When choosing a spring musical this year, we wanted to find a show that represented our students in their current form – something that could tell their stories with their feelings in their culture through their eyes. This was a much harder feat than expected! While there are a number of musicals that deal with teenage angst or repression or unrequited love, there aren’t many that succeed in making us really take a look through the contemporary teenage perspective, in my opinion. That’s why we were originally considering the 1989 hit Annie 2: Miss Hannigan's Revenge! But when Mean Girls: High School Version was released on October 3rd (my new favorite day!), we immediately jumped on the opportunity to produce it.
The 2004 film version is a staple in the American catalogue. Not only has it given us some iconic, quotable lines (“You can’t sit with us!”), but it also invited us into Tina Fey’s world of high schoolers with high stakes under high pressure. In a note to directors of the musical, Tina Fey wrote the following:
“I set out to write truthfully and with humor about relational
aggression among girls. I hoped that if we could recognize this
behavior in ourselves, and laugh about it, it would be easier to
stop doing it. Spoiler alert: I did not fix the world! Relational
aggression is still around. And it’s not just among girls. We see
it everywhere, from the highest branches of government to the
preschool playground.”
Our goal with this production, in Tina Fey style, was to shine a spotlight on those pressures and aggressions through humor. Laughter, we have found, can be the resounding source of empowerment. When we give kids the opportunity to be themselves, the need to succumb to societal pressures becomes alleviated. The mean girls aren’t defeated – quite the contrary. They are empowered to trust the truth: that they, too, can shine by just being themselves.
______________________
To the cast and crew: I am forever in awe of you. Your dedication and willingness to put yourselves on stage and truthfully tell stories is brave and what makes you unique. It has been such an incredible experience laughing with each and every one of you. Never stop being the weirdo.
To the seniors: It has been an incredible ride watching you grow these past eight years (!!!) into the most fantastic, loving young people you are. Go out into the world and share your “you” with everyone!
To Monica, Erik, Alex, Brendan, Doug, and Felicya: Thank you for your hard work and never-ending attention to detail. Your collaboration is beyond what anyone can ask for. I’m literally the luckiest.
To Danielle "The Doc" McRoy: You are a tremendous talent (and you do it all so effortlessly and with those bright eyes and gorg smile!) Thank you for trusting me wholeheartedly and for always coming to the table with thoughtfulness, commitment, and giggles throughout this process. Hug emoji. Purple heart emoji. Nerd face emoji.
______________________
Let’s spread kindness!
Chris Brick
Director/Choreographer
