Mean Girls (Touring Production) – Theater Under the Stars
When Mean Girls last toured in Houston, I had a great time with the show (see full review of the last tour here), but this latest tour presented by Theater Under the Stars exceeded my expectations in every way. From the vocal performances to the set design, this production felt like a more immersive and polished experience.
Every single voice in this cast was not only stunningly beautiful but also incredibly articulate, making even the wordiest lyrics easy to understand. The previous tour's production design relied heavily on a plethora of TVs to create dynamic backdrops, which I complimented in my last review. However, this time, the decision to opt for practical sets elevated the entire experience. From lockers and desks to sofas and even a grand mall escalator, the sheer number of physical props and backdrops the actors interacted with brought the show to life in a more tangible way. Whether it was the choreography feeling more dynamic because of the real-world elements or simply the way these practical pieces grounded the high-energy performances, this design choice was a massive improvement.
While my opinion on the music remains unchanged—there are a few standout hits like Apex Predator and Revenge Party, but several forgettable numbers—I found that the incredible vocal performances in this tour elevated even the less memorable songs. Even if I won’t recall every tune afterward, the sheer talent on display made each moment enjoyable in the moment.
Particular standouts in the cast included Alexys Morera as Janis Sarkisian and Katie Yeomans as Cady Heron. Morera delivered a powerhouse performance full of energy and charisma, while Yeomans brought a perfect mix of innocence and determination to her role, making Cady’s journey feel all the more engaging.
If you enjoyed Mean Girls in the past or are experiencing it for the first time, this tour is well worth seeing. With stronger production values, stunning performances, and an engaging visual presentation, this version of Mean Girls feels like the definitive way to experience the musical live.
Mean Girls will be performed at The Hobby Center in Houston, TX until this Sunday, February 9th.
For more info, visit tuts.com
Final Verdict: | The dynamic performances, articulate vocals, and practical set design create a more engaging and visually striking production. |
Rating: | A- |