Katie Yeomans Takes Centre Stage: MEAN GIRLS Tour Welcomes a New Cady

If you love musical theatre that’s packed with sharp wit, catchy tunes, and unforgettable characters, then brace yourself for exciting news: Katie Yeomans has officially stepped into the role of Cady Heron on the MEAN GIRLS North American Tour. In a bold move, the production team has entrusted Yeomans—who was formerly the standby for the character—to lead this energetic, larger-than-life show for the remainder of the 2024–2025 non-Equity tour. And if the buzz from fans and industry insiders is any indication, her portrayal promises to be every bit as delightful (and “fetch”) as you’d hope.

Making its mark on Broadway in 2018, MEAN GIRLS quickly became a phenomenon, nominated for 12 Tony Awards and drawing enthusiastic crowds from around the globe. Now, under the direction of Casey Hushion, this smartly updated touring version captures the irreverent spirit of the original production—while offering fans across the country a chance to relive the same ferocious fun that first wowed New York City. Read on for a closer look at the new leading lady, the rest of the talented cast, the show’s creative origins, and why MEAN GIRLS continues to be a prime example of the vibrant storytelling that musical theatre does best.

Katie Yeomans as Cady Heron

Stepping into the shoes of a role previously immortalised by Lindsay Lohan in the 2004 film (and later by Erika Henningsen on Broadway) is no small feat. Yet Katie Yeomans is more than up to the task. Having already served as the standby for Cady Heron, Yeomans is intimately familiar with the demands of the show—vocally, choreographically, and emotionally. This first-hand experience ensures a seamless transition into her new full-time status.

In many ways, Cady Heron is the heart of MEAN GIRLS. She’s the sweetly naive newcomer who arrives from an African savanna to the much harsher social landscape of suburban Illinois. For Yeomans, this role is a glorious challenge, as it requires balancing genuine earnestness with an emerging streak of boldness. After all, Cady goes from clueless outsider to key strategist in the takedown of The Plastics (the high school’s reigning clique). Yeomans’s background—particularly her time already spent on the road with the show—positions her as the ideal performer to guide audiences through Cady’s transformation.

Meet the Rest of the Tour’s Fierce Cast

Of course, no actor works in a vacuum. Theatre is a profoundly collaborative art form, and nowhere is this clearer than in a big ensemble musical like MEAN GIRLS. Joining Katie Yeomans are several powerhouse performers:

• Maya Petropoulos as Regina George
• Kristen Amanda Smith as Gretchen Wieners
• MaryRose Brendel as Karen Smith
• Alexys Morera as Janis Sarkisian
• Joshua Morrisey as Damian Hubbard
• José Raúl as Aaron Samuels
• Kristen Seggio as Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George
• Tym Brown as Mr. Duvall
• Kabir Gandhi as Kevin G.

These roles are iconic in their own right, from the manipulative charm of Regina George to the loveable comedic relief found in Damian Hubbard. Each actor in this cast brings a fresh perspective, while paying homage to the characters we’ve come to adore from the original film and Broadway iteration.

Supporting the principal lineup is a vibrant company of ensemble members, including Megan Arseneau, Thalia Atallah, Gino Bloomberg, Armani Brown, Connor Buonaccorsi, Paloma D’Auria, Kayla Goins, Chase Graham, Madeline Kendall, Owen Kent Ing, Giulia Marolda, Tay Marquise, Brandon Moreno, Michael Mottram, Kevin Ivey Morrison, Emma X. O’Loughlin, Lucy Rhoades, Ariel Shani, and Jocelyn Darci Trimmer. When it comes to high-school hallways brought to life on stage—complete with epic dance breaks, comedic timing, and a dash of teenage angst—this cast more than delivers.

From Film to Stage: The Story Behind MEAN GIRLS

So what makes this musical so special? For starters, its pedigree is impressive. Tina Fey’s 2004 film of the same name was a sleeper hit that resonated deeply with teen and adult audiences alike, thanks to its razor-sharp humour and surprisingly insightful commentary on the pitfalls of adolescence. With a book by Tina Fey, music by Jeff Richmond, and lyrics by Nell Benjamin, the stage adaptation keeps much of the film’s beloved snark while adding a healthy dose of musical numbers that elevate the comedy.

The show made its world premiere at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., in 2017 before transferring to Broadway in April 2018. Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw (famed for THE BOOK OF MORMON), the original production was a critical and commercial success. It garnered 12 Tony Award nominations in 2018, including Best Musical, firmly cementing MEAN GIRLS as a major player in contemporary musical theatre.

Bringing the Story to New Audiences

Launching in September 2023, the current North American tour has already wowed audiences from coast to coast. Indeed, the reach of touring productions cannot be overstated: not everyone can travel to New York City to catch the latest Broadway smash. Thus, touring shows offer a practical and highly beneficial way to bring top-tier theatre right to the doorsteps of eager fans.

