Get in, Losers! We’re going— interviewing!? And Shut. Up. NONE OF THEM WORE PINK. Except Regina George, of course. That is so FETCH!! Just like these fabulous, five performers that I was fortunate enough to snag before their rehearsal this morning at Children’s Playhouse of Maryland! If you haven’t figured out whether or not butter is carb by now, you probably have no idea what we’re talking about…like— DUH— MEAN GIRLS (High School Edition) which is closing out the CPM mainstage 2023-2024 season! And I got to sit down (I definitely wore pink) with five of these talented young performers who are all starring in the upcoming production of Mean Girls, which opens next week (on Saturday May 4th 2024) and talk to them all about their experiences with the show, with CPM, with theatre, and of course what it’s like being part of the whole pink-experience!
Thank you all so, so much for coming in this morning! I know early on a Saturday morning can be chaos! If you start off by telling all the readers out there who you are, what grade you’re in, and who you are playing in Mean Girls, we’ll get going!
Bella Comotto: My name is Bella Comotto, I’m in 11th grade, and I’m playing Janis Sarkisian.
Shahmeer Mirza: I’m Shahmeer Mirza, I am a senior in 12th grade, and I’m playing Damian Hubbard.
Lillian Colon: I’m Lillian, I’m playing Gretchen Wieners, and I’m in 9th grade.
Allyson Gray: Hi, I’m Allyson Gray, I’m playing Regina George, and I am in 10th grade.
Talia Lebowitz: I’m Talia Lebowitz, I’m in 12th grade, and I’m playing Karen Smith.
This is fantastic. It looks like I have the two narrative-storyteller characters in Damian & Janis, and I’ve got The Plastics! Wowee! That’s super exciting. So tell me, why Mean Girls? What was the draw to want to come out and audition? What makes Mean Girls so awesome?
Bella: I first saw this movie when I was 11 and I listened to the Broadway cast recording the day it came out. I have been a fan of this show and of the movie for a very long time. And when I found out CPM was doing it, I had to come out for it!
Shahmeer: Yeah, me too! I had rather sheltered childhood in terms of media consumption, I guess. I was able to watch compilations of the iconic movie on YouTube when I was in middle school. I fell in love with the material from there. Over quarantine, especially, the musical? I was obsessed! I was in my bedroom, literally Face-Timing you, Bella, grabbing papers, throwing them, with pink LED lights in the background! And I knew I had to do this. The minute they said it was happening— I had to do it!
Lillian: I’ve just always loved this movie. I go through phases where I am obsessed with musicals. And Mean Girls was one of my bigger phases, so I knew I just had to do it!
Allyson: I honestly just love the movie. And when the musical came out, it was so, “Oh My God. I need to do this!” And it became one of my dream musicals.
Talia: Mean Girls really got me through Covid, I’d say. When it came out, I saw the show twice on Broadway. And then when the world shut down, I ended up doing masterclasses with a bunch of the people who were part of the original Broadway cast— Erika Henningsen, Kyle Selig, a bunch of them— and when I saw this audition notice, I had that moment, “Oh my God! There’s no way I won’t go audition for that.” And I haven’t done a show with CPM in a long time, I felt I needed to come back just for this— my senior show!
That’s so awesome. Now, fun fact— because I’m ancient. It was MY senior year of high school when the original Mean Girls came out in cinemas— like the month before graduation— and a bunch of went to see it in a movie theatre, yes I’m that old, so I remember that being like the cult movie of my high school. Now, I heard at least two of you mention that you’re seniors, and I think we’ve got one of each of you from 9th, 10th, and 11th grade, that’s a pretty great mix! I think all of you have done shows with CPM before, do you remember what your first CPM show was?
Bella: I actually started with the CPM apprentice company in 2012 or 2013? My cousin Allison (former CPM kid Allison Baxter) did all the CPM mainstage shows and my aunt said “you should enroll Bella in the apprentice company!” I was really interested in theatre but I was five. So I did that for a couple of years, and then I did Elf Jr. when I was nine (2016) and that was my first mainstage show with CPM. I was Elf #4.
That is so awesome! I remember seeing that production of Elf Jr. around early December of 2016…at the time it was only the second time I’d ever seen Elf on stage— I’d seen it once on tour coming through The Lyric two years prior, and it hadn’t hit the community theatre stages en masse yet! That’s really awesome. What about you, Shahmeer?
Shahmeer: So. My first show was actually with Bella. It was also Elf Jr. I was in fifth grade. And I’ve been doing shows at my school for a while, but this was my first show outside of my school’s theatre program. I don’t remember what number Elf I was? But I remember I had a solo about Santa being Jewish!
