Mean Girls the Musical: What’s Different on the West End vs. Broadway
If you’re a fan of Mean Girls the Musical like me, you’re probably thrilled that it has finally made its way to London’s West End! But with the move across the pond, there are quite a few changes from the Broadway production.
From songs that got cut to new scenes and lines tailored for London audiences, there’s plenty to explore. Here’s a breakdown of all the changes I noticed between the Broadway and West End versions of Mean Girls the Musical.
Key Takeaways
- New Songs and Lyrics: The West End version of Mean Girls the Musical features new songs like “Blowing Up” and changes in lyrics to fit the London audience, making the show feel fresh and exciting.
- Scene and Line Changes: There are notable scene changes, such as the extended “Revenge Party” ending Act One, and fun line tweaks like “Paddington Bear, they found you!” which add local flair and humour.
- Streamlined Performance: Some songs from the Broadway run, like “Fearless” and “Stop,” were cut, making the West End version tighter and more streamlined, enhancing the overall pacing and energy of the show.
What is Mean Girls the Musical About?
Mean Girls the Musical, based on the 2004 movie by Tina Fey, brings all the teen drama, comedy, and sass to the stage with a musical twist. It follows Cady Heron, a teenager who moves from Africa to the US and dives into the chaotic world of American high school.
She quickly meets the Plastics, a popular but ruthless clique led by Regina George. Cady’s initial plan to take them down with her friends Janis and Damian goes awry as she gets sucked into their manipulative games, losing herself along the way.
The show explores themes of friendship, identity, and the social pressures of high school, all set to catchy songs and energetic dance numbers. It’s a fun, relatable journey about finding out who you really are and why being kind matters more than being popular.
West End Run
Mean Girls the Musical opened at the Savoy Theatre in London on 11th June 2024. This West End version is reworked from the Broadway original, with local touches and tweaks to make it feel right at home on the London stage, offering a fresh take on this much-loved show.
Songs That Got Cut
Some songs from the Broadway run didn’t make it to the West End stage, which changes the overall vibe of the show. The most notable cuts are “Fearless,” “Stop,” and “Cautionary Tale (Reprise).” These missing numbers shift the pacing a bit, making the musical feel tighter and more streamlined.
Changes in Lyrics and Score
Several songs have been modified slightly, keeping the essence of the Broadway version but adding some fresh touches. One of the biggest changes is in the song “It Roars.”
In the Broadway version, it starts with:
“I’m sixteen living in paradise
With the lions and birds and stuff
But I’m sixteen and it’s not enough.”
For the West End, the first lines are:
“Did you ever get the feeling the sky could be much bluer
And the grass could be more green?
The Horizon twice as wide.”
“Stupid with Love” also has some changes in lyrics and score, making it feel fresh while still familiar. Additionally, one subtle but noticeable change is that the harmony between Regina, Gretchen, and Karen at the end of “Meet the Plastics” has been removed, which shifts the feel of that scene slightly.
New Songs Added for the West End
The West End production introduces a new song called “Blowing Up,” which replaces “Stop.” This new number has vibes similar to “Bossed Up,” a song that was cut from the pre-Broadway run. It’s a fun addition that adds a fresh element to the show, while also feeling like a nod to the musical’s earlier development stages.
Scene Changes That Stood Out
The staging and scenes have seen some updates that are unique to the West End. One of my favourite touches is at the start of Act Two when Cady, Gretchen, and Karen enter on stage in the formation from the start of “Meet the Plastics.” It’s a clever visual cue that shows how Cady has taken over Regina’s role as the leader, emphasising her transformation and rise within the school’s social hierarchy.
Another notable change is how Act One wraps up. Instead of ending with “Fearless,” the West End version concludes Act One with an extended version of “Revenge Party.” This change adds more drama and energy, setting up the second act with a stronger punch and more momentum.
Fun Line Changes
You’ll also notice some tweaks to the lines, which have been adjusted for the UK audience. One of the funniest changes is the iconic line:
“Danny DeVito, I love your work,”
which has been swapped for:
“Paddington Bear, they found you!”
This change got a great reaction from the crowd and adds a little local flair that makes the show feel right at home in London.
Costume Changes in the West End Version
One of the most noticeable updates in the West End production of Mean Girls the Musical is the costume design, which has been refreshed to give the characters a more contemporary and relatable look. Here are some of the standout changes:
Janis’s New Look
Janis no longer sports her signature sequin dark long jacket from the Broadway version. Instead, she rocks an Avril Lavigne-inspired look with a shirt and neck tie, giving her a more edgy, punk vibe that feels fresh and relevant. Her hair has also undergone a transformation, now styled shorter with pops of colour that add to her rebellious aesthetic.
Regina’s Stunning New Outfit for “Someone Gets Hurt”
Regina’s costume for the number “Someone Gets Hurt” has also had a major upgrade. Gone is the bunny costume from Broadway; she now wears a gorgeous, sparkling bodysuit that’s impossible to miss. It’s an eye-catching, dazzling look that truly screams “Ice Queen,” perfectly matching the lyrics of the song and amplifying Regina’s commanding presence on stage.
Updated Wardrobe for the Rest of the Cast
Other characters have also seen updates to their wardrobes, reflecting what modern teens would wear today. The costumes are now more in line with current fashion trends, similar to the 2024 movie version of Mean Girls, which helps the show feel more relevant and relatable for today’s audiences.
The refreshed outfits give the characters a contemporary edge, making the high school setting feel current and true to today’s teen culture.
Overall
The West End version of Mean Girls the Musical shakes things up with some fun changes that make it feel right at home in London. Whether it’s the new songs, the local references, or the little tweaks in scenes, this version keeps the heart of the Broadway show but adds a fresh twist.
It’s perfect for anyone who loves the movie or just wants to enjoy a high-energy, hilarious night out. If you haven’t seen it yet, grab your tickets and see how Cady and the Plastics take on the West End!
FAQs
What changes were made to Mean Girls the Musical for the West End?
The West End version of Mean Girls the Musical features several changes, including cut songs like “Fearless,” “Stop,” and “Cautionary Tale (Reprise).” New songs were added, such as “Blowing Up,” and there are tweaks in lyrics, scores, and some scenes to better fit the London audience.
Are there new songs in the West End version of Mean Girls the Musical?
Yes, the West End version includes a new song called “Blowing Up,” which replaces “Stop.” This song is similar to “Bossed Up,” a track that was cut from the pre-Broadway run.
How is the West End version different from the Broadway version?
The West End version differs with cut songs, new additions, altered lyrics, and scene changes. Notably, local references, such as swapping “Danny DeVito, I love your work” with “Paddington Bear, they found you,” make it feel more tailored to the London audience.
Why were songs cut from the West End production of Mean Girls the Musical?
Songs like “Fearless,” “Stop,” and “Cautionary Tale (Reprise)” were cut likely to streamline the show and fit the pacing and tone adjustments made for the West End audience.
What is the new song “Blowing Up” in Mean Girls the Musical?
“Blowing Up” is a new song in the West End version that replaces “Stop.” It has a vibe similar to “Bossed Up,” which was part of the early, pre-Broadway iterations of the show.
Are there changes in the lyrics for the West End version?
Yes, some songs have modified lyrics. For example, “It Roars” starts differently in the West End, setting a different tone for Cady’s introduction compared to Broadway.
Where is the West End production of Mean Girls the Musical playing?
The West End production is playing at the Savoy Theatre in London, which started on 11th June 2024.
