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Mickey Jo Theatre
Oh, my God. Hey, it is me, Mickey Jo Theatre, and I'm here at the Savoy Theatre in London for the launch of Mean Girls, the musical West End. So it is just after midday. We're here outside the Savoy Theatre. There is a queue. I can hear people shouting, mean Girls. I can see a photo op. There is a sort of a pink hue, and we have a poster board already set up outside. They need to take this down before tonight's Sunset Boulevard show, otherwise that's gonna be.
Barbara
If you know, you know.
Mickey Jo Theatre
Also, yay for this awning, because as soon as we started queuing here, I don't know if you can see, but it started raining. This is what you get in the UK in November, people. As we're queuing towards the Sav Theatre, which is here on the right, I can point out that it is attached to the famous Savoy Hotel. It just looks like the Savo Hotel right now, but there's. There's a Y there. If I lean. There you go. The very famous, very fancy Savoy Hotel, which. Not that it's, like, in any way connected. Not that the show's here anyway, connected to the hotel, but it does tend to give this theatre just a little bit of a fancier vibe, if only subconsciously. Hello, everybody. Barbara's here. Barbara, say hello. Outfit of the day is this blazer. Look at that hot pink moment. Oh, there you go. I know who that is, but I'm enjoying the blazer. Speaking of pink outfits, it's not. I was about to say, it's not Wednesday. Is it Wednesday? It is.
Barbara
It's literally Wednesday.
Erin
It is Wednesday.
Mickey Jo Theatre
I don't know. Since I left teaching, I have no concept of what day it is literally ever. But, okay, so it's Wednesday, and we're at a Mean Girls thing. So I'm wearing. I'm wearing specifically Mean girls apparel that I got at the Broadway Flea Market. Thanks. Broadway Flea Market. But some of us are wearing pink.
Erin
I mean, I wasn't planning to come, so the fact that I have a pink outfit, I'm pretty happy with that.
Mickey Jo Theatre
I enjoy your pink earrings.
Erin
Yes.
Mickey Jo Theatre
Can we get a. Should we do a slow zoom?
Erin
Oh, yes.
Mickey Jo Theatre
Slow zoom. Zoom in on the earrings. Slow zoom. Zoom in on the earrings. There you go. Now we're gonna have to zoom back out. Wait, wait.
Erin
Do you want to do a zoom on the shoes as well? My pink shoes.
Mickey Jo Theatre
I just zoomed out. Zoom in on the shoes. Slow zoom. Zoom in on the shoes. I mean, while we're here, it's a pink trouser moment. Because I realized yesterday that everything I'm wearing basically was in the laundry, so washed it overnight. So my trousers are still slightly damp. But such is my commitment to wearing hot pink. Barbara, you're in a sort of a purple situation. Close enough, isn't it? It's in a similar family. Oh, there you go. My photo op. There you go.
Ellie
Personal photo op.
Mickey Jo Theatre
Slow zoom. It's a big day for slow zooms. She doesn't even go here. Doesn't even go. Erin's unsorted. Would you describe this as a lilac?
Ellie
It's like a lilac and then it's like a burgundy. So I was going for, like, colors around it because I do not really own pink at all.
Mickey Jo Theatre
No. I was surprised by this revelation this morning. Evidently, we need to take you shopping for something pink.
Ellie
I think have one pink T shirt and it's an Aristocats T shirt. It's too cold for that.
