You Go Glen Coco! Meet the Cast of MEAN GIRLS- Now in Previews!
By: Julie Musbach Mar. 12, 2018
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Mean Girls is taking Broadway back to the clique-life of high school starting tonight! Mean Girls features a book by nine-time Emmy Award winner Tina Fey, based on her screenplay for the film, music by three-time Emmy Award winner Jeff Richmond, and lyrics by Tony Award nominee Nell Benjamin. Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs.
Mean Girls had its world premiere at the National Theatre in Washington D.C., running October 31 to December 3, 2017.
After years of living with her zoologist parents in Africa, Cady Heron moves to Illinois and must find where she fits in the social hierarchy. A sweet, naive newbie, Cady quickly attracts the attention of The Plastics, a trio of popular frenemies led by the vicious and calculating Regina George. When Cady devises a plan to end Regina's reign, she learns that you can't cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.
The cast is led by Erika Henningsen as Cady Heron, Taylor Louderman as Regina George, Ashley Park as Gretchen Wieners, Kate Rockwell as Karen Smith, Barrett Wilbert Weed as Janis Sarkisian, Grey Henson as Damian Hubbard, Kerry Butler as Mrs. Heron / Ms. Norbury / Mrs. George, Kyle Selig as Aaron Samuels, Cheech Manohar as Kevin Gnapoor, Rick Younger as Mr. Duvall. The cast also includes Stephanie Lynn Bissonnette, Tee Boyich, Collins Conley, Ben Cook, DeMarius Copes, Kevin Csolak, Devon Hadsell, Curtis Edwin Holland, Myles McHale, Chris Medlin, Brittany Nicholas, Becca Petersen, Nikhil Saboo, Jonalyn Saxer, Brendon Stimson, Riza Takahashi, Kamille Upshaw, Zurin Villanueva, Gianna Yanelli, Iain Young.
Get to know the cast below as they begin Broadway performances!
Erika Henningsen (Cady Heron): Erika is pumped to be part of this super grool squad Fantine in the recent Broadway revival of Les Miserables. Kim Ravenal in PBS' Live from Lincoln Center: Show Boat; Beth in Signature Theatre's world premiere of Kathleen Marshall/Sheryl Crow' musical, Diner; featured opposite Tyne Daly in York Theatre Company's staging of Jerry Herman's Dear World. Nellie Forbush in South Pacific and Sophie in Mamma Mia! at PCLO. Recipient of Alan Eisenberg Actors' Equity Award and graduate of University of Michigan BFA Musical Theater. Thanks to my team at Stewart, Ted, Rachel and fam! Twitter @ELHenningsen, Instagram @erikahenningsen.
Taylor Louderman (Regina George): Taylor Louderman is a little bit nicer in real life. She recently finished starring as 'Lauren' in Kinky Boots on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut originating the role of 'Campbell' in Bring it On: The Musical. Television credits include: Nick Jr.'s "Sunny Day" (Blair), Wendy in NBC's Peter Pan Live, HBO's "High Maintenance." Taylor has also starred in roles off-Broadway at The Vineyard, Papermill Playhouse, and THE MUNY. Thanks to CGF, Luna, Mom, Dad and four little sisters. @taylizlou
Ashley Park (Gretchen Wieners): Broadway: Tuptim in Lincoln Center's The King and I (Grammy nom); Celeste 1 in Sunday in the Park with George; Mamma Mia!. National Tour: Gabrielle in R&H's Cinderella. TV: "Nightcap" (PopTV/Lionsgate). Other: Mwe in KPOP! (Off-Broadway); Carnegie Hall; Vocals in The Greatest Showman (Fox); Luisa in Fantasticks (Pasadena Playhouse); Maid Marian in Hood (Dallas Theatre Center); Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. University of Michigan Graduate. Love to my family, this joyful creative team & cast, and to YOU for being in that seat and taking part in the arts today! That's super fetch! @ashleyparklady
