre Company presents Mean Girls The Musical this Weekend
By Adsen Tarr
Get in loser, we’re going to the theater! The iconic 2000s movie-turned-musical Mean Girls is hitting the Parkland Miner Theatre Stage this weekend. Whether you’re a die-hard theater fan or totally new to the Plastics, this high-energy musical is not to be missed. You’ll be immersed in the drama and cliques of North Shore High, enjoy wonderful dance numbers and experience a heart warming story of friendship and teenagers navigating high school.
The Plot (Without Spoilers!)
Based on Tina Fey’s movie of the same name, this story follows teenager Cady Heron (played by Leyla Cohen) as she moves from Africa and adjusts to life at an American high school. She encounters the Plastics — North Shore High’s resident mean girls — and learns how to navigate things like social situations, popularity and jealousy. A lively story ensues through high energy dance numbers, Tina Fey-coded punchlines and characters you will absolutely fall in love with.
Performance Highlights — The Most Fetch Parts of the Show
Mean Girls features so many talented teenagers from across Champaign County. And there are too many standout performances to count! One of my personal favorites is the recently graduated Sam Ryan as Kevin G who will make you laugh so hard with his impeccable timing, rapping and physical comedy. And of course the queen bee herself, Allison Williams as Regina George. She is so fierce in this role and owns the stage with her presence and beautiful voice.
Apart from all of the incredible actors, the choreography in this show is certainly a highlight. Choreographed by Siena O’Connor, the choreography is fun, engaging and adds so much to an already fabulous show. The set also helps fully immerse the audience in the world of North Shore High, and the space is used very well to indicate different settings. These are just a few of the many amazing parts of this production, so make sure to look out for these aspects when you see the show.
Mean Girls Kindness Campaign — You CAN Sit With Us
Throughout the process of developing this production, director Laura Brooks and producer Erin Tarr have worked to promote kindness amongst the cast and to spread that message throughout the community. Although the show is called Mean Girls, that’s truly the antithesis of the show’s message! The show teaches about inclusivity, what can happen when cliques are taken too far, and encourages teenagers to learn how to be kind to each other.
The cast built traditions to nurture an uplifting environment. According to the producer, there was a pink microphone — actually a microphone covered in pink rhinestones — that was passed around from cast member to cast member each rehearsal as a way of shouting out someone who did well, was focused, or was working really hard. This is incredibly important in building cast camaraderie and embodying the message that the show is sending to the audience.
In addition to spreading this kindness campaign within the cast, it has been prevalent in many promotional events, such as performances at Friday Night Live, on CILiving, and during the Station Theater Summer Bash. This kindness campaign has also extended to social media, where Tik Tok videos and Instagram posts (@cutheatreco) focus on uplifting one another, and clarifying the positive lessons of the show!
A Show for Moms Night Out or a Family Event?
While the show has incredible messaging for teens and kids, it is certainly up to parents to decide what is appropriate for their kids. The show includes cursing and characters “flipping the bird” onstage. It depicts a high school party scene that includes mentions of drugs and alcohol. The show is appropriate for most teenagers, but it certainly depends on the age and maturity of the child and what you, as a parent, feel comfortable with. Some things will certainly go over a young child’s head.
Additionally this show can spark conversation with your child about important topics like bullying, peer pressure, and wanting to fit in. So whether you bring your theater-loving teenager, your whole family, or just your girls, it will be a good time for everyone. So make sure to come and support our incredible talented youth theatre community this week!
Show Info: Get in Loser We’re Seeing Mean Girls!
Venue: Harold and Jean Miner Theatre, Parkland College
Ticket Info: Adults $18, students/seniors $16
Showtimes: June 26, 27, 28 at 7 p.m.; June 29 at 2 p.m.
Rating: Teen – recommended for ages 10+ due to language and mature themes
Parking: Lots C4 and C3 off of Duncan Road are closest to the theater entrance and have plenty of spaces