Mean Girls enters centre stage

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

Strathmore High School’s drama students are stepping into the spotlight this spring with a production of Mean Girls: The Musical, a bold and energetic show rooted in pop culture and packed with a message that resonates deeply with teens today.

Directed by long-time drama teacher Deanne Bertsch, the choice to stage Mean Girls was a deliberate one, meant to connect with students through familiarity and relevance. 

“I just thought it would probably be a very popular show that the kids would enjoy because it’s so iconic, and they all know it,” said Bertsch. “And it’s about teenagers too.”

Despite its edgy themes and famous one-liners, Bertsch said the transition to the stage has been smooth with just a few adaptations. 

“There are a few edgy parts that we’ve tried to soften and make a little more family-friendly,” she explained. “That’s maybe a bit challenging because they want to do the edgy stuff.”

This year’s production is one of the biggest yet. With four separate casts and multiple students playing the same characters, including seven different students tackling the role of Gretchen, Bertsch has made it a point to involve as many students as possible. 

“I really tried to spread it out so all of them can have a chance at it, and that they would enjoy,” she said.

Much of the choreography has come directly from the students themselves, a move Bertsch said has been both rewarding and demanding. 

“I think I have 10 or 12 different choreographers this round,” she noted. “It’s been really awesome but so challenging, just because it takes up so much time. It’s hard to learn the singing and choreography and everything they need to know.”

What makes this production particularly powerful, according to Bertsch, is its message – one of authenticity and self-acceptance. 

“I think the biggest message is it’s important to be authentic and not get what you think you need to be for others,” she said. “Teenagers are always trying to find a place to belong … sometimes they find their place in not so healthy ways.” 

The opening number ‘Where Do I Belong?’ sets the tone. 

“I just love the message of Mean Girls, that you don’t have to be what everyone else is,” she said. “You can just be yourself and that’s the most glorious thing to be.”

While there are no aerial acrobatics this year, Bertsch said the standout element is the student-led choreography. 

“I’m really impressed with what these kids have done,” she said. “They’re being brave enough to stand up and say, ‘Hey, I think I can choreograph dances for this song,’ and they’re doing an amazing job.”

Performances will run nightly at 7 p.m. from May 30 to June 4, with 2 p.m. matinees on May 31 and June 1. Tickets are available through The Vault and can be purchased online or in person.