Beware of The Plastics: Aurora’s Paramount Theatre opens Broadway series with “Mean Girls”

Aurora's Paramount Theatre is opening its 15th Broadway Series with the Chicago-area premiere of “Mean Girls,” a stage version of the Tina Fey film that runs Wednesday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Oct. 11. Opening night is set for Friday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.

The musical, nominated for 12 Tony Awards according to the press release, follows Cady Heron, a new student from Africa who enters North Shore High and gets pulled into the orbit of The Plastics, led by Regina George. The show features a book by Tina Fey, music by Jeff Richmond, and lyrics by Neil Benjamin, the announcement confirms.

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Cast and creative team

Devon Hayakawa is making a solo directing debut at Paramount after serving on directing teams for “South Pacific,” “Come From Away,” “Cats” and Disney's “Frozen.” The creative team also includes choreographer Kasey Alfonso, music director and conductor Kory Danielson, set designer Milo Bue and costume designer Kotryna Hilko.

Elizabeth Stenholt will play Cady Heron. Dariana Mullen, who appeared in “The Great Gatsby” at New York's Broadway Theatre, will make her Chicago debut as Regina George, according to the announcement. The cast also includes Angel Alzeidan, Julia Hope Budd, Diego Vazquez Gomez, Lucy Godinez, Steven Klenk, Ben Mathew, Veronica Garza and Austin Nelson Jr.

The ensemble will feature Tola Abitogun, Jeremiah Alsop, Matty Bettencourt, Anna Louise Bramlett, Nicole DiSandro, Ben Dow, Madison Jaffe-Richter, Joshua Messmore, Hannah Remian, Nataki Rennie, Morgan Schoenecker, Jacob Simon, Abby C. Smith, Amanda Walker and Elaine Watson.

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Tickets and subscription details

Previews begin Wednesday, Aug. 26, and performances continue on select weekday and weekend schedules through Sunday, Oct. 11. Single tickets range from $34 to $109 when bought in person, with extra fees for phone and online orders.

Paramount's 2026-27 Broadway Series subscriptions start at $73 for four-show packages that include “Mean Girls,” a world premiere adaptation of “The Christmas Carol,” “Sunday in the Park with George” and an 80s-inspired “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” The theater said it has offered the same "Buy Two Shows, Get Two Shows Free" deal since its first Broadway Series launched in 2011.

Paramount Theatre is at 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora. Tickets and subscriptions are available through the theater's box office and website, with group discounts also offered.