The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts bring a vibrant and thoroughly entertaining production of Mean Girls, the hit musical that proves the story still has plenty to say. This time delivering a brand new, powerful adaptation for our modern times. Based on the iconic film by Tina Fey, the show follows Cady Heron, a naïve teen navigating the ruthless social hierarchy of suburban Illinois. When she infiltrates the reigning clique known as “The Plastics,” led by the formidable Regina George, Cady learns that taking down a queen bee comes at a cost.

This version of Mean Girls stands confidently on its own, offering fans something both familiar and newly special. The musical leans heavily into today’s digital culture, expanding the story in a way the film never could by exploring how social media shapes identity, perception, and power. Posts, likes, and online personas become extensions of the characters themselves, turning everyday interactions into high-stakes battles for validation. The show smartly highlights how quickly social media can shift from connection to cruelty, reframing it as a modern tool that can easily be interpreted as bullying. A standout number that kicks off Act Two drives this message home, illustrating the viral nature of rumors and the emotional fallout that comes with living life online, making it deeply relatable for contemporary audiences.

What makes this production particularly engaging are its catchy, high energy tunes, composed by Jeff Richmond with lyrics by Nell Benjamin. The songs not only entertain but actively move the story forward, many carrying a whimsical, almost Disney-like quality in the best way. Several characters are given “want” songs that add emotional depth and clarity to their motivations, giving the musical a richer emotional core. While some viewers may find the reliance on screen-based set designs a bit frustrating, these digital elements ultimately enhance the storytelling, helping the world feel immersive and reflective of the tech-driven reality it portrays.

The performances elevate the production across the board. Adrianna Rose Lyons is a phenomenal Regina George, delivering powerhouse vocals while embodying the character’s icy dominance with striking precision. Her rage is palpable and unforgettable. Katie Roche’s Cady Heron undergoes a compelling transformation; though her early portrayal feels intentionally subdued, she blossoms beautifully in the second act, particularly in standout numbers like “Stupid with Love” and “I See Stars”. Under the direction and choreography of Dana Solimando, the show thrives with inventive staging and detailed, purposeful movement, with clever footwork that supports the storytelling especially in the Act One finale and the opening number.

Mean Girls is now playing at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, with previews having begun on April 10 and an official opening on April 11, and performances running through May 3. Don’t miss your chance to catch this sharp, modern, and highly entertaining production. Grab your tickets and see why this production of Mean Girls is so FETCH.