Lillian: My first show was 42nd Street that they did last season.
I saw that one too! And that, ironically enough, was only my second-ever time seeing 42nd Street. It doesn’t get produced very often, and the only time I’d seen it prior to CPM was back in 2014 (the same year I saw my first Elf on stage) at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. And what about you, Allyson?
Allyson: My first show was My Son, Pinocchio. (A Disney Jr. show; March 2015) I want to say it was maybe in 2015? I just know I was in first grade. My older sister did the company. I was drawn to theatre and singing and everything so I came up through the company like my sister.
That’s pretty awesome. Talia?
Talia: I don’t know the exact year but I think I was in 7th grade. And I did Once on This Island (March 2019; Once on This Island Jr.) that was really fun. But I did go to Beth Tfiloh, so I did work with Ms. Diane Smith for years. I’ve been performing with her since I was five. And then she brought me over here when I was a little older.
I remember seeing that one too! Actually— I feel a couple of you were in that? Weren’t you? Talia, I think you and Bella were narrators and Allyson you were Little Ti Moune. Ironically enough, that was the second time I’d seen that particular show, once before in 2011 at Olney Theatre. I’ve seen almost all of those! So now I want you all to tell me what you’re all finding so exciting about getting to be your respective character! How are you and your character the same or different and what’s it like getting to play this role in Mean Girls?
Bella: I’m very different from Janis. Especially aesthetically. She wears a lot of black. I do not. I’ve been really having fun with finding her style. I’m going to have a nose ring; I’m going to have an eyebrow slit. I’m going to have black and red hair, fishnet tights, rings— we’re going all out! I’m very excited to play someone that is so different from me.
Shahmeer? You and Damian?
Shahmeer: You know, I think Damian and I are completely different people.
**TOTAL ROOM SILENCE** **FOLLOWED BY EVERYONE BURSTING INTO UPROARIOUS LAUGHTER**
Shahmeer: Just kidding! It’s super fun though because I’ve always played parts that are so different from me? I’ve found ways to connect with roles that I’ve played in the past but this is definitely a role that I’ve connected with on a lot of levels. I feel like we’re really similar in that our personalities are both so big. But it’s really fun to just be on that stage and take control and just let loose and have fun.
I love this. How about you, Lilly? You and Gretchen?
Lillian: Gretchen and I are essentially the same person. Other than the fact that I’d like to think that I’m a bit less mean.
Bella, Allyson, Talia, Shahmeer: Aww. Yeah. We agree! You’re not mean!
Lillian: I’m really excited because I’ve never really played a character like this before. I’m usually like the Disney Princess type. And I’m excited to play someone who is a bit more mean.
I love getting to play the mean girl-type, I do it in my murder mystery company all the time, so I feel you and can relate on that one! How about you, Allyson? You and Regina?
Allyson: So, for Regina, I’m not mean. Not in the way that she is. But I feel like it’s been very interesting trying to send out her character in a way that’s still human. She is very insecure and I feel like we all experience that. So I’m trying to bring out that side of her so that there’s reasoning behind her meanness. But it has been very difficult being super mean out of nowhere.
I get that too. When you have to be something you’re not it can be a real challenge. Talia? You and Karen?
Talia: I am Karen. Karen is me. She runs through my soul. I costumed myself because I wear what Karen wears on the daily. I just felt like this is the best role that I’ve had that’s been so close to me. I’d like to say that I’m a little bit smarter than Karen. And I’m going to nursing school. I’m smart when I try it’s just that dumb things come out a lot. I feel like a lot of the things she says are things that I would say! I’ve definitely been able to just cold-read and do it with a good acting foundation behind it because I feel her because I am her!
That’s brilliant. I love that. Now, what has been your biggest challenge with Mean Girls so far?
Bella: Oh gosh, I have to think!
Good think you’re not Karen!
Bella: Haha! Okay, so the thing about Janis, that I think a lot of people forget? Is that she is as manipulative as Regina. And her and Regina used to be best friends so they were compatible. Cady is essentially manipulated by literally everybody around her. And I think a lot of people forget that she is also manipulated by Janis and Damian. Janis ends up blaming Cady, she says, “you did this and you did this and you’re a mean girl!” But there’s a reason that it’s called Mean GIRLS, plural, because there are multiple mean girls, not just The Plastics. Janis is a victim of Regina’s trying to put her in some box, but then Cady is a victim of Janis putting her in a box.
That is really deep. I like it! Shahmeer, what about your challenge with Mean Girls?
