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MIHS drama brings ‘Mean Girls’ musical to the stage

Published 12:30 pm Tuesday, October 28, 2025

By Wire Service

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Huashan “Tiger” Yang and ensemble during Mercer Island High School drama’s “Mean Girls” rehearsal. Photo courtesy of Kelly Goto
Kaori Lancaster, Huashan “Tiger” Yang and Shelby Conway during rehearsal. Photo courtesy of Kelly Goto
Anja Hutto, Joy Rurangwa, Pilar Bousono and Ava Carlson of “Cast Fetch.” Photo courtesy of Alec Chvany
“Mean Girls” cast and crew, with director Katy Ramsey. Photo courtesy of Kelly Goto

By Kelly Goto

Special to the Reporter

Auditions and rehearsals started just after the school year began, and the Mercer Island High School (MIHS) drama students haven’t slowed down since. More than 45 cast and crew members have been meeting almost every day after school and on weekends to bring this year’s big fall production, “Mean Girls: High School Version,” to life.

Director Katy Ramsey says the department’s long-standing motto — that everyone plays an equal role in making a production happen — is more important than ever.

“Theater is a safe space,” Ramsey said. “Creativity is our passion. Inclusion is our philosophy. Diversity is our strength. Drama is our language.”

She explained that the basic shape of theater is a circle. “Every single person on a production is vital to maintaining that shape; no one is on top,” Ramsey said. “We are only as strong as our weakest link.”

Based on the hit movie and Broadway musical, MIHS’ production of “Mean Girls” takes a humorous approach on the social dynamics of high school, from friendship and belonging to jealousy and forgiveness. Beneath the laughs and pink costumes, the story carries a deeper message about acceptance, humility and finding your place in the world.

“These shows give our kids a chance to shine in a way they might not in everyday school life,” Drama booster co-president Amy Mears said. “There’s truly room for everyone — from tech and lighting to set design, costumes, choreography and of course, the actors and ensemble cast who make it all come alive.”

“It’s been amazing to watch how much time, teamwork and passion that goes into this production,” parent volunteer, Rachel Bermudez, said. “You can see the confidence and friendships grow with every rehearsal and their connections truly shine on stage.”

This may be one of the department’s largest productions yet, and the team hopes the community will fill the seats to celebrate the hard work and message behind it.

“Mean Girls: High School Version” opens on Nov. 13, and runs Nov. 13–15 and Nov. 20–22 at the Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center. Evening shows begin at 7 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.

Please note that the show is rated PG-13 for mature themes and language.

For ticket information, visit: https://www.misdb.org/

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