Sophie Pinsker | Contributing Photographer

The Plastics will hit the stage in WashU’s Performing Arts Department’s (PAD) production of “Mean Girls” in Edison Theatre from Oct. 22-25. The show’s cast has been rehearsing for months, working on up to four-part harmonies and drilling choreography since the second week of the semester to bring this timeless high school story to life. 

The story follows Cady Heron, who starts high school in the U.S. after being homeschooled in Africa. Soon, she finds herself thrust among high school royalty, the Plastics, led by queen bee Regina George. When what begins as an innocuous plan to weaken Regina’s authority quickly gets out of hand, Cady is confronted with the consequences of her actions.

A few days after auditions at the end of the first week of classes, Sophomore Elie Panoff found out she would play Heron and that her best friend and sophomore Reeves Wood would be starring alongside her.

“It was like a lot of uncertainty and unknown, and so getting it was really exciting. Especially [Wood] being Regina was just the cherry on top. We’ve had so much fun in this process,” Panoff said.

Likewise, first-year Kenna Scherr fondly remembers being cast as Karen, one of the three Plastics. Scherr’s role was a perfect fit, as both she and Karen share a love of Halloween.

What sets this production of “Mean Girls” apart from the rest is how director Brad Frenette tailored each character to the student he cast for the role. Scherr, who has bright red hair, approached Frenette to ask if she would need to wear a wig for the production, because her character, Karen, is canonically blonde. Frenette opted to have Scherr play Karen with her natural red hair as well as make her version of Karen artsier to match Scherr’s own personality and style.

“Of course she’s still beautifully stupid … but I’ve also been able to take my own artistic direction with Karen,” Scherr said.

Just a few short days after casting was posted, three-hour rehearsals were up and running, typically for five days a week. In the past few weeks, the production has transitioned from their original rehearsal space in the Women’s Building to Edison Theatre. Beyond moving props and set pieces, the cast has relearned spacing, which means their physical movements and placements onstage, due to the different sizes of the rehearsal spaces.

“It just takes so much more work than anyone would even realize,” Panoff said. 

The production has also rehearsed with a live professional band that will accompany them throughout their performances, adding another dimension of artistry to the songs throughout the show. 

Throughout the weeks of rehearsal and bringing together musical numbers, the cast and crew have continuously demonstrated their zeal for this show, making it all the more special. 

“Every single person in this cast cares deeply about the show and has put in their full effort. … You can just see the dedication and commitment com[ing] through,” Panoff said.

Of course, many students are familiar with the popular 2004 film “Mean Girls” that this production is based off of. However, while the plot and characters are recognizable, the musical elevates the story through robust character development. 

“In the musical, there’s actually a whole scene between Cady and Regina where they’re forgiving each other. It’s nice. I like it,” Panoff said.

Though this story is set at North Shore High, Panoff finds its message applicable to college students, who may relate to themes such as finding yourself as an individual away from defined cliques and standing up for your values even when everyone around you disagrees.

Tickets are free for all WashU students with a valid student ID and can be claimed ahead of time at the box office in Mallinckrodt Center, by calling 314-935-6543, or at the box office on the night of the performance. The general public can purchase tickets online on PAD’s website or at the box office.