Editor’s note: this story has been updated to include additional information regarding the purchase of tickets.
By Kim McDarison
A high-energy, fast-paced musical, “Mean Girls, High School Version” begins its four-day run on stage at the Fort Atkinson High School Performing Arts Center, Thursday, with performances running through Sunday.
The venue is located at 925 Lexington Blvd., Fort Atkinson.
The musical takes a look at high school life as 27 cast and ensemble members dance, sing, and bring the escapades of teenage society to the stage.
Musical Director Kiah Snow said she picked the musical for her students to perform because it “talks about real life high school experiences and speaks to things students are invested in every single day.”
On Tuesday, the cast, crew and supporting pit orchestra assembled in the High School Performing Arts Center for its second dress rehearsal.
Snow said the group performing in this musical has the largest cast in a production that she’s directed since COVID.
Some 40% of the group has never been in a musical before, she said, adding that “they have been very invested since day one.”
She said the quality of their investment has made them a unique group.
Performers underwent an audition process in May and began rehearsing in August, she said.
Likewise, members of the pit orchestra underwent an audition process, with the group composed of students and some volunteer local professionals who, Snow said, are brought in to play with the students.
The orchestra performs with School District of Fort Atkinson music teacher and orchestra director Bill Callaway conducting.
The two-act play will be performed Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, at 6 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
Reserved ticket seating costs between $10 and $20, according to information released by the Fort Atkinson School District, and may be purchased online using the following link: https://fortatkinsonpac.com/event/meangirls-nov16/.
Tickets also may be purchased at the door.
According to school district officials, student tickets cost $10 each, while reserved seating tickets sold to the general public range between $16 and $20 each, depending upon where within the venue they are located.
Additional information about the musical, including the purchasing of tickets, can be obtained by calling: 920-563-7811, Ext. 1181.
A 15-minute intermission is included between acts.
Additionally, information released by the district notes: “As a courtesy to our space, actors, and other patrons we remind you that there is no recording or photography allowed during this event. No food or drink — other than water — is allowed in the auditorium at any time. Patrons not following this request will be asked to leave.”
Set in modern time in Kenya and Illinois, the musical tells the story of “Cady Heron,” played by Mara Zanin, who grew up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois.
The naive newbie undertakes her new life as she looks for ways to rise to the top of the popularity pecking order. Among her challenges is taking on “The Plastics,” a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming, but ruthless “Regina George,” played by Ashlynn Hampton. When Cady and her friends devise a “Revenge Party” to end Regina’s reign, she learns that navigating a high school social structure is not easy.
Pictures from Tuesday’s dress rehearsal can be viewed by clicking on the image below.
A complete list of cast, crew, and pit orchestra members also is available within the album.
Click on the image above to view our 42-image album featuring photos from Tuesday’s dress rehearsal of “Mean Girls, High School Version.” Performances of the musical will begin tonight and run through Sunday.
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