If you’re a fan of Tina Fey’s “Mean Girls,” the 2004 cult-classic film that gave us phrases like “That’s so fetch” and “You can sit with us,” you might have walked into “Mean Girls The Musical” at Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Art’s expecting a fresh, witty and razor-sharp adaptation. While the show certainly had its fun moments, it often felt like a diluted version of its predecessor—fun and entertaining, but ultimately lacking the sharp wit and depth that made the original movie a cultural touchstone.
Let’s start with the highlights. Joshua Morrissey, who played Damian, was one of the absolute standouts of the evening. He brought an infectious energy to the role, capturing the heart and humor as Cady Heron’s flamboyant, lovable mentor with precision and charm. In fact, his performance arguably outshone that of Daniel Franzese, who played Damian in the film, delivering sharper comedic timing and more dynamic stage presence. Equally scene-stealing was Maryrose Brendel as Karen Smith, who effortlessly embodied the character’s airheaded charm, making Karen’s well-meaning but oblivious nature feel fresh and genuinely funny rather than overperformed.
Now, let’s talk about the show itself. If you’re hoping for a stage version that captures the same satirical edge as the movie, you might be disappointed. The musical follows the same storyline, new girl Cady Heron enters the world of high school cliques, gets absorbed into the mean-spirited world of Regina George and her Plastics and ultimately learns the importance of authenticity over popularity. But where the film’s humor was biting and unapologetically sharp, the musical softens many of those edges, making it feel more like a standard high school comedy than a sharp social commentary.
The music, composed by Jeff Richmond, is catchy but not particularly memorable. While a few numbers stand out, many feel like they’re filling space rather than enhancing the storytelling. It is as if the show tries so hard to be a high-energy Broadway spectacle that it loses some of the authenticity that made the movie so beloved.
Ultimately, “Mean Girls The Musical” didn’t quite measure up to its cinematic counterpart, but it’s still an enjoyable night at the theater, particularly for those who adore the film. There are enough callbacks to the movie to keep audiences engaged and the performances, particularly from Morrissey and Brendel, make it worth the watch. If you’re expecting the same level of wit, satire and depth as the film, you may walk away feeling like this adaptation is just a little too . . . well, plastic.
Squeeze Entertainment Magazine 