The Righetti Drama Department will present the musical high school version of “Mean Girls,” 7 p.m. March 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, with 1 p.m. matinees March 15 and 22, in the school’s Black Box Theater.
“Mean Girls” is about Cady Heron, an exchange student from the Kenyan wilderness, who has just moved to a Chicago suburb, and finds herself navigating the unwritten rules and social dynamics of high school girls, all without a compass.
The audience follows Cady through friendships, mishaps, and personality changes, as she is pressured to fit in.
While “Mean Girls” exposes the dark side of teen girl hierarchy, it delivers a message of tolerance, acceptance and compassion.
“The students requested this musical favorite for its fun and flavorful characters, but ultimately for its message,’’ said drama Teacher Elesa Carlson, who is also 2024 Santa Barbara Performing Arts Teacher of the Year.
“Its relatability to teens is unsurprising since this play is derived from Tina Fey’s big screen and Broadway hits based on New York Times best-selling parenting book ‘Queen Bees and Wannabes’ by Rosalind Wiseman,” Carlson said.
“Our cast and crew have become a family with great love and support among this group, which makes this production easier to manage the back-stabbing and manipulative characters portrayed,” she said.
“We have an incredibly hardworking team, who have grown tremendously in our four and a half months together. I am so deeply proud of each of them and invite you to see this engaging show for yourself,’’
Carlson said.
“Working in the Black Box has been an incredible experience and a really interesting way to start my journey in theater,” said Righetti sophomore Sophi Meza, who plays Regina George, a lead role.
“If you are wondering how we transform the space (small and cozy theater venue) into a whole other world, come see us in ‘Mean Girls,’” she said.
The Righetti production includes a cast of 18 and 10 crew members.
In the cast are: Gabby Bailey, Emma Baker, Ethan Guy, Nova Jebens, Avila Kingston, Nuria Martinez, Sophi/Sophia Meza, Reese Michaels, Nixi Montoya, Jasmine Morse, Darren Paul, Derek Peinado, Vanessa Ramirez, Sanford Riggs, Kohen Ross, Calypso/Gyzelle Stewart, Tara/Taryn Wyers, Linda Zacarias.
On the crew: Thomas Bailey, Asher Dedek, JJ Lemus, Deo/Dana Moran, Riley Murphy, Azaylea Pereyra, Ri Qualls, Sierra Smith, Lupita/Guadalupe Tafolla, Jasmine Trevino.
For tickets to see “Mean Girls,” visit https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/rhs-drama/67ada465afc4043dc35b121a.