Grool.
The Mean Girls musical you never thought you wanted and likely still don’t is really, actually happening, according to Variety, who reports that the cast is locked down and ready for their off-Broadway debut in Washington D.C.
Lest you fear that the beauty of the original will be lost in translation, rest easy: Tina Fey wrote the book for the show and her husband, Jeff Richards, is responsible for the music. It’ll sound familiar! And bouncy. And maybe a little like the opening credits to 30 Rock, but that’s neither here nor there.
For the Broadway heads out there, I’m sure that the names of these women who have been cast will be familiar to you, but for those who stopped paying attention to musical theatre after their sophomore year turn as Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, I’ve provided some source material to help.
Erika Henningsen, who played Fantine in the recent revival of Les Misérables will play Cady. Here she is, singing.
Kerry Butler, who was nominated for a Tony for Xanadu, will play Ms. Norbury, the teacher with the side hustle at TGI Fridays played by Tina Fey in the original. Her version of “On My Own” works for me; does it work for you?
Taylor Louderman will play Regina George. Louderman is a great name for a person who sings professionally for a living. She’s been in a bunch of stuff you’ve heard of, notably NBC’s live musical version of Peter Pan.
The role of Janis Sarkisian — Janis Ian in the original and played by the inimitable Lizzy Caplan — will be filled by Barret Willbert Weed. Naturally, she’s an alto.
Ashley Park, Kate Rockwell, Grey Henson and Rick Younger will also star., though their roles have not yet been announced. The show will run from October 31 to December 3 in Washington D.C., and if it does well there, it will head to the Great White Way. You know—Broadway, baby!!
Correction: The role of Janis Ian will be Janis Sarkisian in the musical. Jezebel regrets the error.
DISCUSSION
The music on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is really so good. The episode where Titus is singing all of those off-brand Broadway songs is really great. And Titus Lemonading.
I’m definitely looking forward to see Jeff Richmond get a chance to do something bigger.
From Gangly Orphan Jeff, which opened a week after Annie: