Original Broadway Production Produced by Lorne Michaels Stuart Thompson Sonia Friedman
Paramount Pictures Marisa Sechrest Ars Nova Entertainment Berlind Productions
Steve Burke Scott M. Delman Roy Furman Robert Greenblatt Ruth Hendel
Jam Theatricals The John Gore Organization The Lowry Salpeter Company
James L. Nederlander Christine Schwarzman
Universal Theatrical Group Executive Producer David Turner
Directed & Choreographed by Jackie Mustakas
Music Direction by Steve Lavoie
Costume Designer Jessica Pembleton
Original Set Design by Doug Paraschuck MEAN GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL VERSION is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Stage Manager
Amber Archbell
Lighting Designer Jeff JohnstonCollins
Apprentice Stage Manager Tiffany Lam
The video and audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever is strictly prohibited.
Mean Girls: High School Version
sHOW SPONSORS
Youth Academy Season Sponsor
Major Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
2025 season support
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge Naming Sponsor
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge Auditorium Naming Sponsor
Musical Numbers
ACT ONE
MEAN............................................................................................. Janis and Damian
IT ROARS……................................................................................ Cady and Company
WHERE DO YOU BELONG?................................. Damian, Janis, Cady and Company
MEET THE PLASTICS............................. Damian, Janis, Regina, Gretchen and Karen
STUPID WITH LOVE…...................................................... Cady, Aaron and Company
APEX PREDATOR............................................................... Janis, Cady and Company
WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME?...................................................................... Gretchen
OCTOBER THIRD.............................................................................. Cady and Aaron
SEXY............................................................................................ Karen and Company
SOMEONE GETS HURT................................................. Regina, Aaron and Company
REVENGE PARTY................................................. Janis, Damian, Cady and Company
FEARLESS......................................................... Cady, Karen, Gretchen and Company
ACT TWO
MEAN (REPRISE)............................................................................ Janis and Damian STOP!.......................................... Damian, Taylor W., Caitlyn C., Karen and Company
WHAT’S WRONG? (REPRISE).......................................... Gretchen and Mrs. George
WHOSE HOUSE IS THIS?..................Kevin G., Cady, Gretchen, Karen and Company
MORE IS BETTER.............................................................................. Cady and Aaron
SOMEONE GETS HURT (REPRISE)................................................ Janis and Damian
WORLD BURN.......................................................................... Regina and Company
I’D RATHER BE ME...................................................................... Janis and Company
HOW REGINA DIED............................................................................................ Cady DO THIS THING.........Cady, Ms. Norbury, Kevin G., Aaron, Mathletes and Company
I SEE STARS.................................................................................. Cady and Company
Hello, and welcome!
Dear Friends,
Thank you for being here and for supporting Drayton Entertainment’s belief that arts education is not just enrichment, it’s essential. We believe it prepares the next generation not only to navigate an uncertain future, but to shape it with confidence, compassion, and purpose.
This year, 56 students from 25 high schools have come together under the guidance of professional mentors to take part in the Youth Academy’s flagship initiative: The High School Musical Production Program. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters like you, this life-changing program remains completely barrier-free with no tuition, no fees, and no obstacles to participation.
These young people are learning what it means to be brave, to trust one another, and to take creative risks – skills that will serve them far beyond the stage.
Why Mean Girls: The High School Version? Because it speaks directly to the challenges teens face today: identity, belonging, peer pressure, bullying, and the transformative power of kindness. In the safe, creative space of theatre, our students aren’t just growing as artists – they’re growing as people.
If you haven’t yet explored all that the Youth Academy has to offer, we invite you to visit www.DraytonEntertainmentYouthAcademy.com. There, you’ll find opportunities for all ages and stages of life to discover the rewards of bravery and belonging.
For now, it’s time to sit back and cheer as loudly as you can as we all celebrate a future where everyone has a place in the story.
With heartfelt gratitude,
david connolly Artistic Director
the cast
(in alphabetical order)
Karter Abdallah (Ms. Norbury)
Karter is a Grade 12 student at Eastwood Collegiate Institute. Drayton Entertainment: Debut. Karter has performed every year in their school’s talent show and yearly ‘Gala’ with acting and singing, whether alone or with a friend. They have also worked with Jennifer Carter at ‘Resound Voice Studios’ from 2018 - 2022 to prepare for a musical filled life. Thank you to my mother who always supported me, and to the friends I made along the way!
Sophie Appoo (Ms. Buck/Teary Girl/Student)
Sophie is a Grade 11 Student at Cawthra Park Secondary School in their vocal program. She is so grateful to be working on this project as her first professional show! As a 10 year member of Milton Youth Theatre Productions (MYTP), having 19 musicals under her belt, Sophie is so happy to show her friends and family how far she’s come! Her Drayton Youth Academy credits include: 2024 Triple Threat Intensive and 2025 Vocal Intensive. Huge shoutout to Kim, Darryn, Jasmin, Katie, Brooke and Nicole and an even bigger thank you to mum and dad for always supporting me and handling the responsibility of driving me around everywhere!