Shahmeer: My challenge with the whole playing Damian is bordering the line of caricature verses human. Damian is a very, very big personality. And you know, “oh, that’s Damian.” But I’ve been trying to be very careful of not making fun of him. I’m having fun with him but I don’t want to be making fun of him.
I love to hear that you’re finding that balance even if it’s been a challenge because that can be really hard and I’m so glad to hear that you’re not just making him so crazy, ridiculous over-the-top that he falls into nothing but a caricature. Now, Lilly, what about you?
Lillian: I think for me it’s finding the character work for Gretchen and digging into how she feels. She feels alone and she feels like Regina doesn’t like her. I think that’s been the most challenging thing for me, really getting into that.
That’s amazing. Allyson, what about your biggest Mean Girls challenge?
Allyson: I love acting and I love being on the stage and everything, but I do have somewhat of a quieter personality. So getting on stage and just trying to be the most important thing— trying to find that feeling of when I walk on stage, all eyes are on me— the ensemble is supposed to be “Regina, Regina!” and just having that presence, I’ve really had to work on that. Also, like I said before, just trying to put that character behind Regina that expresses that she’s still human.
Absolutely. What about you, Talia?
Talia: Oh it’s hitting that high note during “Sexy” after that dance break! I’m huffing and puffing— I am NOT a cardio person! I’ve been going on the treadmill more so that I can do it. I can hit that note sitting down, but after that dance break— there is no air. I am gasping!
Oh wow! That definitely sounds like a challenge! I mean I’m a cardio Queen and I definitely could not hit that note… mostly because I’m a tenor…pushing towards alto. Now, do you have a favorite moment or a favorite musical number in the show? And it may not necessarily be a song that you’re singing or a part of or maybe it is.
Bella: I love being on stage with Shahmeer. We have literally so much fun. When we found out about the cast-list, when it came out? We were on FaceTime together. We looked at it at the same time. And we were “Oh my God! We are going to be menaces to society! We are going to have so much fun!”
Shahmeer: You have to give her the lore! Any time a cast-list comes out, Bella and I will be FaceTiming, and one of us will go “It’s out!”
Bella: Trying to prank the other! And the other’s heart will sink!
Shahmeer: And then it just sneaks up on us and we’re both, “Oh my— it is out!”
Bella: But we have so much fun.
You two are just a hoot. I cannot! What about you, Shahmeer? Favorite musical number or moment?
Shahmeer: Act II— Bella, you put it really well— it’s just so fun sharing the stage with you. I’m going to say obviously playing Damian, start to finish, is just so fun. But my two favorite numbers in the show are 100%, “Someone Gets Hurt (Reprise)” and “World Burn.” Absolutely, anytime Allyson Gray opens her mouth and sings, it is— OH MY GOD— so good. And the way you carry yourself in those numbers is just so amazing. It’s. So. Good!!!
You all are adorable and I love how much you all support one another. What about you, Lilly? Favorite musical number or moment?
Lillian: I really like “Sexy” because I really like hearing Talia sing it. Also, the dance is just really fun to do.
I cannot wait to see this choreo that Rachel Miller is pulling out for this show.
Bella: Yes, Rachel!
Talia: Rachel!
Lillian: We all love Rachel!
I don’t think I’ve ever met a CPM kid who’s worked with Rachel for choreography and not loved her. How about you, Allyson, what’s your favorite musical number or moment?
Allyson: I’d have to say “Sexy” too.
Talia: Yay, guys! I love my Plastics!
Allyson: It’s so fun to do. It’s honestly just such a fun number overall.
That’s awesome. Talia?
Talia: I’d say my favorite that I’m in? Probably “Stop” because I have this little solo where I’m really dumb but then I say, “We should tell boys not to be rude in the first place” where it brings character a little but it’s so powerful! And then my favorite number that I’m not in is “Do This Thing” because every single time that I watch that? I laugh! Max Ozbolt he is one of the Mathletes on the other side, and he’s playing up this nerd role, he does this hunchback thing, and he is so funny— I watch him the whole entire time and he is just so funny! You have to come see this show just for that!
Oh I cannot wait to see Max in action! This sounds epic. Now what is it like getting to do Mean Girls as a CPM show? I know you’ve all done other shows either at other theatres, at your schools, in the community, so what is it like getting to do this particular show as the “full-length” here at CPM?
Bella: Well I think it’s so special because I’m surrounded by people that I love. I love CPM. And some of these people are my closest friends. So I’ve been here for so long and it’s just been so amazing. This has been a show that we’ve always talked about wanting to do at CPM. “Oh, imagine if CPM did Mean Girls, that’d be so great!” It’s so real because we’re all teenagers. That’s what makes it so real.
