Mean Girls The Musical Comes To Charlotte’s Belk Theater This Week
I didn’t know much of what to expect when I sat down in my seats last night for the opening night of Mean Girls at Charlotte’s Belk Theater. It was a sea of pink, which I intentionally contributed to. I’ve seen a fair amount of musicals in my day, though this was the first based on a movie that I love. As someone who has seen the Lindsay Lohan, Tina Fay, and Rachel McAdams classic more times than I could possibly count, how would this version stack up?
I have to say I was impressed. The core quotable moments were integrated into the musical version. You know the ones. “On Wednesdays we wear pink”. “You can’t sit with us”. “Oh my God, Danny DeVito, I love your work.” “She doesn’t even go here.” And “Four for your Glen Coco!”, just to name a few. While everyone’s favorite day October 3rd wasn’t in the dialogue it was integrated into the show.
The music was enjoyable, and helped convey the story. The set was backed with projection screens which easily changed to reflect the story pivotal locations throughout North Shore High School, Africa, the mall, and Regina George’s bedroom. Enhancing the backdrop were physical props including desks, lockers, bathroom stalls, and other props that moved seamlessly with the story. In fact, much of the set changes were part of the choreography, something that I enjoyed. As a retired dancer I was impressed with the choreography.
Another interesting twist in this version of the story was the modern-day elements. This isn’t taking place in the early 2000’s the way the film does. Instead cell phones play a role, jokes include current public figures, and there is some additional girl power inserted into the story. There were a few other changes as well, like Cady being suspended to prevent her from attending Spring Fling. If you remember in the movie her parents grounded her. Some scenes of course had to be omitted or condensed with others to accommodate a stage version. But they were done in a way that didn’t detract from the story. Tina Fey was also involved in the creation of the musical version so it all has her stamp of approval.
I would absolutely recommend this show. There were some younger kids in the audience. While some things from the movie are made a little more PG there are still a lot of sex references and language that you may or may not find appropriate for some ages. I can see how much of the jokes would go over younger guests’ heads as well. Mean Girls The Musical is at Charlotte’s Belk Theater through this Sunday, September 11th. Tickets can be purchased at BlumenthalArts.org.
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