Just as both “Mean Girls” (2004) and “Mean Girls” (2024) were added to Netflix, the theater department’s musical for the 2025-2026 school year is coincidentally “Mean Girls.”
“Mean Girls” is a movie, later made into a musical, that illustrates the high school journey of the main character, Cady Heron. Cady was homeschooled and lived in Africa for most of her life. At 15 years old she enters high school for the first time and struggles to navigate the complicated social life of a teenage girl. Cady then falls into the popular clique known as “The Plastics,” to get revenge on Regina George for stealing the boy she likes.
“I love ‘Mean Girls’ because all the actors are so iconic and so many of my vocal stims are from ‘Mean Girls’,” said senior Alexandra M.
The original “Mean Girls” movie was transformed into a Broadway musical in 2018. The movie version of the musical was released in theatre in 2024. Although the plot remained mostly the same, there were still some changes between the original movie and the musical version.
“[The musical and the original movie] are different in that the musical is more modern and the songs are more modern. I like the original movie better because the musical butchered a lot of stuff, especially choosing actors. They also toned down a lot of the stuff like the singing and the lines,” said senior Mayah D.
When the Broadway musical was turned into a movie, many aspects of the Broadway show were changed including the songs, lines, and dances.
“I wasn’t a big fan of the movie. I think that there were people in it who did a really good job. I just didn’t like the fact that they cut out some of my favorite parts, such as the song ‘Stop’,” said junior Derek H.
While both of the “Mean Girls” movies were added to Netflix, many students are preparing for CHS’ production of “Mean Girls.”
“I’m playing Aaron in the musical and my favorite part [of the musical] so far is that I am able to do the Aaron scenes while also being hidden in the ensemble which gives me an opportunity to dance,” said Derek.
Participating in the musical is vastly different than watching the movie. The actors are able to connect with the story and characters in a deeper way. It allows them to understand the story from the inside, not just observing it.
“I have never not participated in a musical, but I think the main difference [between participating and watching] is being together with friends on stage and singing live. In ‘Mean Girls’ I play Cady. When I act, it feels like I’m walking in Cady’s shoes and living her life in the present,” said junior Cassidy G.
Both “Mean Girls” movies could be streamed on Netflix and Paramount + or rented on Amazon Video and Apple TV. Commack High School’s production of “Mean Girls” will be performed on February 6 and 7 at 7:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased in the front entrance on the night of the show or online at https://chsmasqueandwig.ludus.com/index.php and cost $15 and $12 for students. 