Talia: It makes it make so much sense!
Absolutely! Shahmeer?
Shahmeer: I think this group of people is so unique. I’ve been working with these peers of mine for years. And to finally do a show that I’ve been connected with for years, in this space, it just seems so right. The more I think about it, Ms. Liz’ (Director Liz Boyer Hunnicutt) guidance, Charlotte’s (Musical Director Charlotte Evans Crowley) vocals, everything is just falling in place for this. Oh! And Rachel’s (choreographer Rachel Miller) choreography, can’t forget to mention that!
This is so awesome to hear! Lilly?
Lillian: I like doing it here at CPM— and not to compare it to the school where I go now, but definitely compared to my middle school where everyone was just…yeah. Here? Everyone here is so talented and I feel like the cast is so perfect. I’m surrounded by people I love here. So it’s great.
I love hearing all of these wonderful things. Allyson?
Allyson: Honestly, it’s been amazing. I’ve been here for a really long time and CPM is just such a safe and loving environment. So doing a show that I also love with these amazing people is just amazing.
Talia: I just think that it’s a really welcoming environment here. I haven’t done a show here since I was in seventh grade and I’m a senior now, but the second I walked in, I was getting hugged, everyone was crying out my name, it was amazing. You wouldn’t even know I was gone for a while; everyone was so supportive and excited that I was doing the show.
I wish I was a kid so I could be a part of CPM. I love hearing all of these wonderful things about the program. Now, is there a moment in Mean Girls that just defines what the show means for you personally?
Bella: There is a moment in “I See Stars.” It’s the last song of the show. And Cady apologizes to Janis. She says something like “I was a really horrible friend to you and I’m sorry” and so then, she goes up to Gretchen and Karen and Regina and apologies to them. And then there’s a moment where Cady grabs my hand, and I grab Regina’s hand, and they all grab hands, and we all walk downstage together, united. And it just such a good moment, especially when I hold hands with Allyson. Because I feel like Regina and Janis had the most beef! So I feel like that forgiveness is such a powerful moment. I love that moment!
Talia: How are we supposed to follow that?
Shahmeer: For real. But I think for me, it’s just that whole scene after “World Burn.” I call it the ‘gym apologies’ in my head. It’s such an iconic scene but it’s also a scene that really encapsulates the hypocrisy that Tina Fey is trying to point out about the teenage experience. How bitter and— wait… can we cuss?
Um. Go for it and if I need to censor you, I will.
Shahmeer: Okay, cool. So she’s pointing out how bitter and bitchy teenagers are. And how they expect everybody to be nice to them but they’re not giving that energy back. It really puts that whole experience into perspective really well.
Absolutely! Lilly?
Lillian: There’s two moments for me. “I’d Rather Be Me” because I feel like that’s when all the girls band together. But also, when Regina gets hit by the bus—s
Talia: I think I knew you were going to say that!
Bella: Ooh yeah— and what we’re doing with that is really funny!
Lillian: But I think in that moment— it shows that she is human. Just because she’s mean doesn’t mean she’s not human at all. I think that moment brings it all together.
Shahmeer: Don’t you talk about it, Allyson? In your later scene? You say something like “they were shocked that I could actually bleed because they didn’t see me as a person.”
Allyson: That’s literally the moment I was about to use as my moment.
Shahmeer: Oh sh—
Way to steal her thunder, Shahmeer!
Allyson: Haha! It’s totally fine, I think a lot of people are going to recognize that moment. Because it’s that scene where I’m talking with Cady after I get hit by the bus and it’s just me talking to her, “Yeah, I am human. I’ve been human this whole time.” And I feel like that’s the moment where me and Cady really realize that we’re not superior to one another. We’re at the same level and honestly we shouldn’t be fighting over who’s better.
That is a really powerful moment. Talia?
Talia: I think when they talk about positive comments are also an issue gets me. Because negative comments and cyber bullying is huge but also the positive affirmation all the time is an adrenaline rush and that also can be a problem. That’s not really known, I don’t think. And it makes you sit there and think, or at least it makes me sit there and think, “Am I the problem? Am I doing something wrong?” And I’ve discovered that is something that I do all the time. I didn’t see it as someone that could effect someone like that but it is something that can effect someone. I think that’s a really interesting take to bring to the audience.