Kate Rockwell (Karen Smith): Broadway: Bring It On: The Musical (Skylar, OBC); Rock of Ages(Sherrie); Legally Blonde (Margot); and Hair. Selected theater: Mabel Normand in the world premiere of Hollywood (La Jolla Playhouse), Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel (Arena Stage, Helen Hayes nomination), and Belle in Beauty and the Beast (The Muny). TV/Film: "High Maintenance," "Deadbeat," and Sex and the City: The Movie. Kate's first studio album, Back To My Roots, is being released in 2018 by Broadway Records. She is represented by KMR and Industry Entertainment. Instagram: @KateRockwellNYC
Barrett Wilbert Weed (Janis Sarkisian): Broadway: Lysistrata Jones. Off-Broadway: Heathers The Musical (Drama Desk Award nomination, Lucille Lortel Award nomination), Found, Bare. Regional: Mean Girls, Cabaret (Helen Hayes Award). Education: BFA in Music Theatre from Elon University. Graduate of The Walnut Hill School. Love to Mother Darling. Always for Kathi. Follow Barrett here: @BarrettWeed
Grey Henson (Damian Hubbard): Grey Henson was fortunate enough to make his Broadway debut playing Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon, having originated the role on the First National Tour. On television he guest-starred in the comedy series "Suburgatory." Grey received his BFA in acting and musical theatre from the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama. Many thanks to BRS/Gage, Erica Tuchman, and the entire Mean Girls team. Love to Johnny and Paige. @greyhenson
Kerry Butler (Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George): Broadway: Xanadu (Tony nomination - Best Actress); Belle in Beauty and the Beast; Disaster!; Catch Me If You Can (Drama Desk nomination); Rock of Ages; Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Outer Critics nomination); Eponine in Les Miserable; Blood Brothers; The Best Man. Penny in Hairspray (Clarence Derwent Award). Television: "30 Rock," "The Mindy Project," "Rescue Me," "Law and Order," "Elementary," "The Mysteries of Laura," "White Collar," "Blue Bloods," "One Life to Live", "Gilmore Girls" and the upcoming film The Miseducation of Cameron Post. Debut album: "Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust" available on Amazon and iTunes.
Kyle Selig (Aaron Samuels): Broadway: Elder Price in The Book of Mormon. Off-Broadway: Joan of Arc: Into the Fire, written by David Byrne (The Public). National Tour: The Book of Mormon. Regional: Mean Girls (National Theater), October Sky (The Old Globe), West Side Story with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra (The Hollywood Bowl). Winner of the Jimmy Award for High School Musical Theater and LA Music Center Spotlight Award. His original albums are available on iTunes and Spotify. Proud CMU Graduate. Twitter: @KyleASelig; Instagram: @kaselig. Love to Mom and Dad, R, H, friends and family.
Cheech Manohar (Kevin Gnapoor): Broadway debut! Cheech is from Pittsburgh, PA, and a recent Syracuse Drama alum. Regional credits include: Mean Girls (Kevin Gnapoor) at the National Theatre, West Side Story (Chino) at Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival, Mary Poppins (Robertson Ay) and New Kid (Nick) at Syracuse Stage. Cheech is also a trained Bollywood dancer, and has taught Bollywood fusion workshops all over. All the love and gratitude for his dopest crew, his family. Holla at cha bois at Henderson Hogan Agency and Telsey + Co. Twitter: macandcheech. Instagram: cheechmanohar.
