PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — When “Mean Girls” the musical takes the stage on the Kimmel Cultural Campus this week, it will be a homecoming in multiple ways.
Writer Tina Fey was born in Upper Darby and took inspiration from her time at Upper Darby High School for the 2004 film. Plus, several of the touring cast members have Philadelphia ties.
MaryRose Brendel plays Karen Smith, one of “the plastics,” portrayed by Amanda Seyfried in the movie. Brendel caught the theater bug as a kid participating in the Kimmel’s Broadway Dreams summer program.
“[Broadway Dreams] basically allowed me to work with these industry professionals,” said Brendel, who grew up in Cranbury, New Jersey going to see shows at the Kimmel’s theaters.
“When I got this tour schedule, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, we’re going to the Kimmel Center. … I grew up coming here all the time.’ It felt like a very full circle moment.”
University of the Arts graduate Mikaela Rada is in the ensemble. She was a dance major but wanted a program where she could also study theater.
“I went to go visit the University of the Arts when I auditioned,” Rada said, “and I fell in love with Philadelphia and the architecture. And also, the school just provided so many different dance styles that I could study, and also continue to be in the musicals.”
Both actresses say the beloved story comes to life in a new way on stage.
“It lets us really see more of the characters,” said Brendel. “It’s like if you pause these iconic moments from the movie and then you get to see the thoughts behind it, see the emotions.”
Rada said the ensemble has some especially great moments in the high school setting. “It is the best time because you also get to play so many different characters. You get to dance your face off. [Choreographer] Casey Nicholaw … he gave the ensemble such rich choreography to bring the story along.”
And the show couldn’t have better timing in Philadelphia — it opens on Oct. 3, which fans have dubbed “Mean Girls Day” because of its mention in the film. The Kimmel is hosting a “Mean Girls Day” celebration before the show, from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring pink-themed mocktails, pink donuts and themed photo ops.
“Mean Girls” runs Oct. 3 to 8 at the Miller Theater. Tickets and more information can be found on the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ website.