Get in losers – we’re off to meet the cast bringing the popular production of Mean Girls the Musical to FHS. This will be the first production the drama company will be putting on for the 2025-2026 school year, and it’s looking to be a show that even Regina George will approve of. While The Plastics will be ruling the school, on the stage this cast is ruling everything.
Cady Heron played by Gabriella DePaolo
Although only a sophomore, Gabriella has already built an impressive resume with roles in Murder on the Orient Express and Anastasia. Landing the lead in this year’s production is an incredible opportunity for her young career. She expresses how she is “so excited to work with the cast, build friendships, and to see how everyone’s hard work pays off when [they] get to perform.” Gabriella points out how her and Cady’s “journey reflect how many people, including [her] can build confidence and sometimes get carried away with it, only to be knocked down and learn from those moments.” Looking forward to seeing how Gabriella plans to bring Cady to life.
Regina George played by Olivia Querns
After performing in Clue, Mama Mia, You Can’t Take it With You, Little Shop of Horrors, Murder on the Orient Express, and Anastasia Olivia brings a more than qualified resume to the stage. Regina George is the queen of the show, and I have no doubt Olivia will bring the same energy to the stage. Olivia explains how she is “most looking forward to all the fun songs in this musical and being with all of [her] friends in the cast!” Olivia lightheartedly explains how she hopes Regina “doesn’t fit [her] personality but nonetheless, [she] still loves all of her songs!”
Karen Smith played by Kaylee Hulka
After appearing in Anastasia last spring as a freshman, Kaylee Hulka is eager to take on her newest role as a ‘plastic.’ As a trained dancer, she explains how excited she is to learn the choreography for the show. Overall, she adds that she “is so excited and is going to love everything about this show.” Unlike her character Karen, Kaylee has none of the same traits. Despite that, she explains how “it will be fun playing a new and different character.”
Gretchin Weiners played by Ireland Smith
Typically, found behind the scenes working on sets, Ireland will be moving from backstage to center stage. For her fourth and final year at the FHS drama company – she is joining the cast. Ireland explains how she is “looking forward to challenging [herself] in this new area of the productions while still keeping up with other commitments in the department.” She also explains how her and Gretchen connect because they’ve both faced similar struggles in school… but, importantly, because they think “everything is absolutely fetch!”
Janis played by Hailey Courtney
After being in Murder on the Orient Express and Anastasia, sophomore Hailey is taking on the role of Janis. Janis is the sharp-witted, artsy outsider who sees through all the social cliques at North Shore high. While Janis “is a lot more intense” Hailey says, she adds that “she is such a fun character overall and [she’s] so excited to play her!” Besides the acting itself, Hailey is eager to see the costumes and sets for the show and of course, the iconic scenes from the movie.
Damian played by Madeline Stevens
After being in a number of shows here at FHS including the understudy for You Can’t Take it With You, working with props for Little Shop and Murder on the Orient Express, as well as being in last year’s musical of Anastasia, it is about time for Maddie Stevens to be in the spotlight playing Damian. While she has never had a lead before, Maddie says she is “excited for such a comedic role! And cannot wait to bring Damian to life with such a wonderful cast and crew.” She might not have been expecting this role, but she explains how “it fits well with [her] love of good comedic relief and a fun up number!”
Mrs. George played by Lillian Shoobridge
Lillian Shoobridge has been in every show since her freshman year – with the exception of Anastasia where she was the costume director. Now a senior and five shows under her belt with the FHS drama company, Lillian is more than ready to play Mrs. George in the show. Lillian continues to use her costume expertise this year. She explains how “all of the characters have great personality, and [she] can’t wait to try and bring that to the stage, while also seeing it for [herself]!” Her character is the mother of Regina, someone who as Lillian puts it “thinks she is the funniest mother on the planet.” Lillian does see some parallels between the two, “I personally find myself very funny” she says… “so I very much see myself mirrored in her total belief that she is, even if I’m not.”
Aaron Samuels played by Ethan Fraley
After appearing Ethan in Anastasia last spring and You Can’t Take it With You in fall of 2023, Ethan is stepping up to take on one of his first lead roles. He explains that “[he has] been chasing this role for a long time” and is “excited to play a lead role for the first time as an actor.” Aaron Samuels is an oblivious but charming senior often being caught in the drama simply by being Cady Heron’s crush and Regina George’s ex. Ethan agrees he is a good match for the part, noting he “can relate to the problems this role has” and jokingly adds he is “about as dense as [Aaron] is in the show.”
Kevin G played by Ben Montoya
Last but not least, Ben Montoya, who will be playing Kevin G. Kevin G is the swagger-filled mathlete of North Shore high. Ben jokes, he is the perfect person for the part because he’s “cool and rad like him.” This is Ben’s second performance here at FHS, first being part of the ensemble in Anastasia, and now landing one of the leads. Ben says how he is most looking forward to “tech week and just having a good time.”
