'Super popular with our students': 'Mean Girls Jr.' has stellar cast of young Polk actors
LAKELAND – The musical is an adapted version of Tina Fey's 2004 blockbuster film and the Broadway hit, and now “Mean Girls” are in Lakeland – in a mini-form.
Since its opening June 14 on the Lakeland Community Theatre stage, 121 S. Lake Ave., audiences have gotten to see a 60-minute version of a tailored-for-young-performers version of “Mean Girls,” from author Fey, lyricist Nell Benjamin and composer Jeff Richmond.
The LCT-produced musical continues Friday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 23 at 2 p.m.
“Mean Girls” is a 2004 American teen comedy film directed by Mark Waters and written by Fey. The PG-13-rated movie follows Cady Heron a naïve teenager who transfers to an American high school after years of homeschooling in Africa.
For the Lakeland production, Jordyn Jones, LCT education director for the past 1 ½ years, said the theatre company chose to produce “Mean Girls Jr.” because of the movie and the play’s popularity among middle and high school students.
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Jones said the coinciding of the LCT production with the Jan. 12 release of the hit movie “Mean Girls” made for “perfect timing” for the musical’s production locally. The film received mostly positive reviews from critics and grossed more than $104 million worldwide with just a $36 million budget.
“This show is super popular with our students; they love this musical and when they released an age-appropriate version of it, I thought it would be a hit with our kids and our community,” said Jones, who is also an actor.
The LCT “Mean Girls Jr.” show has 39 children, ages 14 to 18, from 13 high schools across Polk County, Jones said. The majority of student actors, 26, are from Harrison School for the Arts, Lakeland, which has six school departments represented.
“We have an immense pool of talent in the Polk County area with our kids. Some of the talent is off the charts, and I want to celebrate these kids and the amount of talent that they have,” Jones said.
Jones said the LCT “Mean Girls Jr.” musical is the first time it’s been produced in Lakeland and seats for the shows have been filling up quickly.
“We’ve had a huge turnout, and the response has been great from the audiences.”
In addition to enjoying the musical, Jones said each production has a “Pink Raffle,” with those wearing pink getting entered into a raffle and one winner at each show getting a gift from the “Mean Girls Jr.” cast.
“It’s a fun show. I want (the audience) to have fun and come laugh along with us,” she said.
Tickets for LCT’s “Mean Girls Jr.” are $15 for adults, $12 children 12 and younger.
For information, see the Lakeland Community Theatre Facebook page or call 863-603-7529.
Dixieland Night Market
The June edition of the free monthly night market has been rescheduled for 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 21. Held in the rear parking lot at 1011 to 1025 S. Florida Ave., the market focuses on art, fashion and food. The Emporium Lakeland will also be hosting a large-works art show from 6 to 8 p.m. For information, see www.facebook.com/events/741241721505141, email Dixielandnightmarket@gmail.com or call 863-937-9235.
Under the Midsummer Moon
Experience the strawberry full moon Friday, June 21, from 8 to 10 p.m. using the Sidewalk Science Center's high-powered telescopes and guidance from expert astronomers. The free event includes plants, crystals and flowers for sale from local vendors, free art activities with Lakeland Arts Association and cocktails, coffee and snacks available at the Roundhouse Coffee Shop. For information, see www.bonnetspringspark.com or call 863-732-7000.
Juneteenth Celebration Of Freedom Polk City
New Outlook Events presents a free Juneteenth celebration from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 22, at the Donald Brunson Community Center, 124 Brunson Trail, Polk City. There will be live music, dancing, vendors and educational booths as well as motivational and informational speakers and comedians. For information, see www.facebook.com/events/1051057445989958 or call 863-624-7772.
Hayden Coffman
Knoxville, Tennessee country singer-songwriter Hayden Coffman brings his slice-of-life observational tunes to Wild Greg's Saloon, 4951 U.S. 98, Lakeland, Saturday, June 22. Starting at 7 p.m., Coffman’s repertoire includes hits such as “Take the Lonely,” “Rock Bottom” and “Good Ol’ Boys.” Tickets are $15. For information, see www.wildgregssaloon.com/events-%26-tickets or call 863-940-9133