The much-anticipated Mean Girls movie musical has finally hit the theatres, accompanied by a soundtrack honouring and reimagining the beloved 2018 stage show. The new adaptation, a brainchild of Tina Fey’s comedic genius, brings fresh tunes to the story of Cady Heron’s navigation through the treacherous social ecosystem of high school. As the tracklist gets unveiled, fans eagerly discover what musical numbers have survived the transition from stage to screen and which have been left behind.
The soundtrack of the Mean Girls movie musical, released concurrently with the film’s premiere, is a mix of old and new. While fan-favourite numbers from the Broadway show have been retained, several tracks, including “It Roars,” “Where Do You Belong?,” and “Fearless,” were notably absent. In a significant change, “It Roars” has been replaced by a new song titled “What Ifs,” performed by Angourie Rice, who plays the lead role of Cady Heron. This new addition, co-written by Reneé Rapp, who portrays Regina George, adds a unique flavour to the movie’s musical landscape.
The soundtrack showcases a star-studded cast, featuring the voices of Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auli’i Cravalho, Jaquel Spivey, Avantika, Bebe Wood, Tim Meadows, and more. Jeff Richmond’s music and Nell Benjamin’s lyrics bring the high school drama to life with a mix of catchy and emotionally resonant songs. The movie musical’s song list includes “A Cautionary Tale,” “Meet the Plastics,” “Stupid With Love,” “Apex Predator,” “Sexy,” “Someone Gets Hurt,” “Revenge Party,” “World Burn,” “I’d Rather Be Me,” “I See Stars,” and the collaboration “Not My Fault” with Megan Thee Stallion.
Set in the backdrop of high school politics, the film follows new student Cady Heron as she gets entangled with “The Plastics,” led by Regina George, and her minions Gretchen and Karen. Cady’s journey of fitting in, falling out, and finding herself is laced with humour, heartache, and the timeless lesson of staying true to oneself.
The Mean Girls movie musical is more than just a retelling; it’s a reimagining that stays true to the essence of its source material while injecting it with new life. The soundtrack serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of this modern classic, adapting and evolving to capture the hearts of a new generation. As audiences groove to the tunes of “What Ifs” and “Revenge Party,” they’re reminded that the world of high school, with its trials and tribulations, is as relevant and entertaining as ever.