Rick Younger (Mr. Duvall): Rick Younger is an actor, comedian, and singer originally from Baltimore, MD. Television appearances include "AXS TV'S Gotham Comedy Live" and "It's Showtime at the Apollo." Rick also toured nationally with the Broadway musical RENT. You've undoubtedly seen him in numerous national television commercials, the Woody Allen Amazon Series, "Crisis in Six Scenes" and guest spots on HBO's "Girls," "Blue Bloods" and "Law & Order: SVU." Film credits include Ordinary World and Morning Glory. Rick's latest comedy album, "Fried Chicken and White Bread," is available on iTunes. Instagram/Twitter/Periscope: @RickYounger
Stephanie Lynn Bissonnette (Ensemble): Broadway Debut! Dawn Schweitzer! Regional: MUNY (Little Mermaid, Fiddler); Shakespeare Theatre (Kiss Me Kate); Riverside (West Side Story); Seven Angels (Footloose, Legally Blonde); Fiddlehead (Priscilla); Surflight (Wizard of Oz). Point Park University. Thanks to the creatives, cast, and Telsey + Co. Love to my amazing parents. For Ron. @stephbizz14
Tee Boyich (Standby For Cady Heron, Gretchen Wieners): Everything debut! Endless thanks to the Mean Girls team for taking a chance. Thanks to my family, friends, Jay, and Jeremy. To Dave, my whole heart. To my dog Butters for existing. And lastly to 8 year olds everywhere singing in their bedrooms; don't stop, dreams come true. IG: @teeboyich
Collins Conley (Ensemble): Collins Conley is thrilled to be making her Broadway debut! Previous credits: Mean Girls (The National Theatre), The Prom (Ashley; ALLIANCE THEATRE), Will Rogers Follies (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), The St. Louis Hoofers Club. Thanks to God and her parents for their unending love and support. @mcconley
Ben Cook (Ensemble): Broadway/National Tours: Tuck Everlasting, Newsies, Billy in Billy Elliot, Ragtime. Film/TV: "30 Rock," "Veep," "House of Cards," "Law and Order SVU," Disney's Newsies the Musical, and most recently Aaron Fisher in HBO's Paterno starring Al Pacino. Big thanks to my family, MSA, CESD and everyone supporting me through this wonderful journey. Spread the love. @bentylercook
Demarius R. Copes (Ensemble): Broadway Debut! Super excited to be a part of this incredible show with this amazing cast. Newsies (First National Tour), The Prom (ALLIANCE THEATRE), Stilyagi (Powerhouse Theatre Season), A Chorus Line (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), Les Mis, 42nd Street, Hairspray (Red Mountain Theatre). @DeMariusR_Copes
Kevin Csolak (Ensemble): Broadway: How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Off-Broadway: Cirque du Soleil's Wintuk, Burnt Part Boys. Regional: The Prom. Television: Justin Timberlake's SuperBowl Halftime, guest star on "Jessica Jones," "The MICK," "KC Undercover," "Boardwalk Empire," "Inside Amy Schumer." Film: Disconnect. Creds to Mom's Star Maker School, DBA, family. Humbled! Honored! @kevinkcso
Devon Hadsell (Ensemble): Devon Hadsell is thrilled to be making her Broadway debut in Mean Girls! CSU Fullerton BFA graduate. Tour: The Little Mermaid (Atina). Regional favs: Lysistrata Jones (Lysistrata), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Florika, Dance Captain), West Side Story (Velma). Thanks to the MG creative team, DDO Agency, Telsey + Co., teachers, Colette, friends, and family! www.devonhadsell.com, IG: @devonhadsell
Curtis Holland (Ensemble): Broadway: Shuffle Along. Theatre: Mary Poppins (Paper Mill Playhouse), Newsies (The MUNY), The New Yorkers (Encores! at NY City Center), Guys and Dolls, and Head Over Heels (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Blueprint Specials (Waterwell). Television: "So You Think You Can Dance.
Myles McHale (Ensemble): Broadway debut! Regional: Goodspeed Opera House, Stages St Louis, Fulton Theatre, Pioneer Theatre, Arrow Rock Lyceum, and Cortland Repertory. BFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, studying at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Thanks to Casey, Tina, Nell, Jeff, Mom & Dad & Meg - you're so fetch!
