A high-energy, fast-paced musical, “Mean Girls, High School Version” begins its four-day run on stage Thursday at the Fort Atkinson High School Performing Arts Center, with performances running through Sunday.
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 and supporting pit orchestra assembled in the High School Performing Arts Center for its second dress rehearsal.
Pictures, taken by FAO photographer Kim McDarison from Tuesday’s dress rehearsal follow.
Members of “The Plastics,” a group of three high school girls who represent the top level of the school’s social hierarchy, played by Aubrey Meacham, center, standing, from left, Ashlynn Hampton, seated, and Nora Nelson, meet with a new girl, “Cady Heron,” standing, far left, played by Mara Zanin.
Playing the part of “Ms. Norbury,” at left, Fort Atkinson High School student Georgia Diagne greets students in her on stage “classroom.”
Fort Atkinson High School student Mara Zanin, in her role as “Cady Heron,” sings.
High School “outsiders,” “Janis Sarkisian,” at left, playing by Kayla Fehrman and “Damian,” played by Drew McDonough, consider high school society.
A group of students, on stage and in character, gather and interact with personal devices.
Fort Atkinson High School student Peyton Gilson takes center stage.
“The Plastics,” a group of “mean girls,” led by “Regina George,” played by Ashlynn Hampton, third from left, converse with school newcomer, “Cady Heron,” second from left, played by Mara Zanin.
Students dance across the stage.
Mara Zanin, in her role as “Cady Heron,” second from right, sings. She shares the stage with a full ensemble cast of dancers.
Dancers perform during one of 11 musical pieces found in Act I of “Mean Girls, High School Version.”
“The Plastics,” led by “Regina George,” played by Ashlynn Hampton, take center stage.
The Plastics, along with new girl “Cady Heron,” assemble outside of school and look through a yearbook.
“Cady Heron,” played by Mara Zanin, seeks approval.
Aubrey Meacham, in her role as “Gretchen Weiners,” a member of “The Plastics,” sings.
Garrison Gustin, in his role as “Aaron Samuels,” a boy on whom “Cady Heron” develops a crush, sings.
Mara Zanin, in her role as “Cady Heron,” sings.
Nora Nelson, in her role as “Karen Smith,” a member of “The Plastics,” sings.
Members of the ensemble dance.
Ensemble members show their moves. The full two-act play includes 21 musical pieces.
Ensemble dancers fill the stage.
Dancers perform during a Halloween celebration depicted within the musical.
Nora Nelson, in her role as “Karen Smith,” a member of “The Plastics,” takes center stage.
“Regina George,” played by Ashlynn Hampton, at left, performs during a Halloween celebration.
Halloween celebration ensemble dancers flank Ashlynn Hampton in her role as “Regina George.”
Four members of the ensemble perform. Dancing within the musical showcase a plethora of choreographic moves.
High School “outsiders,” “Janis Sarkisian,” at right, playing by Kayla Fehrman and “Damian,” played by Drew McDonough, continue to consider high school society.
Ensemble members sing and dance.
Ensemble members fill the stage with high-energy movement.
Cast members dance on stage while members of the volunteer pit orchestra perform below.
More dancing.
Peyton Gilson, a member of the ensemble, strikes a pose.
Nora Nelson, in her role as “Karen Smith,” a member of “The Plastics,” at center, is flanked by cast and ensemble dancers.
A scene depicting a classroom is performed on stage as members of the pit orchestra, led by Fort Atkinson music teacher Bill Callaway performs.
A member of the volunteer pit orchestra performs.
A member of the pit orchestra concentrates on the music.
Pit orchestra members play. The all-volunteer group is composed of 22 members.
Fort Atkinson music teacher and musical director Kiah Snow watches the dress rehearsal.
Ashlynn Hampton, at left, who plays “The Plastics,” leader “Regina George,” takes a moment during Tuesday’s dress rehearsal to ask questions regarding her positioning on stage.
Kiah Snow, at center, along with cast and crew, takes a moment to acknowledge Fort Atkinson High School senior students who have roles in, and in support of, the musical.
Fort Atkinson High School senior members of the cast and supporting crew gather on stage.
The full cast, ensemble and backstage supporting crew gather Tuesday. They are, not in pictured order: Drew McDonough, Kayla Fehrman, Mara Zanin, Alayna Riddell, Georgia Diagne, Lexi Rottmann, Ashlynn Hampton, Aubrey Meacham, Nora Nelson, Anna Amundson, Garrison Gustin, Zee Bernal, Sara Betchey, Monica Broadhead, Kylie Frey, Peyton Gilson, Emerson Hagner, Lydia Hoffmann, Ash Holloway, Kammi Lyons, Jasmyne Macsaveny, Emma Marquart, Alexis Pennybacker, Lily Rodriguez, Evie Stine, Maddy Stine, Emily Torres, Suzana Awada, Calvin Ficenec, Logan Friend, Cloe Francis, Blue Gasper, Arini “Annie” Hakim, AJ Reichert, and Josh Reynolds. The musical is directed by Kiah Snow.
Members of the volunteer pit orchestra gather Tuesday. They are, not in pictured order: Justin Steger, Liam Cosson, Leah Kincaid, Eli Scheuerell, Cal Tamblyn, Isaiah Kittel-Phillips, Phoenix Severin, Nichole Butzine, Andrea Haffelder, Anne Grover, Mitch Al-Ubaidi, Kai Cluver, Lukas McGraw, TJ Lee-Davis, Hannah Behling, Makenna Farrell, Kjersti Gadberry, Abbey Michalak, Mackenzie Cramlet, Ainsley Copp, and William Lemke. The orchestra is conducted by Bill Callaway, not pictured.
Kim McDarison photos.