Behind the Curtain: A Leonia High School Production of Mean Girls: The Musical
This past spring, the Limelighters at Leonia High School brought Mean Girls: The Musical to life, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. From intense rehearsals to late-night meetings, the show was a true reflection of the passion, teamwork, and creativity that define the Leonia community.
The decision to choose Mean Girls as the spring musical wasn’t taken lightly. According to the directors, the choice was influenced by the students themselves. “We held a poll at the end of the school year to see what show everyone wanted to do,” explained directors Mary Thorpe and John McCarter, two incredible teachers at Leonia High School who took on the challenge of directing the production. “The majority of students wanted to do either Legally Blonde or Mean Girls. We thought Mean Girls would be more relatable to high school students, which is why we ended up going for it.”
While Mean Girls is known for its humor and catchy songs, the production posed a unique challenge in terms of coordination. “The biggest challenge was balancing the schedules of everyone involved,” the directors stated. “We not only had to balance the schedules of the cast and crew, but we also had to coordinate with our choreographer, Ms. DeLorenzo; our vocal director, Ms. Jufer; and our instrumental pit director, Mr. Holak. Mean Girls is a show with intense choreography, harmonies, and scene changes, so coordinating rehearsals was like putting together a puzzle. It took a lot of organization, flexibility, and communication to make it all work.”
This collaboration also extended to the choreography, led by Ms. DeLorenzo, one of Leonia’s helpful guidance counselors, who was new to theater but eager to take on the challenge. “Ms. Thorpe and Mr. McCarter approached me with the opportunity because they knew I had a dance background and teach dance classes,” said Ms. DeLorenzo. “I do not have any background in theater, so I was nervous at first to accept the position, but I knew the Limelighters group would work with me and it would be a collaborative effort. I love to try new things, and this felt like the right new venture for me to use my passion for dance and work with my students at the same time.”
Filled with enthusiasm, she shared her experience working with the cast. “It has honestly been so much fun! Every student involved in the production has been so eager and ready to learn my choreography and make suggestions of things they would like to see in the dances. I walk into the Little Theater and immediately feel the positive energy from everyone, and it makes this process so much more enjoyable.”
The production also had its share of challenges and rewards for the cast members, especially for those who were taking on a high-energy show for the first time. Junior President Hudson Ascolese shared a piece of advice for those considering joining the Limelighters in the future: “It’s going to be scary at first, no matter what. You’re not gonna know a lot of people, you’re going to be scared you’re not good enough, you’re going to have all these things running through your head. But all you have to do is take that first step, and step by step, it all gets a lot easier. Opening night will be so nerve-wracking, but as soon as you walk out on stage, it’ll all wash away.”
The experience was equally meaningful for Senior President Natalia Kazbanov, who has been involved with the Limelighters throughout her entire high school career. “Over the years, I’ve done some pretty ‘weird’ things on stage: growling like a bear, pounding my chest like a gorilla, pretending to fight a dinosaur, and even acting like a 6-year-old. Sure, it may sound ‘cringe,’ but once you’re in the moment, none of it feels awkward. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to just stop worrying about what others think. I made the choice to be part of Limelighters, and so I gave it my all. I encourage you to do the same!”
As a senior, Natalia reflected on her journey with the Limelighters: “I went from a nervous freshman, too hesitant to audition, to Senior President who cherishes every moment on and off stage. Along the way, I grew—not just as a performer, but as a leader and Limey. Each year brings a new mix: graduating seniors, incoming freshmen, first-time performers. But what never changes is the heart of Limelighters. No matter the cast, crew, or teachers involved, the club always feels like home—a vibrant, welcoming space where people from all backgrounds come together to create something special.”
As the final curtain fell on Mean Girls, it also marked a bittersweet farewell for the graduating seniors who helped shape this year’s production with their talent, leadership, and heart. For many, it was their last time performing on the Leonia stage—a stage that had become a second home over the years. Their legacy, however, will continue to inspire the next generation of Limelighters.
With their final bows taken and the auditorium lights dimmed, the 2024–2025 season has officially come to a close. But the excitement doesn’t end here—new stories, new faces, and new memories await. Until then, that’s a wrap for this year’s Limelighters, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store next.