Leah Bakker (Show Choir/Understudy Regina, Cady)
Leah is a student at Jacob Hespeler Secondary School entering Grade 11. This is Leah’s debut musical with Drayton Entertainment. She has been taking vocal lessons since 6 years old and is also a member of Pop Nation. Thank you to my parents for supporting my love for the performing arts and everyone who has given me this amazing opportunity!
Ella Blair (Show Choir/Understudy Mrs. Heron)
Ella is a Grade 10 student at Centre Wellington District High School. She made her Drayton Entertainment debut with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2023. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Musical Theatre Company (2024), Future Leader Program (2025). Ella has had vocal training since 2020 and has been trained in multiple styles of dance since 2023. Ella would like to thank her family for all their love and support.
Congratulations Liam!
We are so proud of your hard work and talent shining as Damian in Mean Girls. Keep chasing your dreams—this is just the beginning! Love, Mom & Dad
Liam Blevins (Damian Hubbard)
Liam is a Grade 12 student at Pauline Johnson Collegiate & Vocational School. He is thrilled to be making his Drayton Entertainment debut in the role of Damian Hubbard. Favourite roles include: Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast (PJCVS); Squidward in SpongeBob the Musical (PJCVS); and King Triton in The Little Mermaid (Theatre Ancaster). Liam would like to thank his teachers at Studio 5678 and Triple Arts for their training and support, as well as his family for always encouraging his passion for the arts. Mean Girls is a very special show to Liam and he hopes to do it justice.
Alex Caldarelli (Karen Smith)
Alex recently graduated from Waterloo Collegiate Institute, and is taking a gap year to hone her skills to pursue musical theatre as a career. She dances competitively at Evolve Dance Centre, and can be found belting her heart out with Pop Nation Canada. Drayton Entertainment: Footloose (High School Project), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Legally Blonde (High School Project). Other theatre: I Met A Gentle Soul, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Les Misérables, Lion King Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Sleeping Beauty Jr. Shoutout to my friends and family for your support!
Finn Cofell (Grace A.)
Finn is a Grade 10 student at Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School. Drayton Entertainment: Youth Ensemble in Evita; Youth Ensemble in Wizard of Oz: The Panto. Other theatre: Young Cosette in Les Misérables (Singer’s Theatre); Samantha Chris in Chris, Mrs (Boldly Productions). Film/TV: No Idea: Short Film (Malachi Ellis Productions). Finn is also proud to be one of the anthem singers for Blue Jays and a member of Pop Nation Canada. Special thanks to my acting coach, Stacy Smith and vocal coach, Amanda Kind. Also, thanks to family, friends and everyone in the audience for supporting live theatre! @finncofell.
Ariadne Deziel (Sarah/Show Choir)
Ari is excited to be starting Grade 9 as a triple arts major at Eastwood Collegiate Institute. Drayton Entertainment: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita. Other theatre: The Little Mermaid (RCMPI) Term 26, Term 27 (KW Glee) Term 1 (Pop Nation Canada) SZN 3, SZN 4 (Flex Dance Company) Ari so excited to be a sharing this stage with amazing people and so grateful for everyone who made this experience special! Lots of love to her Mum and Dad and special thanks to her voice teacher, Natasha, for their endless support!
Alex
We are so excited to see you onstage again with Drayton Entertainment. We hope you have a wonderful show run!
Love: Mom, Dad, Ezri and your extended Family Fan Club
Rebecca Faerman (Sonja Acquino)
Rebecca is a Grade 12 student at Waterloo Collegiate Institute. She has danced competitively since the age of 4, and has taken vocal lessons with Amanda Wilhelm for the last 8 years. She made her Drayton Entertainment debut in the show Annie (2019). Her acting training includes classes at the Drayton Youth Academy and at Armstrong Acting Studios. A big thank you to everyone at Drayton Entertainment for this incredible opportunity!
India Faris (Cady Heron)
India is thrilled to be performing in her first Drayton high school project! She is currently in Grade 11 at St. Theresa’s Catholic High School. India has been dancing since she was six and taken vocal lessons for 7 years. She made her Drayton debut in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2016. Other theatre: Mayzie in Seussical the Musical, Pilar in Legally Blonde, and appearing in School of Rock with Moving Art. She would like to thank her family, teachers, and loved ones for their endless support!
Connor Foran (Martin J./Mathlete/Understudy Damian)
Connor is a Grade 11 student at St. David Catholic Secondary School. He is thrilled to be back on stage following his involvement in Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy’s high school productions of Legally Blonde (2023) and Footloose (2024). Connor can be found performing as part of Pop Nation Canada and in school productions. Thank you to my family, friends, and instructors who have made this experience so wonderful.
Mike Gilbrook (Glenn Cocco/Understudy Martin J.)
Mike is entering Grade 9 this fall at Laurel Heights and is thrilled to make his Drayton Entertainment debut in Mean Girls: High School Version. A competitive dancer with Star Performance Academy, he recently starred as the Lion in their summer production of The Wizard of Oz. When not on stage, he’s training in dance and voice, constantly exploring new ways to grow as a performer. He sends heartfelt thanks to Mom and Dad for their endless love and encouragement, to his vocal coach Ann Moore, and to his inspiring dance teachers.
