North Shore High is heading to Scottsdale this week as Greasepaint Theatre presents “Mean Girls:High School Version.”

Opening Sept. 12 and running through Sept. 21 at the historic Stagebrush Theatre, 7020 E. 2nd St., the youth production features over 30 teen performers from across the Valley, delivering the razor-sharp wit, outrageous humor and heartfelt lessons that made Tina Fey’s 2004 film a cultural touchstone.

The cast features Mesa residents Sloane Bereche as Dawn and ensemble, Albert Mendoza as Damian and Savannah Springer as Karen Smith.

Adapted for the stage and nominated for 12 Tony Awards, the musical adds a pop-infused Broadway score that makes it even more unforgettable.

The show is directed by Dale Nakagawa, with Mary Ellen Loose of Mesa serving as music director, Olivia Feldman as choreographer and Alaina Lish as stage manager.

Together, they’re helping young performers channel the full spectrum of emotion, comedy and chaos that defines high school life.

“We’ve assembled a fierce, funny and ridiculously talented cast for this production,” said Nakagawa. “This is ‘Mean Girls’ at its best—smart, edgy and full of heart. It’s everything you loved about the movie, with even more bite and brilliance.”

At the center of it all is Cady Heron, a brilliant, homeschooled teenager who recently moved from Africa and finds herself wildly unprepared for the social terrain of an American high school.

Armed with a love of calculus and no clue how cliques work, Cady becomes entangled with the Plastics – North Shore High’s ruling trio of ultra-glamorous mean girls.

As the story unfolds, audiences are introduced to a wildly entertaining mix of characters—from Regina George, the iconic queen bee, to a host of teachers, parents and classmates who are equal parts hilarious, flawed and relatable.

Each brings their own chaos and charm to North Shore High, creating a world that’s as over-the-top as it is familiar.

With its Tony-nominated score by Jeff Richmond and Neil Benjamin, “Mean Girls” features fan-favorite songs like “Stupid with Love,” “I’d Rather Be Me” and the fiery showstopper “World Burn.”

Loose said the musical’s complexity gives the cast a unique opportunity to grow vocally while also leaning into its strong comedic material.

“I am so impressed with the level, skill and maturity of our soloists,” Loose said. “They seem beyond their years in their abilities. The entire cast has immersed themselves in learning the music and performing it enthusiastically from their hearts.”

The production also leans heavily on high-energy, high-impact choreography. From hallway showdowns to fantasy sequences, Feldman’s choreography pushes the teen cast in every way.

“The choreography in this show is wild—in the best way,” she said. “It’s fast, it’s fierce, and it demands complete commitment from every cast member. Whether they’re in the spotlight or part of the ensemble, they’re dancing like their lives depend on it.”

As rehearsals have progressed, Nakagawa said he’s been struck by how deeply the performers have connected to the material.

“It’s a fun show, but it also asks real questions,” he said. “What does it cost to fit in? Who are you when no one’s watching? These are themes our teens encounter in their own lives. It makes the material infinitely more relatable.”

Greasepaint Theatre has been a cornerstone of Valley youth performance for decades. Since 1984, it has introduced thousands of young artists to the stage through accessible, high-quality productions that emphasize both creativity and community.

Loose said that legacy continues with this cast.

“I feel very strongly about continuing the legacy and tradition of this historical theatre,” she said. “It’s a vital part of Scottsdale’s history.”

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at greasepaint.org. The show is expected to sell out.

Additional show information, including the complete cast list and showtimes, is available at the website.

Information: greasepaint.org