Mickey Jo Theatre
It's very cold. It is quite cold. How's this for Variety? If you didn't already know, the Savoy Theatre, where Mean Girls will be opening in 2024, is currently home to a very stark revival of Sunset Boulevard. So you have all of the Sunset Boulevard signage up the top there with the Mean Girls alongside two just deeply, deeply similar shows. If ever I saw any. There is a QR code to be scanned for presale access. If I put that there, scan that QR code on your screens, people. If I try and make it more. There we go. Maybe that's working. Tell me if that's working. You can't talk back to me. You're tiny people in my camera. Hopefully. Maybe that did something. Try it just in case. Even if you don't want to buy tickets at this point, I should also say if you do want tickets to me, Girls in the West End, there is a ticket link in the description of this video. Maybe in a pinned comment as well, depending on what I've remembered to do. Head on down there, see what you find. Maybe. Maybe there's a ticket link. I don't know. I can't promise anything. I am quite obsessed with these T shirts and jumpers that say, on Wednesdays we smash the patriarchy. And of course, they are also pink. I love it. As we are readying to enter the box office, they are playing the Broadway cast recording that has, like, since been heavily rewritten for what then was the US Tour and now who knows what this version is going to be. How intriguing. Got a nice little you can sit with us sign there. And a better View of my very pink outfit. Hello, lovely. Here's some early details of accessibility performances. We have an audio described performance on Saturday 7th September.
Barbara
That's my birthday.
Mickey Jo Theatre
Oh my gosh. For the matinee and then the following Saturday matinee is a captioned performance and Saturday matinee after that is a signed performance. This is the regular performance schedule from 5 June to 22 June we have these show times and Friday matinees are going to be a fixture of this show as well, which is very exciting for people coming to London wanting to see as much as possible. Oh, there you go. There's another sign there. Regular performance schedule. Like I said, we have a Sunday matinee, a Saturday matinee and a Friday matinee. That is a five show schedule over Friday, Saturday, Sunday, nothing on a Monday and otherwise seven 30s. I'm not going to film the box office staff because they're at work. But they're both wearing pink and I think that's very sweet. Look at this. It's like a shrine. Look at that. This is the new artwork for the London production. The Mean Girls stood atop the burn book and what else would they be serving if not. And Gordon's pink gin. They understand the assignment and they understand it well. Particularly obsessed with this sign that says you can sip with us. I love that. Also pink coffee cups. Don't think I haven't noticed that. I love a novelty carpet color at the best of times. And again, what other color would it be? This is the gift of a show like Mean Girls is you don't have to work hard with this. Branding and marketing. It is all. It's really all right there for you. Okay, so we just got to take cute photos with those signs in front of the Mean Girls board. And they did it with little Polaroids, little zoom in on the cute.
Ellie
Because I moved right as it was being taken.
Mickey Jo Theatre
Ellie, what does yours look like?
Erin
I think mine's going okay.
Mickey Jo Theatre
My.
Erin
I. I'm stunning, I'm gorgeous.
Mickey Jo Theatre
Oh, mine is slowly developing. There we go. I mean it's cute. That's a cute little novelty. I like that. Well, that was fetch. Very cute. We love a little new musical launch moment.
Ellie
Fetch is happening.
Mickey Jo Theatre
Fetch is happening. You can't stop Fetch happening. I guess we got some cute little merchant bits and pieces which I will show you when we are somewhere more dry because London is raining on us once more. But a very cute day here at the Savoy Theatre getting ready for Mean Girls in the West End.
Barbara
Oh my God. Hey. So I am now back from the Mean Girls London launch at the Savoy Theatre. And as promised, I'm going to show you some of the cute little merch items that we got given. So first of all, we got these very cute little Mean Girls popsockets that can stick on the back of your phone. I've never had a popsocket before. Maybe I will try this. We have the same logo there on a little vinyl sticker situation as well as other stickers that say, that's so fetch. Got a little burn book there. Look at that. And this one that says, on Wednesdays we wear pink. Finally, we also. Oh, I can show you yourselves. Look, look. That's you. That's you. Tiny people in my camera. We also got this little compact mirror that says you're like really pretty, which I do enjoy, even if the combination of the red and the pink in the font is giving me a little bit of a bad Cinderella marketing flashback. But I am excited about Mean Girls. If you couldn't already tell, I am excited about Mean Girls coming to London. Heather's had so much success here. There is no doubt in my mind that the reason they are bringing Mean Girls here and the reason they've waited until now was to wait until Heathers had sort of like had its arc. Heathers closed in London and now