Amisha
Sammy
Gonsalves (Show Choir/Understudy Mr. Heron, Kevin G., Aaron Samuels)
Mean Girls is Sammy’s Drayton debut. As a Grade 11 Drama & Vocal major at Eastwood Collegiate, he’s a regular at DEYA’s Drama Company and is excited about the upcoming Improv Company this fall. Thank you to Xander for his vocal support, Stacy and Stephanie for character development, and Miss Sally and Miss Dominque for their memory support. Thanks also to my Mom for all the driving, my Dad for the food, and my brother Dom for the photos and poppin’ shrugs.
Amisha Gupta (Principal Duvall)
Amisha is a Grade 12 student at Craig Kielburger Secondary School. She is thrilled to be making her Drayton Entertainment debut with Mean Girls: High School Version. She completed level 3 of RCM vocal training with honours. Other theatre (selected): Ben in Descendants Jr. (Milton Youth Theatre Productions); Sven in Frozen Jr (Milton Community Theatre); Dewey Finn in School of Rock (Innovative Arts). She thanks her family for supporting her throughout this experience and the fetch cast and crew she has been working alongside.
Ilsa Hagerman (Show Choir/Understudy Karen)
Ilsa is in Grade 12 at Eastwood Collegiate. Drayton Entertainment: Youth Chorus in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and Peter Pan: The Panto Other theatre: Oliver!, Little Women (Penny & Pound); Brigadoon (ACT); Rebecca in Our Town (TCP). Upcoming: Wizard of Oz (KWMP). Thanks to Jackie for the experience, to David for the opportunity, and to my mum and dad for the driving.
Emma Hortie (Caroline K.)
Previously, Emma has performed in Drayton Entertainment’s Honk and Legally Blonde - High School Project. Other theatre: Penny and Pound Productions of Grease and their original musical, Curiouser 3 times. She was a participant in KW Glee’s Term 20 and 25 and is currently a triple major at Eastwood Collegiate Institute for vocals, dance and drama where she is currently a Grade 12 student. Emma loves being on stage dancing, singing, and performing. Emma is extremely happy to be part of the incredible Mean Girls cast and wants to thank Drayton Entertainment for this opportunity, as well as her family and friends for always supporting her.
Adia
Nothing makes our hearts swell with pride more than watching you do what you love. Keep reaching for the stars! So much love from all your friends and family!
Natalie Huang (Gretchen Wieners)
Natalie is a Grade 9 student at Laurel Heights who has been passionate about the performing arts from a young age. She began dance training at the age of 3 and started vocal training at 5. This fall, she will be preparing for her RCM Level 8 Voice Exam and Level 10 Piano Exam. Natalie has always loved musical theatre, and she is excited to make her Drayton Entertainment debut in Mean Girls. She is thrilled for the opportunity to perform alongside such talented young artists and to learn under the guidance of outstanding professionals.
Adia Kellerman (Show Choir/Understudy Mrs. George, French Teacher, Ms. Buck)
Adia is a Grade 9 student at Jacob Hespeler Secondary School. She made her Drayton Entertainment debut with A Christmas Carol: The Panto in 2024. Other theatre: Matilda 2025 (TCP New Hamburg). Adia enjoys all things theatre, playing piano, dancing and singing. She can’t wait to make fetch happen! You go Glen Coco! Thank you to everyone who participated in giving me this experience.
Sydney Kedmenecz (Mrs. George/Student)
Sydney is excited to be spending some of her gap year with Drayton Entertainment in their production of Mean Girls. Drayton Entertainment High School Project: Footloose, and Legally Blonde. Other theatre: Spring Awakening (Agnew Acting). She was a member of KW Glee, and is currently a member of Pop Nation Canada. Sydney would like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and support.
Tevya Kurczak (Caitlyn Caussin)
Tevya is a Grade 10 student at Grand River Collegiate. Drayton Entertainment: Susan Waverly in White Christmas, Shprintze in Fiddler on the Roof, Brigitta in The Sound of Music; Chorus in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie!. Other: Gavroche in Les Misérables (Singer’s Theatre); Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web (Agnew/ KWMP); Dancer (Dance Adventure). I want to thank the Drayton team for this wonderful opportunity. I’m thrilled to share the stage with this amazing company! Thank you, Dad, Quinley, and my entire family for encouraging me to follow my dreams. Mom, thank you for always being my guiding light. This is for you. @tevya.dancer.
Tevya , you’re going to be totally fetch. We love watching you on the stage and promise we won’t yell ‘She doesn’t even go here!’ (…maybe once). Proud of you. Break legs!
Love Dad, Tracey & Quinley
Aziza Leotlela (Taylor Wedell)
Aziza is a Grade 12 student at Laurel Heights Secondary School. Drayton Entertainment: 2025 Spring Company Class, 2025 Vocal Intensive. Other: Cinderella in Into The Woods Jr, Liz in Chicago (Redhill School); Tomika in School Of Rock (Laurel Heights). Aziza is excited to be participating in their first High School project. Thank you to my parents for all your love and support.
