Theatre Review: Mean Girls at La Mirada

April 15, 2026

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The Southern California regional theatre production of the totally “fetch” musical “Mean Girls” premieres at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. This brutally hilarious modern musical is based on the Paramount Pictures film of the same name from 2004. The film was inspired by Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 book “Queen Bees and Wannabes”. The stage production was nominated for a staggering 12 Tony Awards.

Candy Heron (Katie Roche) may have grown up homeschooled on an African Savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: Suburban Illinois. How will this naive high school newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on the “The Plastics,” a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George (Adrianna Rose Lyons), insecure Gretchen Wieners (Sarah-Anne Martinez), and simpleton Karen Smith (Grace Fluharty). When Cady falls in love for Aaron Samuels (Eric Myrick), Regina scoops in to take back her ex-boyfriend. Cady devises a plan with outsider friends artistic Janis Sarkisian (McKenna Michael) and flamboyant Damian Hubbard (Gavin Leahy) to end Regina’s reign. But Cady learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung!

The incredible ensemble work their dancing butts off cheerleadering the high school scenery. You could not ask for a better cast of the two main trios with Cady, Janis, and Damian with Regina, Gretchen, and Karen. Perfect to a tee. They embody the look and sound of their respective characters effortlessly fluid.

The glossy music serves the stories and characters. But the exciting choreography is the stimulating glue that sticks. “Where Do You Belong?” makes lunch time fun with trays and Broadway musical shirts. “Meet the Plastics” and “World Burn” immerses into the circus ring that is the teenage social power. The head nodder “Stupid With Love” gets the audience intimate inside Cadey’s head while belting out from a seated desk position. “Sexy” is a fun show stopper full of eye candy, because, you know, it’s a Halloween party. The threatening femme fatale reveals her claws in “Someone Gets Hurt”.

Could not help smirking after every “ohh ohh” from Damian in “Revenge Party”. The engaging chaos of “Apex Predator” brings out the internal animalistic behavior for an energetic gathering. “What’s Wrong With Me?” can be seen as a sentimental self reflective piece, but is played for laughs and diminishes any context. “I’d Rather Be Me” is the heart and soul of show. A crowd pleasing anthem that stands out on its own. Whereas the movie musical version was dull and life less, the stage choreography is so much more alive.

A main takeaway is the 2024 movie musical just does not do the stylish live stage performance justice. Fortunately for Southern California, La Mirada Theatre is presenting the best modern Broadway style performance possible. The story and characters will appeal to the teenage voice and nostalgic audience entangled in the American high school cliques. The talented ensemble of vocals and choreography dazzles in all its splendor. The best and worst moments of high school packed in a fun, sassy, and playful musical.

Book by Tina Fey (30 Rock). Music by Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt). Lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde). Musical direction by Anthony Zediker (Some Like It Hot). Direction and choreography by Dana Solimando (Billy Elliot).

You CAN sit with “Mean Girls” where they DO belong at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Classes in session from April 10 through May 3, 2026. Recommended for ages 12 and older for language and subject matter. Children under 3 will not be admitted into the theatre. Located at 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada. For tickets and more information, visit www.lamiradatheatre.com or call the box office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310.