November 20, 2017
"Mean Girls"/Paramount Pictures
Tina Fey wrote the screenplay for cult teen comedy "Mean Girls."
The "Mean Girls" musical, which writer Tina Fey announced to the excitement of fans in 2016, made its official world premiere Sunday at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Ahead of its April 2018 Broadway debut, the show had been in previews since Oct. 31 before its official premiere engagement in D.C., earning praise from critics for its loyalty to the original teen comedy cult classic, though there are a few tweaks. For example, readapted for 2017 and not 2004, the year the film was released, the audience will see the Plastics tethered to their smartphones, not their flip phones.
Variety reports the show gives audiences a better look at Cady’s life in Africa before moving to the states than is depicted in the movie; there is also a parody of the “Saturday Night Live” sketch “The Californians” to look forward to.
The preview also showed off stage designs depicting the infamous “fetch” Christmas pageant and the fateful big yellow school bus, as well as high school and home locales. The Washington Post notes that the character of Damien, the “too gay to function” best friend who gave the world Glen Coco, is a surprise gem in the show.
Fey, an alum of Upper Darby High School in Delaware County, wrote the book for the “Mean Girls” musical. Fey also worked with her husband Jeff Richmond, who wrote the show's music, and “SNL” producer Lorne Michaels, who produced the original “Mean Girls” film and now its stage adaptation.
Though “Mean Girls” will stay in Washington through Dec. 3, it will premier on Broadway on April 8 at the August Wilson Theatre.