Madilynn Laidlow (French Teacher/Student)
Madilynn Laidlow is 16 years old and attends Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School in London ON. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Peter Pan: the Panto, The Wizard of Oz: the Panto, Frozen Jr. Other theatre: Jan in Grease, Charlotte in 13 (London Performing Arts Academy); Judy in A Chorus Line, Mary Poppins, Matilda (Little Theatre Company). On screen: Nimue’s Whim (Grimrose Studios). Madilynn thanks Drayton Entertainment for sparking her theatre journey, her family for their endless love, LPAA for being a home, and Sutton Foster, just because.
Connor MacRae (Shane Oman/Mr. Heron)
Connor is a Grade 11 student at St. Benedict’s Catholic Secondary School and dreams of becoming an actor. He plays Shane Oman and Mr. Heron in this musical, and has previously played Ren in his school’s production of Footloose and Warner in Little Monkey Entertainment’s production of Legally Blonde. He is so excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to follow his dreams!
Kaiden Martin (Regina George)
Kaiden Martin is a student at Woodstock Collegiate Institute with extensive training in the performing arts. She has completed Drayton Entertainment’s Triple Threat Intensive and has appeared in several WCI RedPlayers productions, including Elf the Musical (ensemble), Bye Bye Birdie (Rose Alvarez), and Catch Me If You Can (Brenda Strong). Kaiden has trained in dance with Artistic Movement, received vocal coaching from Charles Baxter, and expanded her skills through programs at the Performing Arts Collective (PAC). Kaiden would like to thank all her teachers and mentors for their endless support and guidance.
Aziza , you are a star and will always shine bright in our eyes, now the world gets to see your brilliance. Congratulations and we love you, Mom, Dad, & Tsepo.
Zoe McCall (Mrs. Heron/Student/Scorekeeper)
Zoe is a Grade 11 student at Laurel Heights Secondary School. This is her first production with Drayton Entertainment. She was involved in Drayton’s 2025 Vocal Intensive and continues to be involved in The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy Musical Theatre Company. Thank you to my family for supporting me through this musical journey.
Izzy McCann (Show Choir/Dance Captain/Swing)
Izzy is a Grade 12 student at Stratford District Secondary School. Drayton Entertainment: Debut. Other: Trained at Stratford Dance Co. in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Ballet. Izzy has been immersed in the competitive dance world for over a decade. Vocal Training (Stephen Woodjets). Thank you to Breanna Willis for her amazing training and continuous support. So much love to my Dad and Mom, thank you for supporting my passion.
Kari Ostermeier (Rachel Hamilton)
Kari is ecstatic to be debuting at Drayton Entertainment in Mean Girls! Kari is a Grade 11 student at Westmount Secondary School in Hamilton, where she played Liz in Chicago this spring. Other recent theatre credits include: The Little Mermaid (Adella); Fame Jr (Carmen); Matilda (Matilda); Newsies Jr (Davey). Kari also dances competitively, currently training at CM Dancing and she takes vocal lessons with Theresa Noon-Hunter. Kari would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support. And she would like to thank the Drayton team for this amazing opportunity. Hope you enjoy this fetch show!
Dashiel Pearson (Marymount 2/Student)
Dash is a Grade 11 student at Waterloo Collegiate Institute. Drayton Entertainment: Debut! Other Stage appearances: The Addams Family, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, I Met A Gentle Soul (WCI Productions), 4 Terms with KW Glee/Pop Nation Canada. Special shoutout to Alex Caldarelli and Connor Foran for being my carpool buddies. Enjoy the show!
Madilynn , we are so proud of you - not just for this performance, but for everything you do! We’ll always be in the audience cheering you on.
Love, Mom and Dad
Charleigh Perry (Parker C./Show Choir)
Charleigh Perry is a Grade 12 student from St. Benedict’s Catholic Secondary School. She previously performed in DEYA’s Legally Blonde and Footloose. She made her Drayton Entertainment debut in Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2017 (and again in 2023), and was in Buddy Holly as well. Mean Girls will be the 24th musical she’s performed in. Other theatre (selected): The Wizard of Oz, Man of La Mancha (C.O.S); Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Little Mermaid (PFP); GREASE, Godspell, Oliver! (P&P); Cinderella- The Pantomime (C.C.P.). Charleigh is so grateful for this opportunity and thanks her family and friends for their constant support.
Sofia Pasqualino (Show Choir/Understudy Gretchen)
Sofia is a Grade 12 student at Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School. Other theatre: Into the Woods and School of Rock (Innovative Arts). Thank you to my parents for their support and to everyone who made this experience possible!
Paisley Quickfall (Kristen P./Show Choir)
Paisley is a Grade 11 student at Elmira District Secondary School and is thrilled to be part of Mean Girls! Drayton Entertainment: A Christmas Carol: The Panto, Peter Pan: The Panto, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Senior Musical Theatre Company and Triple Threat Intensive 2025. Paisley has been dancing at Carousel Dance Centre since she was four and studies voice with Meghan Bunce. She would love to thank her family and friends for their support on this fetch journey. Enjoy the show!
Cole Raper (Marymount 1/Jason W.)
