Costa’s drama department will present “Mean Girls” from Apr. 24 through May 2, bringing the comical Broadway adaptation to the high school stage. The musical follows Cady Heron, as she adjusts to life at a new high school, and causes drama as a part of the most popular clique at school, known as “The Plastics.”
“There are multiple reasons why Mean Girls was chosen this year. Some that come to mind is that it’s a modern high school musical with characters at a high school age going through relevant issues,” teacher and co- director Maddie Hutchinson said. “It’s a very popular musical and it offers something so different we haven’t seen yet.”
The Drama department held open auditions Jan. 5-7. Students were asked to prepare a cut of a song from “Mean Girls” that they felt comfortable performing and a short dance combination the next day. According to students who auditioned, the show’s popularity and limited number of roles available made casting this year very competitive and stressful.
“This show has many demands and casting is tricky because characters have particular vocal and dance requirements,” said teacher and Drama/Tech program director Jonathan Westerberg. “We went through extensive vocal, choreo, and acting auditions to see what our options were and to create the best fits so that each character was covered.”
Those cast in the show began rehearsals on Jan. 12, marking the official start of the production process. The cast list includes a mix of returning performers and students new to drama, with a plethora of Costa students lining up to be a part of this production.
“I never thought I would audition for a musical in my entire life since it’s so out of my element,” said junior Russell Fowler. “I didn’t expect to get the role of Damian, even when my peers encouraged me, saying I had a shot.”
The cast is running through table reads and learning their vocal parts and choreography. For students who were cast in lead roles, memorizing pages of lines, blocking, and choreography is a heavy work load, and will take focus. Rehearsals will take place every day after school until the show opens.
“Students should attend ‘Mean Girls’ because it is an iconic, hilarious show with many fun numbers,” Shaw said. “I also believe it has a relevant message for high schoolers today about social media and friendship.”
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