Crowder College's Theatre Division will bring "Mean Girls: The Musical" to the stage this month, with performances scheduled at the Elsie Plaster Auditorium in Neosho. This theatrical production, drawing on local talent, will be presented for three showings, offering residents of Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Carl Junction, and Neosho an opportunity to experience the musical based on the popular film. The performances are slated for Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, with evening shows commencing at 7 p.m. A final matinee performance is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, at 2 p.m.
The stage will host a collaborative effort involving Crowder College students, local high school students, and broader community members, all contributing to the production. This blend of emerging collegiate talent and community participation highlights the college’s role in fostering regional arts and involving various age groups in its theatrical endeavors. The musical is proudly presented by the college's Theatre Division, known for bringing diverse productions to the area.
The Elsie Plaster Auditorium, a key venue for arts and community events, is situated within the Elsie Plaster Community Center on the Crowder College campus. The center is located at 601 Laclede Ave. in Neosho, making it an accessible location for attendees from across the Four States region. The college's facilities regularly host cultural events for both students and the public, contributing to the cultural fabric of Neosho and surrounding communities.
Leading the production is Theatre Director Annie Smith, who is responsible for guiding the overall artistic vision and staging of the musical. Crowder College Music Instructor Lucas Janes is directing all musical elements of the show, ensuring the vocal and instrumental performances meet the standards for the collegiate and community production. Their combined expertise aims to deliver a faithful and engaging adaptation of the musical.
"Mean Girls: The Musical" is based on the original Paramount Pictures film, and features a book by Tina Fey, music by Jeff Richmond, and lyrics by Nell Benjamin. The narrative introduces audiences to the story of a sheltered young teen who has been homeschooled in Africa and is suddenly immersed in the dynamic social environment of an American high school. This transition brings her face-to-face with the distinct and often rigid social cliques, notably "The Plastics," the influential and popular group led by Regina. The plot then follows the unfolding drama as the new student navigates these social structures, leading to a central conflict over popularity and status. The production aims to explore themes of identity, social belonging, and the "lessons learned for the better" through these high school experiences.
The production carries a PG-13 rating, indicating content that may be unsuitable for younger audiences without parental guidance. In keeping with standard theatrical practice, and to protect the integrity of the performance and its creators' rights, photographs, video recording, and audio recording of the actual performance are strictly prohibited without specific written permission for this production. This policy ensures that the live experience remains unique and respectful of the artists' work.
For those planning to attend, tickets can be reserved and special accommodations requested by contacting the Fine Arts Assistant directly. Inquiries can be made via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (417) 455.5678. For general information about Crowder College events or the production, the Office of Public Information is available at 417.455.5540, or by email at [email protected] or [email protected]. These channels provide comprehensive support for prospective audience members and interested parties.