Cole has recently graduated from Eastwood Collegiate Institute with an endorsement in the Integrated Arts Program. He will be returning for a fifth year. He made his Drayton Entertainment debut in Footloose: High School Project (2024), and has participated in two sessions of the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy’s Advanced Musical Theatre Company. Cole was a valued member of the competitive dance team at Spot On Dance Studio for the past 10 years. Cole would like to pursue the performing arts in the future. Thank you to my friends and family for helping discover my love for the performing arts.
Paisley Congratulations to
and the entire Mean Girls cast and crew! Your teamwork, energy, and talent shine so brightly. We are beyond proud! Break a leg!
Abby Renner (Dawn Schweitzer)
Abby is a recent graduate of St.Benedict C.S.S and is currently transitioning into the Arts program at the University of Guelph. After having participated in the most recent Triple Threat Intensive Program, Abby is thrilled to be making her Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy debut in Mean Girls. Other theatre (selected): Deb in Elf, Pepper in Annie, Rusty in Footloose (SBCSS); Teen Soul in Hamlet 911 (Stratford Festival). Special thanks to the Drayton Youth Academy for this amazing experience and to my family for always being my number one supporters!
Addison Robert (Lizzie Therman)
Addison is a Grade 12 student at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School (KCI) and thrilled to be returning to Drayton Entertainment for the High School Project. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Footloose (Dance Captain/Ensemble). Other theatre: Les Misérables (The Singer’s Theatre, Featured Soloist/Ensemble); Pop Nation Canada (Soloist/Featured Dancer/Dance Captain). Addison is passionate about theatre and excited to be part of this production. Thank you to my family and friends for their support.
Emmerson Roe (Marie S.)
Emmerson Roe is a Grade 11 student at Eastwood Collegiate Institute in the Integrated Arts Program. She has previously performed with Drayton Entertainment in Wizard of Oz: The Panto (2022) and Annie (2019). Emmerson trains in dance and musical theatre at Evolve Dance Centre and through Drayton Youth Academy intensives. Endless love to my mom and stepdad for their continued love and support on my journey. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait for the many adventures to come!
Max Sahadeo (Aaron Samuels)
Max is a recent graduate of the French high school Père René de Galinée (PRDG), and is so excited to be back in this year’s high school project! Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Footloose, Triple Threat Summer Intensive (2024). Other theatre (selected): The SpongeBob Musical, All Together Now, Annie (RCMPI); Term 27 (KW Glee); Term 1 (Pop Nation Canada); The Sound of Music in Concert (KWMP); 13 The Musical (GLT). Max would like to thank his friends and family for all their support over the years. @maxsahadeo.
Addison , congrats on a fetch performance!
You’re so grool, in the best possible way. With all our luv and applause, Your very proud
&
Sam Sahadeo (Kevin Ganatra/Mathlete)
Sam is a Grade 11 student at the French school, PRDG in Cambridge. Sam completed the Future Leaders Program in 2024 and he is thrilled to be making his debut in a Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy production. Past credits include Peter Pan Jr., Matilda, All Together Now and Aladdin Jr. (RCMPI). Sam is a proud member of the Jam School House Band, and when he’s not on stage, you’ll often find him perfecting trampoline tricks, playing volleyball, or spending time on the tennis courts. Sam is incredibly grateful to his Mom and Dad for always supporting his wacky adventures!
Griffin is a Grade 11 student at Laurel Heights Secondary school. Drayton Entertainment: Debut. He performed previously in his school’s production of School of Rock as Doug and others. Much love and thanks to my family and friends for their support!
Tayo Dia Thomas (Sophie K.)
Tayo is a Grade 12 student at John F. Ross Collegiate Institute in Guelph, Ontario. This is her second-ever show with Drayton Entertainment as she did Footloose the year prior. She was also in The Little Mermaid with Guelph’s own RCMPI. Tayo is so incredibly grateful to be here and has learned so much from this experience. She’d like to thank her family for supporting her, her voice teacher, Marion and her wonderful dance studio, Dance Spirit Studios! Check out her Instagram if you’d like to see what she does next: @diathomas.mp3.
Sullivan Thompson (Tyler/Mathlete)
Sullivan is a Grade 12 student in the Integrated Arts program at Eastwood Collegiate. Drayton Entertainment: Friedrich von Trapp in Sound of Music, Garvin in Footloose, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other theatre: Feuilly in Les Misérables, Felix in Battle of Boat – Canadian Premiere (Singer’s Theatre); Jojo in Seussical, Bruce in Matilda (Horst Studio); Alice in Wonderland Jr., Aladdin Jr. (Royal City Musical Productions); Oliver (Community Players of New Hamburg). Sullivan has received many accolades at regional and provincial voice competitions and is grateful to the many mentors that have supported and inspired this journey.
Griffin
We’re all so proud of you! You’ll always have us cheering you on.
Lots of love from Mom, Dad, Harold, Jacki and your entire extended family.
Amelia Verginella (Show Choir/Understudy Janis, Ms. Norbury, Principal Duvall)
Amelia is a Grade 11 student at Brantford Collegiate Institute. This is their first ever production with Drayton Entertainment, and it has been an absolute joy to be a part of such an amazing cast. They would like to thank her cast mates, parents, and vocal coach for all their support and kindness.
