If you've been paying any attention to the world of TV and film production (after all, you are on this site), you'll notice one trend that has been massively popular over the past few years: nostalgia. Just about every property seems like it's coming back, and it turns out that also applies to the Broadway stage. Because the incomparable Tina Fey is adapting her triumphant comedy Mean Girls into a Broadway musical. The show is currently in the midst of a run in DC before it transfers to the Big Apple, and just released a teaser with everyone's favorite clique, The Plastics. Check it out.
If that isn't enough to get you psyched for this show, then you deserve an entry in the Burn Book. Let's explore what we're being shown in this brief teaser for Mean Girls the musical.
In the clip we see the Broadway version of The Plastics, who originally were played to perfection by Rachel McAdams, Lacey Chabert, and Amanda Seyfried in the film. Hardcore Broadway fans will recognize this new trio as well, as they're three Broadway alum who have starred in shows like The King and I, Legally Blonde, and Wicked. Plus Kerry Butler, who was recently seen in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life as Lorelai's therapist, will be taking on Tina Fey's role as Ms. Norbury.
Some naysayers may be worried about Mean Girls perhaps not translating as well on the stage as it did in the original film. Luckily, Tina Fey is very involved in the crafting of the show, writing the script for the stage play. This should ensure that the rapid fire dialogue and iconic lines are still present in the Broadway musical. Mean Girls was Tina Fey's first major writing project besides Saturday Night Live, which made way for her now beloved TV series 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
Fans of Kimmy Schmidt will also be pleased to know that Tina Fey's husband, composer Jeff Richmond, will be writing the music for the Mean Girls musical. He wrote the opening theme songs for both 30 Rock and Kimmy, the latter being a hilarious spoof on auto-tuned news reports. So rather than some random songwriter, Fey is working with her husband, further ensuring her vision for the project translates into the final project.
The above trailer for the musical doesn't actually feature any material from the show, but some new dialogue and improvisation that was no doubt provided by both Tina Fey and the starring cast. Kate Rockwell's Karen Smith stole the show (no surprise) though, as she attempted to sing and speak at the same time. The blank look on her face feels like a mixture of Amanda Seyfried and Always Sunny's Kaitlin Olson, which seems like a recipe for success.
Mean Girls will open on Broadway Apr 08, 2018, with previews beginning on March 12th. In the meantime, check out our 2017 release list to plan your next binge watch, and decide what movie should become a musical next.