Shahmeer: Can I say something to go along with that? The whole show, especially that comment, there are so many things that make you think. That’s part of the reason why it’s so timeless. This is why theatre is a thing— it’s to make us ask these questions that make us uncomfortable. You would never think that a show called Mean Girls would make you ask so many questions, but it really does.
That’s so very true. One of my favorite quotes regarding theatre as an artform, and no, I can’t remember who said it, but the quote goes, “Theatre is meant to comfort the discomforted and discomfort the comfortable.” Or something very similar to that.
Talia: Oh wow, I love that. I think that’s very Mean Girls.
What is it that you’re hoping people will take away from seeing this Mean Girls experience?
Bella: There’s a line that me and Shahmeer say at the very end of the show, where he says “The moral of our story is this.” Wait, what’s your line again?
Shahmeer: The moral of our story is this: calling somebody stupid won’t make you any smarter—
Bella: and even the people that you don’t like at all are still people.
Shahmeer: And we’ll leave it there.
Bella: Yeah, we’ll leave it there. So that’s really the moral of Mean Girls. People are people.
People are people! Shahmeer, what do you hope they take away from this?
Shahmeer: I hope people leave this theatre, jaws wide open, talking about it the whole ride home, needing to pee when they get home because they did not remember to pee before they left the theatre because they were so entranced with the performance. I genuinely hope that people leave this theatre being wowed that it was an amazing show and not just “Oh, that was good for a kids theatre.” No, this is an amazing-ass show. I am so proud of it.
I have no idea where that came and went from, but I’m with you on that one…I think? Lilly?
Lillian: I think this is kind of what Bella was saying, but I think they should see this show and realize that there’s no reason to be mean. Just be nice to people.
100%. Be nice to people. Allyson?
Allyson: Very similar to what Bella said and what Lilly said. People are people and shouldn’t be constantly trying to compete with one another, just accept each other.
Accept people for who they are; people are people. I love this! Talia?
Talia: Be who you are. One of the biggest things is I’d rather be me. Stand tall in who you are. I hope that people leave inspired and want to be me themselves more.
I love that series of responses. Four out of five CPM performers say “be who you are and people are people.” One performer hopes you don’t pee until you get home. This is priceless. Now, here’s a fun question— if you could be literally any character in Mean Girls, and you cannot just stick with the role you currently have— regardless of gender, age, vocal range, dance skill, etc. Who would you be?
Bella: Oh Lord. Let me think about this. I think it would be really fun to be any one of The Plastics. I think that they’re all so interesting in their own right. And I feel like there’s a lot of depth to each of them, even Karen.
Talia: I’m sure there is depth! I just haven’t found it yet!
Shahmeer: Talking about Karen’s depth…that’s a kiddie pool.
Bella: Oh my God! You guys are hilarious. I really think being a Plastic would be so much fun, but they’re doing so well with it! I’m jealous!
Shahmeer: Um. Yeah. Like Jason Weems is 100% the dream role for me.
Talia: What? No!
Yeah, I second that “What!? NO!”
Shahmeer: Um— hello? Regina George. How is that even a question? She’s just so power-boss-girl-queen. I just absolutely love that. It would just be so fun. I can just watch Allyson do it all day; she has this mug that’s just so serving 100% of the time and I would have so much fun just trying to put that face on and serve. Oooh yes.
I feel like when auditions were announced for this, I forgot that Damian was a character, and the treatment of the Aaron Samuels character in this musical feels very male-ingenue-princess-track to me, and I feel like I definitely remember saying to you, Shahmeer, go tell Liz you want to audition as Regina George in drag!
Shahmeer: I 100% remember this!
Excellent! What about you, Lilly? Which role would you pick up?
Lillian: Either Damian or Karen, they would both be such fun roles to play and they are both roles that I never play at all. I think it would be really fun.
Absolutely. Allyson?
Allyson: I would have to say Karen. She’s just great. I think acting-wise, I would want to push myself in that way because I feel like it is outside of my comfort zone—
Talia: It is right in my comfort zone.
I love this. You guys are so great together! Talia, who are you playing?
Talia: I would do Kevin G. because he’s so funny! And the guy who plays it in this cast, Teagle? (Teagle Walker) He is so funny.
Bella: So funny!
Shahmeer: Yes! Hilarious!
Talia: I cannot— just the way he moves his body— you’ll be busting out laughing— you have to see it. You have to be there to see it!
I cannot wait to see it! Now, what has getting to do Mean Girls here at CPM taught you about yourself personally, as a performer? As a person?
