The “Mean Girls Musical” adaptation hits theaters globally starting January 12, restarting a new pop culture frenzy.
Cady Heron’s story and her survival in the wild–actually, highschool–has been a pop culture phenomenon since its release in 2004. In fact, key references from the first Mean Girls film still circulate in social media even at present, like tweets every October 3rd, or the iconic “on Wednesdays we wear pink.” The Mean Girls Musical adaptation hit the theaters starting January 12.
The iconic film got a Broadway version called Mean Girls On Tour as well and is currently touring in North America.
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Not too different from Mean Girls Musical
Screen Rant described that the first movie barely has any difference with the first film adaptation’s storyline. The first Mean Girls movie is basically similar to the musical version, except there is more singing in the latter.
One scene bears a possible significant distinction in the musical film, however. Screen Rant commented that the “Jingle Bell Rock” scene just may get an upgrade in the musical version. The website mentioned that since the musical film is based on a Broadway production, the dances will be elevated to match the rest of the performances.
The film’s thoughtful changes included the evolution of technology as the Associated Press reported. They mentioned that the 2004 film had people communicate over telephones shown in split screens. The new version had everyone communicating in social media.
New and returning cast members
The musical film stars Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Bebe Wood, and Avantika as Cady Heron, Regina George, Gretchen Wieners, and Karen Smith respectively. Auli’i Cravalho is Janis Sarkisian, Jaquel Spivey is casted as Damien Hubbard, and Christopher Briney is Aaron Samuels.
Tina Fey and Tim Meadows will reprise their roles as Ms. Norbury and Principal Duvall.
The musical movie is based on the Tony-nominated Broadway musical that opened in 2018 according to Rappler. The show closed abruptly due to the pandemic.
Support from the original cast
The Mean Girls Musical film held its New York City premiere night on January 8 according to The Hollywood Reporter. The cast and crew of the latest adaptation attended in their classy and glamorous outfits.
The original Mean Girls alums Lindsay Lohan and Daniel Franzese showed up at the premiere to support the new cast. Variety added that Rajiv Surendra also came, who played mathlete Kevin Gnapoor in the original film.
Amanda Seyfried posted a photo of her with Avantika, who now plays her former role Karen Smith.
The Hollywood Reporter mentioned that Rice picked Fey’s brain on what memories she had during the 2004 film. She added that it was nice hearing stories from the first Mean Girls. The new Cady actress showed her appreciation for Rapp who helped her during performance scenes.
Some of the cast shared their quotable quotes in the film as per Variety. Wood, who plays Gretchen Wieners, said hers was “You can’t sit with us!” as it was her most intimidating line in the musical.
Spivey, who played Damien, shared that he loved the line, “She doesn’t even go here!” He added that the crew let him do a couple takes just to get the right one and hoped he did it justice.
The teen comedy tackled bullying and forming cliques in high school. The new musical adaptation will further add to the already popular influences and pop culture references born 20 years ago.
Banner photo from IMDb.
