That’s So Fetch!: ‘Mean Girls’ Sparkles in Spring Production

Tickets to Midwood’s musical rendition of the 2004 comedy classic were sold out.

By SHANZEH FAHID, DANIEL GHOPRIAL, and ALANNA LALMAN

On May 21, the auditorium transformed into North Shore High for one night as students performed a dynamic and unforgettable production of Mean Girls: The Musical. The fully sold-out spring show drew a packed audience of students, staff, and families, all eager to witness the beloved story brought to life on stage, and it did not disappoint.

As an added surprise, Daniel Franzese, who portrayed Damian Leigh in the original Mean Girls film, and who also happens to be our own Mr. Richard Franzese’s nephew, sent a personalized video message to the Midwood community. In it, he congratulated the cast and crew and wished them well on their production. The video was a touching nod of support that added extra excitement and encouragement before opening night.

The production, directed by Mr. Conrad Boyd, combined sharp comedy, heartfelt performances, and vibrant choreography to tell a story of high school cliques, identity, and growth.

“The show required specific character casting, and we were able to find the most compelling cast,” Mr. Boyd said. “We also needed more of an ensemble this time around, as we had a lot more components production-wise. The teamwork by our production crew was highly commendable.”

From Regina George’s signature strut to Cady Heron’s transformation, each moment captured the spirit of the original while showcasing the unique energy of Midwood’s actors.

Senior Andre LaRochelle portrayed Aaron Samuels and delivered a grounded, confident performance.

“I’ve been told that I fit him well because we’re both calm and kind of in our own worlds,” LaRochelle said.

Although he had not originally auditioned for the role, he was approached by Mr. Boyd based on a strong impression from last year’s West Side Story. LaRochelle said that singing was his biggest challenge.

“I’ve acted in multiple shows, but singing in front of a crowd is a different ball game,” he said.

However, on performance night, he confidently delivered his solo and earned loud cheers from the audience.

Senior Gabby Lubas played the lead role of Cady Heron, bringing warmth and vulnerability to the stage.

“Stepping into the role of Cady has been a great challenge,” Lubas said. “I loved figuring her out and seeing how I could bring her to life.”

For Lubas, the show’s emotional core resonated deeply. “I want [the audience] to see that this is more than a play about girls. This is a play about what girls experience and how high school can be for others,” she said.

One rehearsal moment stood out to her: singing the closing number “I See Stars” with the full cast.

“Since it’s the ending song, it has a bittersweet tone because most of us are seniors and this is our last musical. It tugs on the heartstrings,” she said.

Senior Elvis Redzematovic, a returning performer, described the spring show community as a family. “Coming back just makes sense if the rest also decide to do it,” he said.

Redzematovic credited the theater for helping him build stronger friendships and grow personally. His advice for newcomers: “Do it. No questions asked. Just do it.”

The dancing stole the show during several scenes, including a high-energy cafeteria number and a crowd-favorite routine where actors danced around in Santa-themed mini skirts, reminiscent of the original choreography. Sophomore Anna Belkova, one of the show’s dancers and co-choreographers, said she was “excited to see the audience hyping us up for our dances.”

The cast camaraderie was strong. Senior Rio Wu, who played Karen Smith, said that performing helped her overcome stage fright.

“Everyone in the cast is really friendly. I would say we’re all friends,” Wu said. “I realized that no one’s really going to judge me.”

Junior Nathaniel Cajuste, who played Jason, reflected on the experience, saying, “It’s been invigorating being around so many talented people and getting to grow not just as a cast but as friends.”

He added that Mr. Boyd’s direction and feedback were invaluable. “Though he can be brutally honest, he always knows what’s wrong and what to fix. [The play] couldn’t have been made without him,” he said.

Mr. Boyd explained his approach to nurturing a cast dynamic. “Fostering that sense of community and camaraderie is my forte,” he said. “I build a level of openness and trust where students can express themselves without judgment. That vulnerability and connection are what make long-lasting friendships and a supportive environment.”

Senior Emanuel Clarke portrayed Kevin G. “I see my own personality shine through the character,” he said.

As a graduating senior, it was a meaningful send-off. His favorite number to perform? “‘Who’s House Is This?’ It’s full of raw energy and emotion,” he said. “It pumps me up—it feels natural to do.”

The success of the show was not just due to the actors on stage but also the leadership behind the scenes. Junior Jaide Bivens, this year’s student commissioner, played a key role in organizing the production.

“I started in stage crew, fell in love with the behind-the-scenes work, and slowly found my place through SING! and past productions,” Bivens said. “Taking on the head director/producer role felt like a chance to give back to the space that’s given me so much.”

“I didn’t want to just put on a flashy show; I wanted to tell a story that felt honest and relatable,” she said. “What we ended up with wasn’t just my vision—it was a shared one.”

Looking back, Bivens said she was most proud of how the cast and crew grew together.

“The moments where someone finally nailed a scene they were struggling with, the friendships that formed, the long rehearsals where we were all tired but still laughing—those are the moments that define a production,” she said.

Dr. Robert Quinlan, Midwood’s principal, echoed that sentiment.

“Their passion was so palpable on stage,” he said. “The high notes they hit when singing, the execution of the choreography, you certainly felt it sitting in the audience. They did wonderfully, and I’m very proud of them. The show really embodied Midwood’s values of honesty, responsibility, and respect.”

“To see how they’ve matured since the earlier grades into the stars of the show that they are now—it’s just wonderful to witness that whole trajectory,” he added. “The show was sold out, no seats left in the house, and that speaks to the excitement and the togetherness of the Midwood community.”

Despite nerves, quick costume changes, and a tight rehearsal schedule, the cast delivered a polished and passionate performance. Transitions were smooth, chemistry between cast members was strong, and the energy in the room was electric from beginning to end.

As LaRochelle said, “I would’ve never seen myself in a Midwood production back in freshman year. It’s quite the experience, so I suggest you put yourself out there and join one! You can create strong relationships with people you never thought you would.”

Mr. Boyd shared what he hopes students take with them from the show, “that their current and future lives are a little performance where we act out our social and emotional expressions,” he said. “And like acting, they'll never forget that their alter-egos left behind on stage will always be in their mind and hearts.”

Mean Girls wasn’t just a show, it was a celebration of creativity, friendship, and the immense talent within Midwood’s halls. The night ended with cheers, laughter, and maybe a few bittersweet tears, as the stars on stage shone a little brighter.