Bella: I think this role is stretching me quite a bit because of all the high notes that I hit. And Regina hits them and Cady hits them, there is a lot of singing in this show and it is very intense. I have been working very hard with my teachers to get to that point where it is healthy and it’s sustainable. I have definitely learned so much more about the vocally-technical side of things. And taking care of your voice and yourself.
That’s a really important lesson to learn and I’m glad you’re learning it. Shahmeer?
Shahmeer: I guess there’s two short answers that I’ll say for this. One, it’s definitely made me reflect on how I am as a person. Just the subject matter is making me ask these questions and I’m reconsidering, thinking, “Oh, wait, I should try and go out of my way to be nicer to people.” Also, on an acting level, I feel like I’ve been playing Dmitri from Anastasia for the better half of a year. And he’s very, very different from Damian. It’s really nice to step out of that character who I’m so grateful to have played, I loved doing it, but getting to step out that and into Damian, going in this complete 180-direction has been wonderful.
Absolutely. Lilly?
Lillian: I think this is really pushing me, acting-wise. I feel like Gretchen has some deep stuff and it’s pushing me to really get into that mentality and I think it’s making me a better actress in general.
That is really amazing; I love hearing that. Allyson?
Allyson: Very similar answer to Lilly. It’s pushed me vocally. And even though I’m not in that many dances, it has pushed me dancing-wise.
Shahmeer: Rachel Miller got us working OVERTIME.
Allyson: The dance for “Sexy” was really hard! It has pushed me in that way. Also, going back to the meaning of the show and being more comfortable with who you are? It’s made me feel a little more comfortable with myself.
I love hearing that you guys are growing in all these different ways. Talia?
Talia: I’d say two things. It definitely pushed me for dance. I’m used to playing the ingenue, who just stands there and watches everyone and everyone dances around me, I just stand there and look pretty. But that’s not what I’m doing in this show and it’s been hard! And I’ve been having to practice a lot. I’ve been having the dance-captains (Molly Foggo, Max Ozbolt, Dance Captains) make slowed-down versions of the dance moves so I can try to do it at home.
Shahmeer: Go Molly! Go Max!
Talia: Oh yeah, we love you Molly and Max! Also, it’s been helping me with time management. Like I said, I haven’t done a show in a long time and I’m kind of entering this new part of my life, where I’m going to college in September, and I’m also backpacking Europe this summer. I have so many things going on and coming up— nursing school and having to get everything ready for that while being here every night and every weekend…it’s just a lot all at once. But I’ve been able to time-manage really well, which is actually making me feel a whole lot better about going to nursing school because I feel like I’m going into it with a better skill-set because of my experiences here. Squills!
I love that— did you just say Squills?
Bella, Shahmeer, Lillian, Allyson, Talia: Squills!
Is this like Fetch? Are you trying to make something happen? Moving on… why is theatre such an important part of your life?
Bella: Oh my God. Okay— I hate to be cliché, but theatre is my life. I live and I breathe theatre. Almost every single person in my life has come from theatre. I have met so many different people from theatre. I do shows here, I did a show at Phoenix Festival Theatre, I did a show at Suburban Players, Calvert Hall, my school— Mercy High School. It literally, quite literally is my life. And it’s the joy of my life. And it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.
Shahmeer: You know there are so many things in my life where I’m just, “Oh, God. I have a calc test. Oh, God. I have to study for this driver’s test thing.” But with theatre? It’s never a nuisance in my life. It’s always an escape and I am so grateful that I have it to just explore parts of myself, really hone in on my craft, and just meet so many different, loving peers and mentors. All of that!
That’s incredible. Lilly?
Lillian: I’ve been doing theatre for a while; I’ve been in it since second grade. I’ve made so many great friends, it’s a huge part of my life. I’m happiest when I’m in a show. When I’m not in a show I’m so bored. Like what do I even do if I’m not doing a show?
I feel that, I really do? What about you, Allyson?
Allyson: Honestly? I couldn’t even imagine my life without theatre. Every time I get too overwhelmed and I think I can’t do it or can’t be in the show— I just can’t even imagine it. If I wasn’t in that show— it’s just unimaginable. The people, the setting, the environment, how welcoming and loving and caring everyone is— it’s helped me grow as a person and I wouldn’t be who I am today without it.
I really love hearing this! Talia?
Talia: I’d say definitely the people. I give the example of when I went to see Newsies at BT (Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre) two years ago, and I brought my friend, and when the show ended, I made him wait for like an hour so I could say hi to every single person. And I was like a puppy off of a leash. And my friend told me he had never seen me so happy before. We have the same friends, and he said “These are your people. You just light up.” Theatre is definitely getting to be around the people that know me the best and I can truly be myself around them.