Alastair Yantha (Janis Sarkisian)
Alastair is headed into a fifth year at Eastwood Collegiate Institute. Drayton Entertainment: Legally Blonde, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Footloose, and has been involved in various classes and intensives. Alastair has also done many terms of Pop Nation/Glee. Thank you to my mother, for always lifting me up when I’m down.
Kai Zivku (Marymount 3/Christian/Show Choir)
Kai is a Grade 10 student at Forest Heights Collegiate Institute. He is excited to be making his debut with Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy’s Mean Girls and is also looking forward to being in the cast for their upcoming production, Disney’s Dare to Dream. Kai has been a proud member of Pop Nation Canada for 3 years. Kai would like to thank his family, friends, and vocal teacher, Jen. A special thank you to his mom and sister for being his number one supporters. “The best things in life, the very best things happen unexpectedly”-Donna Sheridan, Mamma Mia!.
, You are Braver than you know. You are stronger than you realize. Keep on believing in yourself. You are a Star
the crew
(in alphabetical order)
Patrick Brubacher (Lighting)
Patrick is a Grade 12 student at Waterloo Collegiate Institute. He is passionate about technical theatre and has previously operated sound for his school’s production of The Addams Family (2025) and produced the video for A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2024). Thank you to my friends and family for the support and encouragement.
Aurora Campbell (Wardrobe)
Aurora is a Grade 10 student at St. David’s Catholic Secondary School and excited to be back with Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. Past credits include the Children’s Chorus of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Shprintze in Fiddler on the Roof, and the upcoming Cinderella: The Panto. She is so thankful to her family and friends for their constant encouragement, and to Drayton Entertainment for always making her feel welcome and supported. Aurora is grateful for the chance to work alongside such a talented cast and crew.
Toby Crespo Hou (Wardrobe)
Toby is a Grade 10 student at Laurel Heights Secondary School in Waterloo. This is his first time ever working with Drayton Entertainment. Aside from a school production School of Rock, this is his first musical production and his first time working in tech. He is also a member of Pop Nation and has been for 3 years. Toby is passionate about wardrobe and cosmetics.
Nam Khanh Doan (Lighting)
Nam is a Grade 12 student at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Debut. Nam has been involved in many of his school’s productions; He teched for Limelight 2023, Our Town, and Limelight X, and recently performed in Street Wise. He has a passion for all things technical theatre, and is considering pursuing lighting after high school. He would like to thank all of his friends and family for their support, and for introducing him to the world of theatre.
Jacob Elkins (Sound)
Jacob is a Grade 12 student at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate Institute. At KCI Jacob has been the sound tech for Limelight 2023 and Limelight X, and was on the stage management team for Spotlight: A Night of One Acts, primarily being involved as the stage manager of Street Wise. This production of Mean Girls is Jacob’s debut with the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. Jacob is obsessed with everything about technical theatre, and is aspiring to pursue a career in technical theatre after high school. He would like to thank his girlfriend, family, and friends for all the support. Love you all!
Kody Harding (Wardrobe)
Kody is a Grade 10 student at Eastwood Collegiate Institute. They have done classes and workshops with Drayton Entertainment since the spring of 2023. Kody would like to thank their father for giving them the inspiration to pursue theatre and music, fueling their imagination and creativity with constant guitar playing.
Penny Jamieson (Assistant Stage Manager)
Penny is a Grade 11 student at John F Ross CVI. She has always loved performing and is excited for the opportunity to try something new. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Children’s Ensemble in Joseph and Peter Pan: The Panto. Other theatre (selected): Legally Blonde and Bring it On (Center Stage Kids). Penny is grateful to be working with this incredible cast and crew for this experience. She would like to thank her family and mentors for their endless support.
Eden Krawetz (Wardrobe)
Eden is a Grade 9 student at Eastwood Collegiate Institute. Drayton Entertainment Children’s Chorus: Cinderella: The Panto, Peter Pan: The Panto. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Musical Theatre Company (Spring 2025), Technical Theatre Scenic Carpentry (Spring 2025). Other theatre: One Stoplight Town, Matilda JR., Newsies JR. (actOUT!). Eden is excited for the opportunity to work backstage alongside an amazing crew and cast.
Logan Olenewa (Assistant Stage Manager)
Logan is a Grade 11 student at Laurel Heights Secondary School. DEYA: Member of Improv Company since 2022. Other theatre (selected): Stage Manager for Junior Intensive (Singer’s Theatre); Director for Romeo & Juliette & Murder, That One Scottish Play Curse, and Improv Murder Mystery (LHSS). Logan has also co-directed Finn, an awardwinning short film. Logan has performed in: School of Rock (LHSS); The Wizard of Oz, Newsies Jr. (actOUT!). Logan would like to thank his family for their continued support as he pursues his theatrical aspirations.
Amelia Pletsch (Assistant Stage Manager)
Amelia is a Grade 10 student at Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate. Drayton Entertainment: Debut. Select credits include performing in The Odyssey (KCI), directing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and writing Alice in Wonderland (CNW). She has trained in both performance and technical theatre with DEYA, the Stratford Festival, the Sound Factory, and the Grand Theatre London. Thank you to everyone who has made this experience so incredible!
