Mean Girls Mania Hits the West End! A Backstage Pass with ASM Zoë Jack
Tina Fey’s sharp, witty writing made the 2004 “Mean Girls” movie a cult classic, perfectly capturing the complexities of teenage life. Following the tremendous success of its Broadway musical adaptation and the high powered US national tour, “Mean Girls” has finally arrived on the West End stage! Join us as we go behind the scenes with Zoë Jack, the Assistant Stage Manager of the West End production, to get the exclusive “411” on what it takes to bring this iconic show to life from the wings.
(Megan Gill) Can you tell us a bit about the show and what makes this production unique. Is it similar to the Mean Girls on Broadway?
(Zoë Jack) I would call it a sister show, same genetics but years apart. It’s another wonderful relevant reinvention of the classic coming of age story that still hits like a big yellow bus (even though you know it’s coming). To be current and timeless at the same time is a mammoth task that takes work and that’s where the creatives are thorough in maintaining the script, lyrics and music. It’s up to them to find the balance of meeting the expectations of different generations, film lovers, musical theatre lovers and those being introduced to the story for the first time. Keeping iconic lines vs trying out new material. Then there are cultural considerations at play for the material to land with a new audience in a different continent. I saw the Broadway production in 2018 and would say that this production is in every way as unique and versatile and hits the mark for me, a 31 year old in the key demographic.
(MG) How does this production differ from others you have worked on in the past?
(ZJ) I’ve worked on a few large-scale shows but never one attached to such a high level of hype. It’s intense and incredibly infectious. Whether that’s from those also working behind the scenes like me, or the volume coming from audience in front of the curtain, or the huge numbers of fans waiting at the stage door that you pass on your way home every night.
(MG) Can you walk us through a typical day in your role during the lead up to
opening night?
(ZJ) To get a production of this size on its feet, I would say no day can be typical. Each stage of the process needs to be varied and flowing but in essence there is a production schedule containing the relevant workload needed to be achieved for
each day in order for it to happen.
It is up to the Stage Management team to be the strong channel of communication between all departments and keep things on track and managed within the timeframe. For this to run smoothly it takes a lot of listening, pre- planning and documentation to facilitate all the technical elements of the show that are all trying to fit together for the same deadline.
Generally speaking, it kind of works in layers, we start off with learning the bare bones in the rehearsal room; choreography, timing and staging and then by painstakingly running it over and over again the production evolves while new elements like lighting, sound, automation, wardrobe, music, wigs, props are introduced, programmed and implemented in stages into the show and it grows and grows into this amazing beast when finally the curtain goes up and there it is.
(MG) What was it like working with the amazing Tina Fey and Creative/Technical team?
(ZJ)
It was incredible, I had butterflies every day. Not many can say they’ve been in a room where Tina Fey is testing out new jokes and I’m grateful that I understand how much of a privilege it was.
(MG) Does the crew wear pink on Wednesdays?
(ZJ) The crew doesn’t wear pink on a Wednesday but our audiences do for sure. The Strand by the Savoy theatre is a sea of pink on Wednesdays and it’s great to see.
(MG) Can you share some of the unique technical elements involved in the production?
(ZJ) I would say that the set is one of most important features in the story telling, the slickness of the automated sliding video wall panels keeps the story so fast paced and flowing and compliments the quick wit, dry story-telling that you associate with
Tina Fey’s work.
(MG) What are you most excited for audiences to experience with this production?
(ZJ) I think the portrayals of the beloved characters from the original film, the cast are outstanding, they have all understood the brief and done their roles justice whilst bringing their own touch. It’s been such a high standard from the minute they walked into the rehearsal room and boy do they work hard.
(MG) How long has this project been in the works, from reads to rehearsals, load-in
to opening night?
(ZJ) From my understanding it has been many years in the making with a global pandemic in between and then waiting to find just the right time to put a juggernaut like this out there. So about, 6 weeks in the studio, 2 weeks tech in
the theatre and 3 weeks running the show to an audience before we finally opened.
(MG) Can you share any interesting or funny behind-the-scenes stories from the rehearsal process?
(ZJ) Most of the hilarity is saved for onstage because in order to achieve such sharp staging, backstage needs to function like the tightest of ships. I’m not kidding when I say it’s quick. To get everything, everyone, everywhere all at once and
in time is a comedy skit in itself, I’m sure the flies on the wall are highly entertained.
(MG) How do you and the team prepare for opening night to ensure everything goes perfectly?
(ZJ) Planning mainly. I would say any show is like a Rubik’s cube. You have to just learn and know it inside and out so that you can be prepared for every and any possible outcome because anything that can happen, will. We are a month after opening and still making preparations. However, I think many theatre workers will agree that perfect shows are like blue moons. As ready as you are, you’re still at the hands of fate every night and I think that’s what makes it a very exciting place to work.
(MG) What was the most memorable moment from production?
(ZJ) I’ve had several “pinch me” moments but seeing the pink carpet outside The Savoy for our opening was definitely too surreal to forget.
(MG) How do you handle the pressure and stress that come with managing such a high-profile production?
(ZJ) The only way to deal with the pressure and stress is just to embrace it, it doesn’t go away, you must learn how to stay buoyant and function in the chaos. I think
personally working at a job where you were bored and unstimulated would be far
more stressful to me.
That’s the “411”!
From the intricate behind-the-scenes work to the electric energy on stage, this production is a testament to the creativity and dedication of everyone involved. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the story, this show promises to deliver all the “fetch” moments you could hope for. Don’t miss out on experiencing the magic firsthand – it’s truly an event that will leave you wearing pink on Wednesdays.
Get in, loser. We’re going to see Mean Girls on the West End.
Click HERE for tickets.
Follow Mean Girls on Instagram
All photos courtesy Zoë Jack and the official Mean Girls The Musical Instagram account.
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