Chris Medlin (Swing, Fight Captain): Broadway debut!! Regional: The Prom (ALLIANCE THEATRE); Memphis(Engeman, MasonStreet); Joseph...; and The Miracle (Miracle Theatre). TV: "Vampire Diaries," "Bunheads," and danced alongside Missy Elliott, Pharrell, and Daft Punk. Chris is ecstatic to be back with this fantastic cast and team! Thanks to TKO and Telsey! Love to his grandmother and family! @MrMedlin
Brittany Nicholas (Swing): Brittany Nicholas is thrilled to be part of Mean Girls. Broadway: Billy Elliot(Swing). International: Billy Elliot Toronto (Swing/ Dance Captain). Tours: Billy Elliot First National (Original Cast), Matilda (Swing/Children's Dance Captain). Favorites: Bye Bye, Birdie (Goodspeed); Mamma Mia!(RCCL); Hairspray (STONC). Glory to God, thanks to family, MSA, and creatives. www.brittanynicholas.com @brittnich3
Becca Petersen (Swing, Assistant Dance Captain): Becca Peterson is thrilled to be back in high school! Broadway: Bandstand (u/s Julia). Tour: Newsies (u/s Katherine, u/s Medda). Regional: Mean Girls (National Theatre), The Prom (ALLIANCE THEATRE). BFA, BYU. Endless thanks to Casey and the entire creative team, Telsey + Co., and HCKR. Love to her incredibly supportive family and friends! @bp170
Nikhil Saboo (Ensemble): Nikhil Saboo is overjoyed to be making his Broadway debut in Mean Girls! National Tour: A Christmas Story: The Musical. Off-Broadway: The Boy Who Danced On Air (Abingdon Theatre). Regional: The Secret Garden(Arden Theatre). Training: NYU Steinhardt. All my love to CTG, family, friends, and this incredible company. @niksaboo
Jonalyn Saxer (Ensemble): Broadway: Cats, Holiday Inn, Honeymoon In Vegas, Bullets Over Broadway. World Premiere: Gotta Dance, Moonshine. Regional: The Muny, Pittsburgh CLO, MSMT. Proud Syracuse Graduate. Endless thanks to Casey, John, Casey, Tina, Jeff, Nell, Mary-Mitchell, Bethany, the entire Mean Girls team, and The Mine. Always for Grandma and the girls.
Brendon Stimson (Ensemble, Dance Captain): Brendon Stimson is so thrilled to be a part of this insanely gifted company. Broadway: West Side Story; Newsies (OBC); Honeymoon in Vegas(OBC); Something Rotten!. Incredible love to Casey, Casey, John, Bethany, CGF, and my family. BFA Syracuse University.
Riza Takahashi (Ensemble): New York: Matthew McConaughey... (NYMF). Regional: Waterfall (The 5th Avenue Theatre/ Pasadena Playhouse); Mamma Mia!; The King and I(MUNY); Spamalot (MTWichita); How to Succeed... (TUTS). Proud Japanese native from Itami, Hyogo. Much love and thanks to my mama, Alex, family, friends, AEA, Telsey, Daniel Hoff Agency, and this amazing company. Cheers Patrick! @rizatakahashi
Kamille Upshaw (Ensemble): Born and raised in Washington, DC! Graduate of The Baltimore School for the Arts and The Juilliard School. Broadway: Hamilton: An American Musical. Tour: Flashdance the Musical (First National). Other: Radio City Spring Spectacular & Lar Lubovitch Dance Company. Love to CTG, Fam & God! @kamilleupshaw @kamilleupshawdance
Zurin Villanueva (Ensemble): Other credits include Broadway: Shuffle Along. National Tour: The Book of Mormon, Nobody's Perfect. Regional: Ragtime (Barrington), Million Dollar Quartet (PCLO), Ruined (Everyman), Ain't Misbehavin' (Crossroads), and Crowns (Arena). Thanks to Mom, Dad, and BRS Gage! For all the "mean" girls out there who like, really have hearts of gold. Instagram @Zurin5.
Gianna Yanelli (Ensemble): Gianna Yanelli is making her Broadway debut! Regional: Saturday Night Fever (Annette), Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel, Barrymore nomination), Junie B. Jones (Junie B.). TV: "Law and Order SVU." BFA, Texas State University. Thanks to my family, friends, the creatives, Telsey + Co, & my "grool" cast! Instagram: @giannayanelli
Iain Young (Swing): Broadway: Newsies (Henry). National Tour: Newsies First National (Finch, u/s Crutchie). Film: Newsies: The Broadway Musical; "Dancing With the Stars"; "GMA." Other: Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Unending gratitude to The Luedtke Agency, Telsey, Casey, and the entire creative team and of course Mom, Dad, and Andrew. @iainyoung
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
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