Isabella Paun (Running Crew)
Isabella is a Grade 11 student at Laurel Heights Secondary School. She has enjoyed participating in many classes and camps with Drayton Youth Academy and is a future leader as well. Thank you to all the people at Drayton Entertainment for this opportunity!
Gavin Raper (Running Crew)
Gavin is a Grade 11 student at Eastwood Collegiate Institute majoring in music, drama, and dance. Drayton Entertainment: Peter Pan: The Panto, youth chorus in 2023. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Technical Theatre Class Fall Session 2024. He is a part of his school’s tech crew and is excited to pursue the role of running crew in Mean Girls.
Émilie Weinhardt (Running Crew)
Émilie is a Grade 12 student at Père-René-de-Galinée Catholic Secondary School. Drayton Entertainment: Debut! Émilie would like to thank her mentors in this program, her parents and friends. (She/They).
Production Mentors
Dave Horner.................................Production
Drayton Entertainment: Mean Girls High School Version, Grease. Other theatre: Anne of Green Gables (Tweed & Company); The Little Mermaid (EDSS Players). Choreography: We’ll Meet Again, Country Legends, Dance Legends, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 42nd Street, Anything Goes, Vaudeville, Music Man, Little Me, Bye Bye Broadway, Caught In The Act (Drayton Entertainment); Dance Legends (Grand Theatre); HMS Pinafore, Patience, The Mikado (G&S Society); Treasure Island, Cinderella (Stage West, Mississauga); Bye Bye Broadway (Lighthouse Theatre). Jackie has also been a featured performer with Drayton since 1998. “Thank you for continuing to support live theatre. Believe in the magic!” Insta: @ jackiemustakas.
Steve Lavoie (Music Director)
Drayton Entertainment: Mean Girls, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Canada 151, Hairspray. Other Theatre (selected): Ghost the Musical (Starvox); Freaky Friday (Theatre Aquarius); Rent, Evita, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Spamalot, Sweeney Todd, The Who’s Tommy (Scarborough Music Theatre); Les Misérables, Ragtime (Etobicoke Musical Productions); Winterfest (Canada’s Wonderland). In addition to music directing, Steve is an audition and rehearsal accompanist in and around the GTA. Find him online on YouTube or visit theaccidentalaccompanist.com.
Jessica Pembleton (Costume Designer)
Drayton Entertainment: Mean Girls: High School Version, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Footloose, Bittergirl The Musical, Legally Blonde: The Musical, We’ll Meet Again, It Runs in the Family, ‘ART’, Man of La Mancha, Canada 151: Better Late than Sorry, Kings & Queens of Country, Footloose, Canadian Legends, The Odd Couple, The Crazy Time, The Last Resort, Boeing Boeing, Twist and Shout: The British Invasion, Lend Me A Tenor, Legends of Harmony, The Love List, Oliver!, Harvey, Murder at the Best Western, The Melville Boys, Separate Beds, The Odd Couple, On Golden Pond. Other theatre: All Shook Up (Head of Wardrobe, Stage West Mississauga). Jessica would like to thank her amazing family and husband for all of their unconditional love and support.
Jeff JohnstonCollins (Lighting Designer)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Lights: Show Stoppers! (1998), Me & My Girl (1999), Twist & Shout (2005), Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll (2007), Miss Saigon (2007), Dance Legends (2010), Spamalot (2013), Canadian Legends (2015), Rock of Ages (2017), Million Dollar Quartet (2017), Mamma Mia! (2022), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (2024). Technical Director/Lights: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Camelot (North American Tours). For over 30 years, I have created set & lighting designs for theatres across Canada, toured numerous productions, and operated a scene shop in my hometown of Hamilton. Thank you to the entire Drayton Family for creating the magic of live theatre. Love and thanks to the light of my life, my wife Susan for her constant support and encouragement. Enjoy!
Amber Archbell (Stage Manager)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): A Christmas Carol: The Panto, Beehive – the ‘60s Musical, Peter Pan: The Panto, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wizard of Oz: The Panto, Sorry…I’m Canadian, Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, The Birds & The Bees, Cinderella: The Panto, HONK!, Lucky Stiff, Marathon of Hope: The Musical, Aladdin: The Panto, Snow White:The Panto, Run For Your Wife, Weekend Comedy, Annie, High School Musical. Other theatre: Outheis (TIFT); Sleeping Beauty: Panto (Stirling Festival Theatre); Edward II, As You Like It, Everybody, Fefu and her Friends, Really Really (Theatre Erindale); The Amish Project (Green Light Arts); Salt Baby, If I Were You, Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Legally Blonde (Aquarius).
