The stage of the Jill Solberg Performing Arts Center comes to life starting this week as the Folsom High School Theatre Department debuts its fall musical, Mean Girls: High School Edition. Running November 14–16 and November 21–23, this highly anticipated production brings the iconic 2004 film to life with a talented cast of young performers, showcasing the depth of the school’s renowned drama program.
Adapted from the hit movie written by Tina Fey, Mean Girls follows the journey of Cady Heron, a teenager navigating high school for the first time after being homeschooled in Africa. When Cady finds herself entangled with “The Plastics,” a clique of popular yet ruthless girls, she begins to uncover the challenges of high school friendships, social hierarchies, and self-discovery.
This special High School Edition retains much of the movie’s beloved dialogue and iconic moments while offering age-appropriate adjustments for younger performers and audiences. The musical’s themes of bullying, social pressure, and the impact of social media are particularly relevant to today’s youth, offering not only entertainment but also a platform for meaningful conversations.
“During rehearsals, we’ve had candid discussions about healthy and unhealthy relationships, bullying, and the dynamics of social media,” said director Tamara Mosier. “We hope this production will inspire similar conversations among audience members.”
The Mean Girls stage adaptation boasts a rock-infused score by Jeff Richmond (30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), paired with Fey’s sharp, comedic script. The show promises plenty of show-stopping dance numbers, big vocal moments, and strong character performances.
Performances of Mean Girls: High School Edition will run November 14–16 and November 21–23, with showtimes at 7 p.m. each evening. Tickets can be purchased online at www.our.show/fhsmeangirls.
The production is recommended for ages 13 and up due to its mature themes and strong language, though parents of younger children are encouraged to review the movie or soundtrack to assess its suitability for their family.
Folsom High School Theatre is no stranger to ambitious productions. With a history spanning over 25 years, the program has gained regional acclaim, earning Elly Awards and the Folsom Arts and Cultural Commission’s Arts Achievement Award. Its robust curriculum offers a four-year acting program as well as a comprehensive technical theatre program, preparing students for success both on and off the stage.
Alumni of the department have gone on to perform in Broadway and regional productions, with many working as professional actors and technicians worldwide. Each year, the program produces two mainstage productions—a musical in the fall and a play in the spring—alongside student-directed one-act plays and participation in the Lenaea High School Theatre Festival.
The Jill Solberg Performing Arts Center, with its 690-seat capacity, offers the perfect venue for this vibrant production. The theatre’s reputation for delivering high-quality performances continues to draw community support and foster young talent.
