ONLINE: Pink is Powerful
media release: In 2022, Wisconsin is trying to make “fetch” happen with performances of Broadway’s National Tour of Mean Girls happening at Marcus Performing Arts Center (Jan. 25-30), Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (Week of Aug. 22) and Overture Center for the Arts (Aug. 30-Sep. 4). The hilarious hit musical, based on the 2004 film, teaches teens about embracing their strengths and being true to themselves. To share these messages with Wisconsin students, the three performing arts venues organized a “Pink is Powerful” webinar for high school students on Thursday, Jan. 27 at 4 p.m. The webinar will focus on what it means to “Lead Like a Boss.”
“It’s easy to think of the show as just another teenage coming of age story. In truth, this is a story told by five nuanced and strong female characters,” said Karra Beach, director of Broadway engagement programs at Overture Center for the Arts. “That’s not something you often see in a musical, and we thought it was worth talking about.”
A panel comprised of cast members from the Mean Girls National Tour will talk about lessons learned from the “Pink Side.” President and CEO at Marcus Performing Arts Center Kendra Whitlock Ingram will serve as moderator. Joining the event are Mean Girls Lyricist Nell Benjamin, Jonalyn Saxon (Karen Smith), Niani Feelings (Swing, Dance Captain), Sydney Mei Ruf-Wong (Ensemble) and Kaitlyn Louise Smith (Ensemble). Participating panelists are subject to change.
“I am so looking forward to moderating the ‘Pink is Powerful’ webinar,” said Whitlock Ingram. “Being able to facilitate a meaningful discussion on the show’s themes, panelists’ individual life experiences and insights with students from across Wisconsin is a privilege.”
The three venues worked together last year on a Dear Evan Hansen Essay Contest and a virtual panel featuring admission personnel from various Wisconsin colleges and universities.
“Partnering together to present the ‘Pink is Powerful’ webinar allows us to connect with high school students through the arts with the relatable story of Mean Girls,” Amy Gosz, Chief Programming Officer, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. “Lessons such as embracing your strengths, the importance of word choice and how to be confident and kind are critical learnings that students will be able to apply in their current, and future, endeavors.”
Registration is required. Interested students and teachers can register at https://form.jotform.com/
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 two-time Tony Award® nominee Nell Benjamin. Tony Award® winner Casey Nicholaw directs and choreographs.
Reprising their roles from the 2019-2020 season are Danielle Wade as Cady Heron, Megan Masako Haley as Gretchen Wieners, Jonalyn Saxer as Karen Smith, Mary Kate Morrissey as Janis Sarkisian, Eric Huffman as Damian Hubbard, Adante Carter as Aaron Samuels, Kabir Bery as Kevin G. and Lawrence E. Street as Mr. Duvall. Joining them are Nadina Hassan as Regina George and April Josephine as Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George.
The cast also includes Erica Simone Barnett, English Bernhardt, DeShawn Bowens, Will Branner, Lamont Brown, Morgan Ashley Bryant, Brittany Conigatti, Sarah Crane, Mary Beth Donahoe, Niani Feelings, Sky Flaherty, Samuel Gerber, Dan Horn, Asia Marie Kreitz, Becca Petersen, Olivia Renteria, Grace Romanello, Sydney Mei Ruf-Wong, Marcus Shane, Kaitlyn Louise Smith, and David Wright Jr.
NOTE: At this time, everyone who enters Overture Center must wear a mask and must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of entering along with a photo ID (children without a photo ID must be accompanied by a guardian). For more details, visit overture.org/health.
Building Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11-6; Sunday, 12-6; and extended hours on event days.
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