Just as importantly, touring helps ensure that the storytelling artistry of MEAN GIRLS remains accessible to a broader demographic. According to data from The Broadway League, touring productions generate substantial local economic impact, boosting revenues for local restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in each city they visit. For theatre aficionados in smaller cities or those far from big cultural hubs, a touring production can be a gateway into the magic of live musicals, sparking a lifelong passion.

At the time of writing, the MEAN GIRLS tour is playing at the Bank of America PAC Thousand Oaks in California, running through 12 January. Whether it’s your first time seeing this musical or your tenth, catching the tour is an opportunity to experience the comedic fireworks, lavish set design, and toe-tapping tunes in real time.

Behind the Scenes

One of the many strengths of this production is its ability to maintain the high-energy look and feel of the Broadway version. Directed by Casey Hushion and choreographed by John MacInnis, the tour is based on Casey Nicholaw’s original direction and choreography. This direct lineage ensures that audiences across North America get the full spectacle of the show’s trademark pink aesthetic, dynamic dance numbers, and comedic set-pieces.

The design team includes top-notch talents:

• Set design by Scott Pask
• Costume design by Gregg Barnes
• Lighting design by Kenneth Posner
• Sound design by Brian Ronan
• Hair design by Josh Marquette
• Makeup design by Milagros Medina-Cerdeira

For the musical side of things, Mary-Mitchell Campbell supervises the show’s music, while Campbell, Richmond, and Natalie Tenenbaum contribute vocal arrangements. John Clancy provides orchestrations, and Glen Kelly handles dance and incidental musical arrangements. With John Mezzio on music coordination, the production is sonically well-rounded, ensuring that each belted high note and comedic quip hits with absolute precision.

In addition, a seasoned team manages the day-to-day logistics of the tour:

• Production stage manager: Kathleen Carragee
• Assistant stage manager: Maris Keller
• Company manager: Soldanela Rivera
• Assistant company manager: Taylor Parris
• Music director/conductor: Julius LaFlamme

Their behind-the-scenes expertise keeps the show rolling without a hitch, from city to city, performance after performance. Under the umbrella of NETworks Presentations, MEAN GIRLS continues to spread the message that high school politics—and the friendships forged or broken in the process—can be as exhilarating on stage as they are in real life (minus the jazz hands, perhaps).

Could an Australian Run Be Next?

While there’s no official announcement yet, there has been notable interest in seeing MEAN GIRLS grace stages beyond North America. Australian theatre fans, for instance, have been abuzz on social media, wondering if the show might eventually land at venues such as the Sydney Lyric or Melbourne’s Princess Theatre—both known for hosting blockbuster musicals. Over the years, Australian theatre has celebrated international tours of WICKED, LES MISÉRABLES, and many other large-scale hits, proving that a pink-splashed production like MEAN GIRLS could find a hearty fan base down under.

If a future Australian engagement is announced, it would undoubtedly introduce new audiences to the show’s witty storytelling and unstoppable sense of fun. After all, MEAN GIRLS touches on universal experiences—fitting in, standing out, and learning who your real friends are—that transcend borders and high school corridors alike.

Why MEAN GIRLS Endures

One of the key reasons MEAN GIRLS has remained so beloved is its deft storytelling. Whether you’re caught up in the comedic drama between The Plastics or singing along to numbers like Apex Predator and I’d Rather Be Me, the musical seamlessly weaves laugh-out-loud humour with heartfelt moments that explore teenage identity and self-discovery.

This blend of comedy and authenticity allows the show to resonate with multiple generations. Parents who saw the original film in the early 2000s can revisit the story with their teenage children, forging a shared experience in the theatre. Moreover, the musical’s message—embracing kindness over cruelty—couldn’t be more relevant in today’s world of social media pressures and cyberbullying.

Why You Should Catch the Tour

With Katie Yeomans now leading the pack as Cady Heron, the MEAN GIRLS North American Tour stands ready to dazzle, entertain, and maybe even teach a valuable lesson or two about the perils of high school hierarchy. Spectacular sets, lively choreography, and an array of memorable tunes all come together in a production that’s equal parts hilarious and heart-warming.

If you’re looking for a theatre outing that showcases the best of modern musical storytelling—blending comedic flair, impeccable performances, and a message that lingers long after you leave the auditorium—MEAN GIRLS is the perfect ticket. For fans who’ve followed the show since its Broadway days, seeing it on tour is a chance to rekindle that initial spark of excitement. And for newcomers, it’s an invitation to experience the camaraderie and chaos of high school like never before.

So dust off your favourite pink attire, prepare for some truly “grool” moments, and be sure to catch MEAN GIRLS when it stops in a city near you. Because if there’s one thing the show’s longevity and fan enthusiasm prove, it’s that the best storytelling can take us back to those pivotal teenage years—reminding us that empathy, humour, and a catchy show tune can get us through just about anything.