Tiffany Lam (Apprentice Stage Manager)
Drayton Entertainment: Debut. Other theatre: Faust (COC); Three Islands (UofT Opera); Betty’s Song, Munschables, Island Steps (Charlottetown Festival); Bluebeard’s Castle (Against the Grain Theatre); Tartuffe (Opera Nuova). Tsz Ting was also the Metcalf Intern Producer at Nightwood Theatre in 2023. Love to my family, and friends and mentors.
thanks
A special thank you to Hadley Mustakas. Assistant to the director and choreographer.
the band
Steve Lavoie (Leader/Keys)
Drayton Entertainment: Mean Girls: High School Project, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Canada 151, Hairspray. Other Theatre (selected): Ghost the Musical (Starvox); Freaky Friday (Theatre Aquarius); Rent, Evita, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Spamalot, Sweeney Todd, The Who’s Tommy (Scarborough Music Theatre); Les Misérables, Ragtime (Etobicoke Musical Productions); Winterfest (Canada’s Wonderland). In addition to music directing, Steve is an audition and rehearsal accompanist in and around the GTA. Find him online on YouTube or visit theaccidentalaccompanist.com.
David Myers (Keys II)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Christmas Carol: The Panto, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hairspray, Footloose, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, White Christmas, Mamma Mia!, and numerous pantos. Best known as a Toronto audition pianist, David also taught at both Sheridan College and The Randolph Centre for over 20 years. He was a founding member of The Musical Box, the world’s premiere tribute to Genesis, where he enjoyed 15 years of touring Europe and the Americas.
Junior Riggan (Bass)
Drayton Entertainment: Jesus Christ Superstar, A Christmas Carol: The Panto, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, Footloose, Peter Pan: The Panto, Wizard of Oz: The Panto, The Crooner (2022), Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, Rocky: The Musical, Hairspray, Rock of Ages, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cinderella, Footloose, Little Shop of Horrors, Aladdin, Anne of Green Gables, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Legally Blonde – the Musical. Other theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar (Theatre Sheridan); Mamma Mia!, Finding Black Joy (The Grand Theatre London); Yorkville: The Musical (Blyth); Now and Forever, a diva spectacular …, 9 to 5: The Musical (St. Lawrence College); The River Rolls (New Hamburg); … Patsy Cline (Leisa Way Productions). Junior thanks the Drayton family for the opportunity.
Kevin Dempsey (Drums)
Drayton Entertainment: Grease, Cinderella: the Panto, A Christmas Carol: The Panto, Peter Pan: The Panto, Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream, The Crooner, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, Kings & Queens of Country, Hairspray, Lucky Stiff, Red Rock Diner, Anything Goes, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Footloose, Big Band Legends, The Songs of Sinatra, Country Legends, Swing!. Kevin is an active member in the Toronto jazz scene and can be heard frequently on CJRT. He has also been on the McMaster University and Mohawk College music faculties for the last 30 years. Kevin has been performing with Drayton Entertainment since 1994.
the authors
Tina Fey
Tina Fey is a writer, actor, and producer known for her awardwinning series 30 Rock and for nine seasons on Saturday Night Live (Weekend Update, Sarah Palin, Mom Jeans.) Films: Sisters, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Date Night, Mean Girls (her first screenplay). In 2010 she became the youngest recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Her book Bossypants has sold 2.5 million copies. She co-created Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix) and was an Executive Producer on Great News (NBC). She is thrilled to make her Broadway debut as a writer and not as a dancer in Cats as previously stress-dreamt. She lives in NYC with her husband Jeff Richmond and their two fancy daughters. She dedicates her work here to her mom Jeanne, for loving and feeding the many teenage loudmouths that went on to be characters in this show.
Jeff Richmond
Jeff Richmond is an award-winning composer, songwriter and producer for television, theatre and film. He served as composer and an Executive Producer on NBC’s 30 Rock, winning three Primetime Emmy Awards alongside his wife Tina Fey. He was a musical director at The Second City in Chicago and at Saturday Night Live, where he spent five seasons composing original songs for stars like Jack Black, Queen Latifah, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Jeff’s New York theatre credits include his musical Melancholy Baby, the inaugural production of the Ars Nova Theater, and the score for Fully Committed on Broadway starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson. He is currently executive producing, directing and scoring episodes of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt in New York City, where he lives with his wife and their two daughters.
Nell Benjamin
Nell co-wrote the score to Legally Blonde, the Musical with composer Laurence O’Keefe, which received Tony Award nominations, Drama Desk nominations, and the Olivier and Helpmann Awards for Best Musical.
Nell wrote the lyrics to Mean Girls, which received multiple Tony Award nominations, including for Best Original Score and Best Musical. Nell’s play, The Explorers Club, won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play, the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award, and an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation grant.
Nell has written book and/or lyrics for Pirates! (or Gilbert and Sullivan plunder’d), Sarah, Plain and Tall, Cam Jansen (Drama Desk-nominated), I Want My Hat Back, How I Became A Pirate, The Mice, Life of the Party and Because of Winn Dixie
Upcoming musicals are: Huzzah!, Life of the Party, Dave.
Television writing includes “Unhappily Ever After”, Animal Planet’s “Whoa! Sunday with Mo Rocca”, “Electric Company”, “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris”, “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway”, “Julie’s Greenroom.”
Benjamin is the recipient of the Kleban Foundation Award and a Jonathan Larson Grant.
musical theatre international
Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.
MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide.
MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior® shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.
