By: Riley Ranson, Delsea Regional High School, Franklinville
WOODBURY HEIGHTS, NJ — “Where Do You Belong?” Well, listen to Gateway Regional High School’s “Cautionary Tale” of “Mean Girls,” and choose your lunch table wisely.
Based on the iconic 2004 film starring Lindsay Lohan, the cultural phenomenon of “Mean Girls” continued in musical form with its Broadway debut in 2018. With book by Tina Fey, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, and music by Jeff Richmond, it ran for 833 performances and earned 12 Tony Award nominations. This renowned story follows high school junior Cady Heron as she learns the social complexities of an American high school and realizes it can be just as wild as the Kenyan safari where she grew up.
Upbeat choreography and powerful harmonies bolstered Gateway Regional High School’s production. With styles ranging from hip-hop to tap, the uniquely challenging choreography was incredible to watch. The ensemble’s energy never faltered and their infectious enthusiasm had audiences dancing in their seats. Whether it was two people or twenty, harmonies were executed with amazing control, each voice blending with the next to create the fullest sound.
From gorgeous vocals to easy chemistry with every character, Mia Wenglicki charmed audiences with her rendition of Cady Heron. Wenglicki accomplished Cady’s character growth beautifully, with the awkward excitement of becoming a Plastic fading into the emotional realization of who she has become in “More Is Better.” The Plastics themselves embodied the iconic trio with enchanting dedication. Shai Wallace stole all attention with powerhouse vocals and angry sass as Regina in “World Burn,” while London Cassagnol’s deadpan comedy as Karen left audiences giggling. Ava Hopkins’ depiction of Gretchen’s frantic need for approval was both hilarious and endearing. Her beautiful vocals, adorned with emotional wobbles and breaks, gave “What’s Wrong With Me” a unique depth of understanding to the character.
In the reprise of “What’s Wrong With Me,” Alivia Graham shone as Mrs. George, balancing her hilarious earlier performance with flowing vocals. Janis and Damian, Frankie Hargrove and Mason Diaz respectively, brought dry humor and animated comedy in songs like “Where Do You Belong” and “Revenge Party.” Principal Duvall (Lily Hoppe), Kevin G. (Michael Cassagnol), and Ms. Norbury (Kayla Clancy), had hilarious body language and character choices that did anything but blend into the background. Principal Duvall with a baseball bat and Kevin G. with the Mathletes had audiences laughing along even when they weren’t center stage.
Exceptionally detailed set design truly provided a strong foundation for this production. Posters and banners hanging on the auditorium walls, doodles all over the bathroom stall, and reversible sets for the bedrooms kept audiences rooted in the world of high school hierarchy. Every detail allowed the cast to interact with the set authentically, using the main platform all throughout the show to give dimension and using height to symbolize power. The background projector provided effects like a flurry of social media posts and mathlete competition equations, while also giving comedic relief that left audiences hysterical.
Gateway’s glowing production of “Mean Girls” was the “Apex Predator” and “It Roars.”
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