The “new girl,” “Cady”, played by Mckenzie Stinson, right, faces the core clique of “Mean Girls Jr.” (in no order) “Regina”, Sabrina Scherief, “Gretchen”, Savannah Geer and “Karen”, Emma Fontenot at a dress rehearsal May 2.
SNOHOMISH — This weekend, from May 10th to 12th, Snohomish High School will present the final performances of its student-led production, “Mean Girls Jr.”
“Mean Girls Jr.,” chosen by the students, dives into the high school experience, emphasizing themes of authenticity and self-discovery.
The SHS musical intertwines with the thematic elements and narrative of the Mean Girls original movie, offering a fresh theatrical interpretation that stays true to the original film’s spirit,
In the plot, Cady, one of the leads, navigates high school, exploring themes of friendship, personal growth, and authenticity. She faces challenges that test her values, learning the importance of true friendships and staying true to herself. This story highlights the transformative power of self-discovery and integrity.
“It’s girl power. It’s pink. It’s the ups and downs of high school, all the drama, but also the good sentimental moments,” junior Emerie Smith, who plays Janis, said on what she hopes the audience will glean from the play.
Design, costume, choreography, technology, and stage management—students are diligently executing every aspect, demonstrating their commitment and expertise.
The play involves 85 dedicated students including the band, and is exemplifying the school’s commitment to maximizing student participation and leadership.
The decision to implement a double cast — two students playing each role totaling 40 actors — was a strategic choice to include as many students as possible in the experience, showcasing the depth of talent across the student body.
Director Diane Johnston highlighted the distinctive nature of this production, stating, “We’re having a really unique experience for this particular show because it’s not adult-driven. It’s students who are imagining how to tell the story.”
“One thing that the theater club really offers is a safe place to not just be yourself but to train yourself by playing characters,” Johnston said.
Highlighting the type of training these students are learning, “The actors are going through a professional process of rehearsals with the vocal rehearsals, choreography and then blocking to tie it all together,” Johnston said.
Senior Kylie Anderson, the president of the Theater Club and playing one of the lead roles, Cady, describes this as one of the most modern shows they’ve done.
“It’s going to be able to connect with a lot of the audience.” She’s been in five shows and also is the choreographer this year.
A particularly unique aspect of the show is its music. Jordan Johnson, the Band Conductor, details the process: SHS secured the rights to adapt the music, enabling them to perform it with a live band.
Johnson personally reimagined the entire soundtrack, explaining that “I took the 51 songs and the piano book and rewrote it for 26 musicians of varying abilities and skill sets.” This task took Johnson 13 days of continuous effort. Proficient in playing 25-30 instruments, Johnson was ideally suited for this complex undertaking, ensuring it was accomplished quickly for the benefit of the students.
“No matter how big or small the part was, we all had a giant impact in putting this production on,” said Ava Sharon, a junior, who plays Regina.
Having previous acting experience, Sharon said she immerses herself in her roles by listening to music and observing those around her. “Meeting new people is like a character study,” she said, a practice that enhances her character development.
In addition to being in theater, students Emma Fontenot, Cassandra Chin, Matthew LePere, Madeleine Stilwell, and Neenah Vossare also are Valedictorians this year.
The production is suitable for all ages with its PG rating.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for $12 for students, $15 for adults. Payment options include cash or checks, however SHS recommends purchasing online through the ticket website www.showtix4u.com/event-details/82803 . Discounts are available for ASB students, individuals under 18, senior citizens, and veterans.
This story was produced by a journalism student at the UW News Lab for the Tribune.