I know that Bella, Allyson, and Lillian, you three are not leaving the CPM program, you still have some time left, but I know that you, Talia and Shahmeer, are, but you can all still answer this question. What would you say to kids who are coming into CPM for the first time? What’s your advice for kids coming into CPM getting ready to start doing their thing?
Bella: Savor every minute of it because it goes by so fast. I remember telling Liz when I was ten, “Miss Liz! I have seven years left! That’s so much time!” But it’s not. Of course, some of our time got taken away by Covid, so there’s also that loss, but it really goes by so fast. I blinked and I’m in 11th grade. Savor all of it. It is so special. I don’t think there is any other children’s theatre that is this special.
Shahmeer: Just do it. Genuinely. When I first started doing shows here, I felt like such a fish out of water. And I was just like, “Wait. What is going on?” But over time, I found more confidence in myself and found more confidence in myself and I have people here to thank for that. You’re just going to grow so much over your time here, so really cherish that.
I love that! Lilly?
Lillian: Don’t be nervous. Just come out and audition. The directors will be very welcoming. If you mess up at the audition, they’re going to be very nice and kind to you. Be respectful to the directors, they’re respectful to you!
Allyson: Very similar to what Lilly said, just don’t be nervous. Everyone here is so nice and supportive. They will welcome you and be excited that you’re here. We love new people!
Talia: Be professional! They will treat you like professionals here if you act like one. Don’t come in here without your lines memorized, without a pencil to write things down, without water, because they expect us to be at the level that we want them to perceive us. So you have to show that level and they will show it right back.
Bella: They whip us into shape.
That’s…a different musical.
Bella: Haha! True. But they really do though. I’m piggybacking off of Talia, but CPM has instilled in me such a maturity from such a young age. You have so many responsibilities. You need to put your costumes here, you need to make sure you take that there, you need to change there. They really instill so much in you. CPM kids they work really, really hard because that’s what is expected of us.
This is why in my experience of seeing so many of you come through this program, you do so well out in the “real world” theatres because you come in trained, knowing how to be a theatre person and you’re ready to go and that is a truly rare and wonderful thing that they teach here.
Shahmeer: With that too, there are so many aspects of my professionalism that I credit CPM with, even the smallest of things! Like any time I’m getting off book for a show, no matter where it is, I’ll do it with a partner, and I’ll say, “You need to tell me if I’m saying these lines exactly right.” Because Anne Freeburger— she’s our stage manager— is sitting in the front of every rehearsal, and after we go off-stage, she’ll say, “Oh, it’s not ‘and I want my pink shirt’ it’s ‘and I want my pink shirt back.’” She will let you know what single word you missed and that really sticks with me. It’s important because the people who wrote these lines want them a certain way and Ann really makes sure that we get that.
I love hearing some love for the unsung hero— your stage manager! Now, why do you want people to come out and see Mean Girls here at Children’s Playhouse?
Bella: Well, I was talking to a girl in my class the other day, and I said “you should come see my show.” And she said, “Oh, what is it?” and I told her it was Mean Girls and she said, “STOP. I’M THERE.” People love this story. It’s a cult classic. If you want to have fun, if you want to learn a bit, come to Mean Girls because it’s going to be incredible.
Shahmeer: Similar to that, all of the shows that I’ve done recently are heavy in a way. Anastasia was heavy. Fame was fun but pretty heavy. But Mean Girls— yes there’s the introspective of ‘am I a mean girl?’— but it’s super fun. And I really hope people come to have a really fun night at the theatre!
Lillian: I know this is very cliché, but just the cast has been working so hard. And we have a very talented cast and I think that people are really going to like it!
Allyson: It’s an amazing show. And if you don’t come see it? You’re missing out. We’ve all worked so hard with the vocals, the dancing, the acting— it’s just an amazing show.
Talia: I think with the quality of the show you should be paying a lot more than what you are so you’re getting a steal here! I think this show is fun to watch, it’s entertaining. It’s a little scandalous, which I’m going to have to warn my grandparents about. I’ve already been trying to talk to them about this, saying, “Guys, I love you so much, I know you’re my number one fans, but you’re going to see some things… my song is called “Sexy”… I’m literally wearing lingerie in that scene. But please come and be aware!”
Bella: Oh I had that conversation with my grandfather the other day! “I just want you to know that I say the word ‘bitches’ on stage like five times, so if you’re cool with that…” and I think he’s still coming.
I love that you guys are all so excited about this. Now, what’s your favorite color?
