Mean Girls

"Mean Girls" is an entertaining and empowering new Broadway musical that is actually slightly and refreshingly raunchier than the 2004 film version, that was written by Emmy-winner Tina Fey, adapted from the novel "Queen Bees and Wannabes" by Rosalind Wiseman.

Fey has taken the book writing reins for the musical and carried over many of the great lines and hilarious gags from the beloved film while adding a slew of new bits, and updating the script to reflect the social media generation. In addition, the #metoo movement has made an indelible impression throughout (alas, sometimes in a slightly overkill fashion). But Fey has a keen way of writing real teens and a puts her subversive spin on acceptance and non-conformity (only subversive because we, as a society, are still all trying desperately to fit in--rarely questioning why.

The "Mean Girls" plot remains the same as the movie: 16-year-old Cady Heron (Erika Henningsen) has just relocated to Illinois, from Kenya, where she was homeschooled by her parents. She is thrust into the insanely anxiety-inducing world of suburban high school and immediately indoctrinated by two non-conformists, the witty, irascible Janis (a spot on Barrett Wilbert Weed) and her "almost too gay to function" bestie Damian (Grey Henson, stealing the stage every time he appears).

Cady is told to stay away from the evil Plastics, a trio of bitchy, self-involved gals led by Queen bee Regina George (Taylor Louderman, a captivating force) and supported by her underlings, the needy Gretchen (a terrific Ashley Park) and the unapologetically dumb Karen (Kate Rockwell, just hilarious). But Cady is fascinated with them, Regina in particular. And she is even more bedazzled by the handsome hottie Aaron (Kyle Selig, total charisma) who is Regina's ex.

When a plan is devised to strip Regina of her self-coronated crown, things get truly messy -- hearts are broken, lessons are learned and someone is hit by a bus!

"Mean Girls" takes a bit of time to endear itself, but once it does, it's a sheer delight (Act 2 is far superior to a first act too riddled with exposition and a few too many unexciting musical numbers).

The zippy score (by Tina Fey's hubby Jeff Richmond) is more than balanced by clever lyrics by Nell Benjamin ("I'm astounded and nonplussed. I am filled with calculust.") The songs aren't always memorable but the ones that soar are truly showstoppers like Damian's act two opening tour de force, "Stop" and Cady and Aaron's ironic confession song, "More is Better," truly shedding light on both characters. These are standard songs that break no new ground and should have and could have been edgier.

The piece weighs heavy on Tina Fey's sassy, savvy book, which sometimes overdoes the PSAs in an effort to be uber-fashionable, but the messages are important so she is forgiven!

Having re-watched the film this past week, the standout performance was Rachel McAdams as Regina, who I began to actually root for. Lindsay Lohan gave the most negligible performance as Cady.

In the Broadway version, I had a similar reaction. Henningsen is certainly likable and talented enough but somehow just could not wrestle attention away from the other supremely gifted ensemble members. I found most of the other major characters far more interesting and intriguing than Cady. I'm not sure if the role is just written that way or it's a casting issue.

The truly amazing Kerry Butler ("Xanadu") takes on three adult roles and rocks them out of the theater. I only wish the team had the smarts to pen a song for one of her incarnations. Regardless, she deserved Tony consideration (and a starring role in her own show, pronto.)

The virtually seamless set changes and the super-effective use of video design/multi-media are to be commended. All musicals should aspire to move this swiftly from scene to scene and director/choreographer, Casey Nicholaw is to be commended for his energetic work.

The biggest complaint I have with "Mean Girls" is that, like too many other screen to stage adaptations, there is a lack of a true reimagining of the story for the wholly different medium. As if tampering with it would somehow mess with the magic. It's a cult film, not "Casablanca."

That said, "Mean Girls" is a total fetching treat and Regina George can rule the school, no matter the medium.

"Mean Girls" is playing at the August Wilson Theatre, 245 West 52nd Street, Tickets and info are available at www.MeanGirlsonBroadway.com or 877-250-2929.