Stage 284's "Mean Girls" is a Totally Fetch Time!

On Wednesdays, we wear pink.

Stage 284 presents “Mean Girls: The Musical,” based on the classic 2004 film. 16-year-old Cady Heron attends public school for the first time. While trying to fit in, she befriends ‘The Plastics,’ an A-list clique. Cady is a hit, until she falls for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of Alpha plastic, Regina George.

Fetch, Grool, and Sparkles! This was my first time seeing the musical version of the classic film, “Mean Girls,” and Stage 284 made it a joy to experience. Stage 284’s Mainstage production of “Mean Girls” is a fun time, packed with fantastic talents and a message about staying true to yourself.

Two incredibly talented casts, separated between ‘Fetch’ and ‘Grool,’ bring the iconic characters to life. Each actor adds their own interpretation to the roles, which is what makes theater so special. Everyone is having a blast onstage.

Téa Renee (Fetch) and Bella Bené (Grool) play Cady. Renee has tremendous vocals and is hilarious with her goofy deliveries, while Bene showcases impressive versatility. Both actresses balance Cady’s innocence and gradual transformation as she gets pulled into the ‘Plastics’ world.

You don’t want to cross Regina George. Kalyn Kosh (Fetch) and Summer Smith (Grool) belt Regina’s signature song, ‘World Burn’ with vocal power. Each brings a different, intimidating flair to this villainous character, and it’s so fun to watch them walk in this iconic characters heals.

As Regina’s henchwomen, Susan Martel (Fetch) and Kate Rubel (Grool) play Gretchen, while Krista Flanagan (Fetch) and Ella Snow (Grool) take on the delightfully clueless Karen. Each actress brought depth to the role, showcasing Gretchen’s constant need for approval and Karen’s hilariously random observations - which earned plenty of giggles from audiences.

It was a party whenever Janis and Damien entered the stage. This memorable duo was brought to life by Anastasia Moskal and Ethan Pearson (Fetch) and Samantha Leone and Aaron Swiniuch (Grool). Each actor did something different with the role, from Pearson and Swiniuch’s funny deliveries and Moskal and Leone’s lightning delivery of “I’d Rather Be Me.”

Matt Parr (Fetch) and Evelyn Gayhart (Grool) portray Aaron Samuels, Cady’s crush. Though Aaron may seem like the typical high school heartthrob, both performers give the character sincerity and warmth, helping lead Cady in the right direction.

“Mean Girls” has many shoes to fill. Colby “Lady Carmen Bruelee” Taormina slays in the gender-swapped Ms. Duvall. Other colorful characters include Mrs. George, Ms. Norbury, Coach Carr, and Kevin G., brought to life with tremendous energy and personality.

As I have said, and will always continue to emphasize, no small part exists in the theater. An ensemble adds to the story in lively dances, funny background moments, and being their most authentic selves.

The Stage 284 tech team transforms the auditorium into a high school setting. A large rolling staircase stages dramatic poses. Costume designers Amanda and Cheryl Lynne Goolsby assembled an impressive collection of costumes that reflected the characters’ personalities.

Led by Kimberly Robertson and a live band, you’ll be singing the songs out of the theater. “Revenge Party” was an audience favorite. More songs include “Apex Predator,” “Stupid with Love,” and the uplifting finale “I See Stars.”

Director Katie Clarke-Robertson brings passion and creativity to the production, putting her own authentic stamp on “Mean Girls.” She spent a lot of time collaborating with the team to bring out a musical that made everyone shine.

The ending song, “I See Stars,” is heartwarming and beautifully captures the show’s message: always be yourself and sprinkle your stars on the world.

Stage 284’s Mainstage “Mean Girls” has one final weekend, closing on March 15. Wear your best pink, and get tickets to the show.