Be prepared to put on your pink and meet the plastics, because “Mean Girls” is coming to The Colonial for a week, starting April 29.
Adapted from the 2004 comedy film of the same name, the musical is all about girlhood, fitting in, and navigating high school. After a two-year run on Broadway, “Mean Girls” hit the road for its second national tour in 2023.
Alexys Morera has been playing the role of art kid Janis Sarkisian. Having been victimized by high school villain Regina George, Janis sends new friend Cady to take down Regina. Janis leads iconic numbers such as “Revenge Party” and “I’d Rather Be Me,” an anthem that speaks to being yourself and not “playing nice” when dealing with bullying.
Morera has been playing Janis since the start of the tour, and it has been her first professional job in theater. The Beacon sat down with Morera to discuss all things that are totally “fetch” about the production.
“Janice very much is me as a person and everything that I like try to be just with being unapologetically herself, being outspoken and, supporting others as well as yourself,” Morera said.
On the topic of support, Morera explained how her supportive castmates have allowed her to feel confident in her first professional theater job.
“There’s still that sense of community,” Morera said. “One of the things I’m most thankful for in this being my first job is my cast. I’ve made some lifelong friends, and it really is special on the road … supporting each other, taking care of each other, and sharing knowledge.”
Taking care of each other on the road is important, and Morera has her own methods of self-care. Along with prioritizing water, rest, and vocal warm-ups, Morera spoke to the importance of video games in her routine.
“I got a Steam Deck at the start of the tour, and gaming is still a part of that art, like storytelling,” said Morera. “I’ve had to learn to be quiet a lot more with Janis, because it’s such a vocally heavy track. So I think video games or reading have been really good in helping me not talk when I don’t need to.”
Morera’s feelings concerning support from your peers and taking care of yourself fit perfectly into the themes of “Mean Girls.” Updated from the 2004 movie, the musical focuses much more on online culture, bullying, and social media’s impact on teenagers.
“The show’s message is still one that’s important today, which is why we still have the show,” said Morera. “With the rise of media and negativity being more easily accessible, it’s really easy to judge others to make yourself feel better. It’s all about insecurities. I think we all have insecurities, but being yourself is the key to attracting your own happiness and finding the people that really care about you.”
No matter what the future holds for Morera, it’s clear “the limit does not exist,” but no matter what, Morera is happy to be living her childhood dream.
“My mom actually sent me a picture of my little kindergarten book, written [in it is] ‘Alexys Morera wants to be a singer when she grows up…’ No matter what happens in my future … I know that I have at least accomplished that goal for little Alexys … I’m very blessed and very thankful to be doing what I’m doing.”
“Mean Girls” will be at the Colonial Theater from April 29 to May 7. The theater is offering $30 student rush tickets for the performances. For more information, visit the Colonial’s website.