Bella: My favorite color? Pink! Which is so not Janis! I love pink! When the Barbie movie came out? I was decked out in pink! That’s so not Janis but it is my favorite color.
Shahmeer: Baby blue.
Aww! Lilly?
Lillian: Pink. My backpack is pink. My pencil case is pink. My lost Stanely is pink. My room is decorated in pink. It’s all pink.
Allyson: Mine’s purple.
Talia: I was going to say purple and pink. Purple for the Ravens and pink because I like pink!
Go Ravens!! This has been so wonderful, you guys! Is there anything else you want to say about the Mean Girls experience, about your cast, about Liz, Diane, Rachel, Charlotte, Ann, any of them? Anything at all that you think we missed?
Bella: To reiterate what I said earlier, CPM does so much to make this such a special experience for us. The costumes— Robyn Alvarez? She’s amazing. The costumes, the set, really just making it as professional as possible in the small space that we have— but still really making it the best that it can possibly be. Rachel, Charlotte, and Liz all have this vision for this show and it’s going to be amazing. I respect the crap out of them, so I’m very excited to be a part of this.
Shahmeer: Two things! One— she isn’t here with us interviewing this morning because she’s a triple-threat queen and she’s at a ballet class right now, but Reese Bruning is so good! So captivating.
Talia: Every note she hits is amazing.
Bella: She’s our Cady Heron.
Shahmeer: She’s just amazing. I can’t even, whenever she’s on stage. It’s just so impressive.
Talia: I get chills.
Shahmeer: Yes. Chills! Also, a huge shout-out to Rachel. I credit her so much with my dancing skills. Girl, I did not know my left from my right two years ago but working with her this whole time over so many different and contrasting theatre pieces, and with different theatre companies, has been so incredibly rewarding, so thank you, Queen! And then the last thing I’ll say is that it’s really nice to be playing such an iconic character as a person of color. There were so few times growing up that I saw myself represented in these archetypal roles. I always saw myself in more stereotypical characters like the Baljeet in Phineas & Ferb or Ravi in Jessie. So it’s really nice to step outside of that box.
Lillian: I like how they gave me this opportunity. Ms. Liz cast a ninth grader as Gretchen.
Shahmeer: She deserves it! She’s amazing! You’re amazing!
Lillian: Thank you!!
Talia: Hearing you say inappropriate things makes me die every single time you do it!
Lillian: Oh gosh! Haha! I also really want to thank Ms. Rachel, who’s allowing me to be in “Sexy” when Gretchen typically isn’t in that number. And I want to thank Ms. Charlotte because she’s really pushed me this show. I’m scared of belting. And she wanted me to belt some things and I feel like she has just pushed me to be a better singer this show.
That is really awesome to hear all of that!
Allyson: I would say that Ms. Liz, since my first show— My Son, Pinocchio— she’s always been there for me, she’s always pushed me as an actor and I just truly appreciate it. Ms. Charlotte? There were shows when I didn’t want to belt, and she was like, “Girl, you can do it.”
Talia: And girl can belt! Let me tell you!
Allyson: She’s definitely pushed me. Ms. Rachel, same with dancing. And also, like Shahmeer was saying, as a person of color, I didn’t see myself as Regina George. For the longest time, I just thought, “I would never get to play her.” So to have this opportunity and to get to execute it, I am just so appreciative.
Talia: Oh gosh, here everyone is saying all of these nice things and all I’m sitting over here thinking is, Charlotte— if you’re listening… I like vanilla cake for the opening! Vanilla with berries on the inside! Charlotte is a very good cake-baker.
You guys are wild! WILD. One last question. If you had to sum up your experience doing Mean Girls here at CPM with all of these wonderful people we just talked about using just one word, which word would you choose?
Bella: Oh I remember this question from Mary Poppins! And it’s not any easier! Oh my God! Special.
Shahmeer: In all aspects of the word—
Talia: That’s multiple words…
Shahmeer: WIG.
I’m sorry. Did you just say wig? Like w-i-g?
Shahmeer: WIG. Just wig. There’s nothing else. Only wig.
Ooh my. What about you, Lilly?
Lillian: Fetch!
Yaaaas! I was hoping that might be your word!
Allyson: This is so hard! Brilliant!
Talia: Sexy!
Mean Girls (High School Edition) plays May 4th 2024 through May 19th 2024 with Children’s Playhouse of Maryland in the Lecture Hall of the Administration Building at the Community College of Baltimore County Essex Campus— 7201 Rossville Boulevard in Baltimore, MD. For tickets call the box office at (443) 840-2426 or purchase them online.