we're seeing many different high school based musicals arriving. We have not only Mean Girls, but also the show Fangirls coming to the Lyric Hammersmith. We have the Clueless musical adaptation coming next year. We have Cruel Intentions coming to the other palace next year. Like, there are lot of them. Let me just read you the details from the Mean Girls press release just so we have all the information. So Previews are beginning June 2024. The creative team from the Broadway production remains the same. We still have Casey Nicholaw directing and beyond that, it doesn't tell us too much information. We do have this new logo where we see the three plastics and they're carrying a suitcase. It's just a little bit Legally Blonde. But then the two of those shows have always been sort of very closely connected in terms of their marketing. I think the Savoy is a great location for this. I'm excited. I'm excited to have another show bringing in that really commercial market that's going to speak to teenage fans, but also people who saw the original film when they were teenagers and are now 20 years older. Because newsflash, the original film came out 20 years ago. We also have the movie musical coming out, which I'm hoping will boost the success of the stage version in London. I think the only thing left to speculate about really is who might be in this. Now, I've heard a couple of very early rumours about Carl. Some people were like vague tweeting that they were in auditions for it and it was everyone you might expect. I think for sure we will be seeing some alumni of Six, some alumni of Heather's, because they're the right kind of age and they're the right kind of vocal type to play. Certainly Kady and Janis and the Plastics. The Streets have been saying that Grace Moat might be in this show and that does not surprise me because I think she can still play that age. She's been in a lot of similar shows. She was in Six and Juliet and Be More Chill. But I'm intrigued as to which character she'd be playing. First inclination would be to have her as a Gretchen Wieners type or a Karen. Lauren Byrne is someone I would love to see coming back, either playing Kady. I don't know if I'm just saying that because of the color of her hair, or playing Janice because we know that Lauren Byrne can give us a sensational rendition of I'd Rather Be Me with nice clear vowels at the end. That's important. But I don't know if she's actually doing stage work at the moment because she's currently pursuing success with her very successful band, Remember Monday. Honestly, the problem with all of these shows coming at the same time time.
Mickey Jo Theatre
Next year is they would be casting.
Barbara
A lot of the same people. And you have performers like Kayleigh McKnight who people have wanted for Regina George for a really long time, who is in a year contract at six, who will not be free because she's over at the Vaudeville playing Jane Seymour just down the Strand. Similarly, Hannah Lowther, Inez Budd and everyone else who has just been cast in Six will not be in Mean Girls. But I'm not sure if Erin Caldwell and the tour cast will have finished their contracts by then, so could potentially then go and do Mean Girls. I don't know. Some of the original cast of Heathers like Jodie Steele, have they now aged out of these roles? I don't know. For like a big stage production in a less intimate venue than the other Palace. Maybe that doesn't matter quite so much. I am curious to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. Who do we want to see and hear in Mean Girls in the West End? And who do we think might be in the cast for now, that is everything I have to say about this show. But if you want to get tickets for yourself, there is a ticket link in the description of this video and I might do it in a pinned comment as well if I remember. So head on down there, have a look and see if you can grab some tickets for yourself. Obviously, when the show opens, I will be doing a review here on my channel, so make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss any of that content. Also, there will be lots of content around the movie when that is coming out in the new year as well. Make sure you subscribe. I hope that everyone is staying safe and that you have a stagey day.
Mickey Jo Theatre
For 10 more seconds. I'm Mickey Jo Theatre. Oh my God. Hey, thanks for watching. Have a stagey day. Subscribe.
Episode Release Date: November 22, 2023
Podcast Title: MickeyJoTheatre
Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey-Jo)
Mickey-Jo begins the episode from outside the Savoy Theatre in London, where the West End premiere of the "Mean Girls" musical is taking place. He captures the vibrant atmosphere with a queue of excited fans, audible chants of "Mean Girls," and promotional setups, including a pink-themed photo op area and poster boards.
Visual and Environmental Description:
"There is a queue. I can hear people shouting, Mean Girls. I can see a photo op. There is a sort of a pink hue..."
(00:00)
Savoy Theatre Insights:
Mickey-Jo points out the Savoy Theatre's connection to the iconic Savoy Hotel, enhancing the theatre's sophisticated ambiance.
"It just looks like the Savoy Hotel right now, but there's a Y there... very famous, very fancy Savoy Hotel."
