Welcome to our Cautionary Tale, filled with intrigue, betrayal, disaster, and consequence. A satirical journey reminding us that being true to ourselves and standing up for what is right can contribute to creating a better world.
Mean Girls, High School Version, has a rating of PG-13 for its use of profanity, sexual innuendo, alcohol/drug references, and crude gestures. If, as an audience member you are offended by anything in the show, you are right to feel as much. This show is meant to make you feel uncomfortable, purposefully using humor as a tool for change. Through Cady’s eyes we shine a light on so many prevailing issues in “girl world”. Exploring the challenges and complexities of forming relationships, the need for acceptance, and the pain that can come with betrayal.
Mean Girls doesn’t shy away from the reality of bullying. It explores how individuals cope with power imbalances and peer pressure, while highlighting the importance of standing up for oneself and others. The characters are trying to find their place in the social hierarchy of high school while grappling with their identities, often abandoning authenticity. Ultimately, this musical emphasizes the importance of kindness and inclusivity. It encourages us to be more understanding and compassionate towards one another, helping us to break down the barriers that divide us.
Can change come from negativity, can mean create kind? Being mean, like being kind, is a choice. As an audience member, we hope that you leave this production inspired. Stand up against bullying. Remember that you have the power, the choice, to make a difference. Lead with love. The world can be a tough place, but small acts can make a big difference.
As I see it, step one on this journey is to say thank you to those that help you along the way. For this I have many “Candy Cane Grams” to hand out. I wouldn’t have been able to step into the world of Queen-bees and Wannabes without the exceptional families, artists, creators, and administrators that are the backbone of Young Actors Theatre. Due to the work of Kristina our reigning supreme and Jess, the Hand of the Queen we are always well supported and allowed to thrive. To my exceptional team of assistants: Alexi, Shann, Cameron, and Kate who gave the show its added sparkle with their creativity and fresh ideas. Our incredible legion of designers: Betsy, Kevin, Sara, Miles, Maxine, and their teams gave everything they had to make this a show we will not soon forget. Most instrumental of all is our Stage Manager, Astrid, who tackled the most difficult job in the theatre with ease. We are extremely grateful for our hosts here at Cuyamaca College for the support and use of their top notch facilities. Finally to our Cast and Crew of beautiful humans, you made this process so joyful and lit a spark in my heart. I will never forget what we have experienced together here on Mean Girls!
To all reading this, I hope what you witness sitting here in this theatre encourages you to be more mindful of how you walk through the world and relate to each other. Perhaps it is time to take a pledge to create change within your own life, school hallways, and community. We can unite in kindness with an effort to end bullying. BE KIND. IT FEELS BETTER.
Enjoy the show! I know you will, it is “so fetch” after all!
Chrissy Burns
Director
