When Michelle and Sean went to see and support Carmel High School's Production of Mean Girls: High School Version, they were very impressed with the Director's Notes that Jeff McGrath wrote. They have asked and received permission to use Jeff's notes in our PGHS Program as they are quite poignant and appropriate.
From Jeff McGrath
Out of consideration we have recommended the show is appropriate for viewers aged 12 and over and while I respect those who may find some content of MEAN GIRLS objectionable.
It is, however, important to aim a critical eye on the INTENT of the production. Tina Fey wrote the original screenplay in the early 2000’s after reading the self-help book, Queen Bees and Wannabees by Rosiland Wiseman. The book’s subtitle is: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence". The book focuses on female teenage aggression and how parents can help their adolescents navigate their high school journey.
After the original film’s release in 2004, it was adapted into a Broadway musical, and recently, the musical was adapted back into a film. With so many productions, the material is clearly resonating with audiences. There will be at least two other high school productions in Monterey County this spring. This show is popular!
While the song “Sexy” may ask us to question the musical’s intent, a closer look reveals a satirical take on how adolescents are drawn to over-sexualized representations of females to fit in. A similar kind of satire was seen in the wildly popular film Barbie.
The message that truly stands out from MEAN GIRLS is one of female empowerment, exemplified by the song, “Do This Thing”. Which Cady recognizes the value of her intelligence and skills in math, which culminates in her realization that ‘...the limit does not exist’ if she embraces her intelligence, her friends, and other females with authenticity and verve.
I invite you all to celebrate Carmel High School’s enthusiastic effort to deliver this production of MEAN GIRLS and it's entertaining content and poignant themes.
