Lake Park tackles bullying and belonging in ‘Mean Girls’ musical

Posted April 20, 2026 11:29 am

By Sherri Anderson, Lake Park High School District 108

Performances will be 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday at the Lake Park East Campus Dice Auditorium, 600 S. Medinah Road, Roselle. It is appropriate for ages 13 or older (mature themes, language) and runs approximately 2 hours with one intermission. It is directed by Sara Keith with vocal director Sam Baker and music director Mike Lehman.

General admission is $5 for ages 13-64, with complimentary admission for senior citizens and Lake Park students with ID. Seating is open, and tickets may be purchased at the door, with cash sales preferred.

“Mean Girls — High School Edition” follows Cady Heron (played by junior Kaylee Kartholl), a sheltered, homeschooled teenager raised in South Africa who suddenly finds herself relocating to a high school in the suburbs of Chicago. A classic fish-out-of-water tale, this story explores the complexities of friendship dynamics, clique behavior, and the inherent difficulties of adolescence. Cady must navigate the landscape of seeking popularity against the humanity of kindness and decency. Contemporary students can relate to the themes of bullying, resilience, authenticity, and just trying to fit in.

Cady’s friends are portrayed by junior Charlotte Goodin (Janis) and junior Victor Tellez (Damian). The roles of “The Plastics” are filled by junior Tiya Tenetti (Regina), senior Gina Desantis (Gretchen), and senior Nicolette Vandergriff (Karen).

Director Sara Keith answered some questions about the production.

Q. Why did you choose “Mean Girls” for Lake Park High School's fall play?

We chose “Mean Girls — High School Edition” because it is a relatable story about high school cliques, anxieties, and the need to belong. We were looking for musicals with characters and experiences our students could relate to. We were also looking to reach a wider audience in both the students who audition for the musical and who attend our performances.

Q. For those who aren't familiar, please describe the plot.

“Mean Girls” follows the story of Cady Heron, a former homeschooler from Africa, navigating the vicious social hierarchy of a suburban Illinois high school. Cady falls in with “The Plastics,” a trio led by queen bee Regina George, but plots to topple Regina’s reign with friends Janis and Damian, ultimately learning lessons about friendship and popularity.

Q. How many students are involved with the production?

There are over 60 students working together on the musical.

Q. How will your play differ from the original?

The musical is set in 2019 and has Janis and Damian narrate, leading the audience through the story.

Q. What did you find most rewarding?

One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the production was determining the right edits to make in the script for our school and local community. The students were strong advocates for keeping the diverse representation and reality of high school in our production. Having their voices in the process was very rewarding.

Q. What were some of the best moments in putting together this production?

Some of the best moments were when we started putting the artistic elements together. At the beginning read through everyone getting to hear each performer’s take on their role for the first time and during the sitzprobe when the pit band and vocalists rehearse together for the first time are some of the best moments before sharing it with audiences. We’re looking forward to performing for area eighth-graders on Wednesday as an introduction to our performing arts programs.

The Mathletes get ready to compete in Lake Park High’s production of “Mean Girls — High School Version.” Pictured, from left, are freshman Isabella Newsted, sophomore Kay Insidioso, senior Emily Rusin, junior Abigail Tresch, junior Johnny Henderson, junior Richard Gomez, junior Olivia Romanowicz, junior Kaylee Kartholl, junior Trevor Watson, and junior Julia Troutman. Courtesy of Lake Park High School

Q. What do you think audiences will enjoy most about this play?

Audiences will enjoy the energetic performances and songs.

Q. What do some of the performers have to say about the show and their role in it?

Trevor Watson (Martin), “I really enjoyed the dances that we put to songs, in particular ‘Stop!’”

Brayden Cervantes (Aaron), “I’m very proud of this production and the cast coming together to get it ready in six weeks. I’m very honored to originate the role of Aaron in this production.”

Kaylee Kartholl (Cady), “My favorite part is the Math Team scene because everyone comes together and has fun.”

Tiya Tenneti (Regina), “This has been my favorite show at Lake Park. Everyone has been so kind and so fun. Playing my dream role of Regina George has been amazing.

Q. Anything else you'd like readers to know about this show?

“Mean Girls — High School Version” is one of the most popular musicals performed in recent years. We wanted to give students a chance to perform a story about the universal high school experience with the same characters and themes as the 2004 movie.

“Mean Girls the Musical High School Version” is set in a 2019 high school and has the universal experiences of high school — the cliques, the anxieties, the need to belong. Doing a show, like “Mean Girls,” gives students voice and connects them with other generations that may have grown up with the movie.