Sussex Academy to present ‘Mean Girls’ musical April 3-5

Sussex Academy thespians will present the brutally hilarious musical “Mean Girls” with curtain rising at 7 p.m., Thursday April 3 through Saturday, April 5, at 21150 Airport Road, Georgetown.

Adapted from Tina Fey's hit 2004 film, the play features Cady Heron, who may have grown up on an African savanna, but is wholly unprepared for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home, suburban Illinois.

How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung.

Senior Alex DeEmedio, who plays Cady Heron, said she loves her character’s positivity and willingness to get out of her comfort zone.

“This musical is just so fun and has so much joy in every number,” Alex said. “I knew the experience would be the perfect ending to my high school theatre journey!”

Junior Abby Lynne Whitcomb, who plays Regina, said she can’t wait to bring the fun show to audiences.

“So many people love the iconic movie, but taking an already campy, outrageous, hysterical movie and including a killer soundtrack with songs that perfectly fit the eccentric energies we get from each character elevates the story to a whole other level,” Abby said.

Junior Leni Kuska plays Karen, who grows beyond being the “stupid” girl.

“She has more to her than being dumb, and as the story unfolds, we get to see Karen as a kind friend to anyone who treats her with respect,” Leni said.

Junior Chase Reynolds plays Damian, a fun and comedic character who wants the best for everyone.

“‘Mean Girls,’ although it is a really fun show with really quirky moments, tackles many topics that aren't talked about enough,” Chase said. “It addresses bullying amongst high schoolers and shows how it can affect one person so much.”

Senior Jayani Boopathi is performing in the ensemble in her first musical.

“I wanted to be a part of ‘Mean Girls’ because it was one of my favorite movies growing up,” Jayani said. “I also realized I've never been on a show, and since this is my last year, I wanted to experience it with my friends.”

Please note, this performance is the high school version of “Mean Girls.” Parental discretion is advised; this show contains profanity, substance “use” and some sexual references. Parents can consider it to be rated PG-1 and unsuitable for young children.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased at the door with cash or via the app at go.delaware.gov/apps/s/department-of-education/sussex-academy. Concessions will be available.

To learn more, find Sussex Academy Theatre on Facebook.