McNicholas Theatre highlights the power of kindness

The McNicholas Theatre Department proudly announces its upcoming performance of the hit Broadway musical, MEAN GIRLS: High School Version. Under the guidance of McNicholas theatre teacher and Broadway veteran, Mrs. Leslie Baum, this production promises an engaging and thought-provoking experience for audiences ages 13 and up.

Adapted from the film, MEAN GIRLS: High School Version explores the challenges of high school life, cliques, and the impact of social hierarchy. Through its vibrant storytelling and catchy tunes, the show reflects the universal struggle to navigate adolescence with authenticity and empathy.

While the musical humorously depicts the pitfalls of gossip, bullying, and exclusion, it also serves as a platform to emphasize the importance of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. 

"We are thrilled to bring MEAN GIRLS: High School Version to life on our stage," Mrs. Baum said. "This production not only showcases the exceptional talents of our students but also allows us to delve into themes that echo the importance of treating others with kindness and understanding—values deeply ingrained in our school's Catholic ethos."

In addition to preparing a brilliant show, Mrs. Baum and her cast and crew have been hard at work making sure those messages of kindness and compassion shine through. Mrs. Baum hosted a workshop for the cast with a psychologist to discuss living within our values and connecting to peers in supportive and meaningful ways. The cast will share a video with fellow students during show week that discusses mental health issues specific to teenagers and highlights the values they have explored while working on the show. Additionally, they will be collecting donations after each performance to help support mental health initiatives at McNicholas.

With the support of writer Tina Fey, Mrs. Baum has made edits to the script to suit our community. Fey said, “I set out to write truthfully and with humor about relational aggression among girls. I hoped that if we could recognize this behavior in ourselves, and laugh about it, it would be easier to stop doing it. Spoiler alert: I did not fix the world! Relational aggression is still around. And it’s not just among girls. We see it everywhere, from the highest branches of government to the preschool playground. But I still believe that this story can help us cope through humor, and also now through singing.”

The McNicholas Theatre Department invites you to witness the triumph of empathy over cruelty as you join in a memorable experience that blends entertainment with a meaningful message. The production of MEAN GIRLS: High School Version will take place at The Anderson Center on March 7, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on March 9. Purchase tickets at www.mcnhs.org/theatre.

Tickets can be purchased at www.mcnhs.org/theatre. Don't miss this chance to witness the magic of theatre while celebrating the values of compassion and inclusivity.

Show Times

March 7 at 7 p.m.
March 8 at 7 p.m. 
March 9 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Cast

Amanda Braig, Calla Garrettson, Taylor Ferenc, Sean McManus, Sheridan Threet, Grace Gaunt, Joe Hilbert, Josie Fortin, Lauren Switzer, Brendan McPheron, Matthew Irvine, Noel Shelly, Grace Elpers, Will Tipton, Annemarie Wolfer, Owen Lawler, Lila Moeves, Teagan Farmer, Lauren Beiser, Emily Richmond, Cara Metzger, Parker Segar, Addy Russo, Annika Flynn, Amelia Engle, Caroline Eiser, Lucinda Thompson, Olivia Dorschug, Ellen Robey, Emma Sampson, Lauren Korchok, Anna Dugan, Alli Hannah, Annie McCarty

Crew

Mary Metzger, Cooper Steuer, Jacob Gundrum, Sierra Mangrum, Jake Steinhaus, Destiny Braunstein, Langley Esterle, Mary Ganim, Reilly Mountel, Allie Nguyen, Evan Baker, James Gaunt, Brenda Ocana, Emma Laudeman, Katie Noble, Quinn Hutchinson, Veronica Huffman Veronica, Emma Sampson, Samantha Hummel, Addison Wright, Ella Burke, Gracie Mastruserio, Audrey Ackerman, Katie Claes, Lauren Radtke