Meet the Cast of Mean Girls

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview some of the cast members behind the upcoming musical, Mean Girls.

And dare I say, when I entered the room, it was just magical. Everyone was welcoming and friendly, as though they were some giant happy family. 
“It's very, um, like familiar,” said Addie Mathews, a senior who plays Mrs. Norberry in the musical. “Everybody's either their best buds or like family.” 

Freshman Clara Wollenzien, who plays Karen in the musical, added, "Everybody there, no matter what we're showing you, we're not thinking anything bad about you, and we love everybody who joins us, because we're a really welcoming and kind community."

"Yes, everyone in drama is a bit goofy," said Afton Green, who plays Catalyn, "But you will never meet such a talented, fun and accepting group of people."

Enthusiastic, fervent, zealous; many words could explain what the cast members seemed to radiate when they talked about theatre. "Over the past couple of years I have made so many friends, like more than I would ever expect to make, and I just feel super safe in this department, knowing that there's so many people who are here who care for me and are just nice to me and accepting of who I am, and it just makes me feel really special," said junior Janelle Sostre, who plays Janice in the musical.

But alas, we cannot give credit only to the cast. The hard work of the people behind the scenes is also something that should be appreciated, for they have to build sets, make outfits, work lighting, direct and manage the actors and each other. Alexandria Hanson, a sophomore in ensemble and costume assistant said, "Costume crew is pretty fun. You get to, uh, you know, make or decide the costumes that the actors are going to wear. You get to learn how to sew, how to measure and you basically get to help in a way that is really important, because imagine if you are watching a play and they come out wearing 1950's, like ball gowns, and it's a modern play."

Finally, one question during the interview I asked every cast member, even the backstage crew, seemed to spark the same answer. To think they think alike in this matter seemed to astonish me. I asked every one of them this simple question: "What if someone is too afraid or is debating joining the theatre or not?" And many of them looked me dead in the eye and said, "Just do it."

Many said simply that, including senior Yocelin Valdez-Galindo, who plays Reginal George. "I would say just go for it. I mean, you only live once, you only go through high school once and if you don't like it, then no, you know, but you'll never know if you like it or not if you don't try it."

Talking to these incredible cast members and backstage crew was just an incredible experience. It broadened my own view on theatre and has compelled me to buy tickets as soon as they come out, for what the crew of Mean Girls has told and shown me makes me believe that the show will be so fetch.

You can get tickets at: www.blackshirtplayers.ludus.com

Adult Ticket Cost: $15

Senior Ticker Cost: $10

Non-South Student Cost: $10

South Student: $5



Credits for photos: Vaughn Bouwer