(00:51)
The episode transitions to conversations among attendees, showcasing their fashion choices aligned with the "Mean Girls" theme. Mickey-Jo and his guests sport vibrant pink attire, reflecting the show's colorful and youthful aesthetic.
Fashion Statements:
Barbara highlights her hot pink blazer, while Erin complements her pink earrings and shoes. The group engages in playful interactions about their outfits, emphasizing their commitment to the "Mean Girls" branding.
"Outfit of the day is this blazer. Look at that hot pink moment."
(01:52)
"I'm wearing specifically Mean girls apparel that I got at the Broadway Flea Market."
(01:53)
Photo Opportunities and Merchandising:
The team takes numerous photos with themed backdrops, including signs that read "You can sit with us" and pink coffee cups, blending promotional activities with fan engagement.
"This is the gift of a show like Mean Girls is you don't have to work hard with this branding and marketing. It is all really all right there for you."
(06:00)
Mickey-Jo delves into the logistical aspects of the "Mean Girls" musical launch, highlighting the show's schedule and accessibility initiatives.
Performance Schedule:
"From 5 June to 22 June we have these show times... five show schedule over Friday, Saturday, Sunday..."
(05:00)
Accessibility Offerings:
The musical incorporates inclusivity with audio-described performances, captioned shows, and signed performances on specific Saturdays to accommodate diverse audiences.
"Here are some early details of accessibility performances. We have an audio-described performance on Saturday 7th September."
(05:24)
The episode highlights the strategic marketing employed for the "Mean Girls" musical, emphasizing the extensive use of themed merchandise to enhance fan experience and promote the show.
Merchandise Showcase:
Barbara returns with various "Mean Girls" merch items, including popsockets, vinyl stickers, and compact mirrors branded with iconic phrases from the show.
"We got these very cute little Mean Girls popsockets that can stick on the back of your phone."
(08:05)
Themed Decor and Branding:
Mickey-Jo praises the show's branding consistency, noting the use of pink elements in signage and merchandise that align seamlessly with the "Mean Girls" aesthetic.
"Look at that. This is the new artwork for the London production. The Mean Girls stood atop the burn book and what else would they be serving if not Gordon's pink gin."
(06:30)
Mickey-Jo and Barbara discuss potential casting for the West End adaptation, considering the availability of actors from other popular musicals and the show's alignment with certain performers' profiles.
Potential Cast Members:
They speculate on artists from shows like "Six" and "Heathers," mentioning names such as Grace Moat and Lauren Byrne, who could fit roles like Gretchen Wieners or Janis Ian.
"I think for sure we will be seeing some alumni of Six, some alumni of Heathers... Grace Moat might be in this show."
(10:00)
Casting Challenges:
Barbara notes the scheduling conflicts with actors currently engaged in long-term contracts, potentially limiting the pool of available talent for "Mean Girls."
"Performers like Kayleigh McKnight... will not be free because she's over at the Vaudeville playing Jane Seymour."
(11:00)
The discussion broadens to the West End's current trend of high school-themed musicals, placing "Mean Girls" among other similar productions and analyzing its market potential.
Market Context:
Barbara points out the influx of high school musicals like "Fangirls," "Clueless," and "Cruel Intentions," positioning "Mean Girls" as a strategic addition catering to both new teenage audiences and nostalgic adults.
"I'm excited to have another show bringing in that really commercial market that's going to speak to teenage fans, but also people who saw the original film when they were teenagers and are now 20 years older."
(10:30)
Future Prospects:
Mickey-Jo anticipates the complementary release of the movie musical, expecting it to bolster the stage production's success in London.
"We also have the movie musical coming out, which I'm hoping will boost the success of the stage version in London."
(11:15)
Mickey-Jo wraps up the episode by summarizing his excitement for the "Mean Girls" West End launch and teasing future reviews and content related to the show and its movie adaptation.
Call to Action:
He encourages listeners to subscribe for upcoming reviews and additional content, reminding them to check the video description for ticket links.
"When the show opens, I will be doing a review here on my channel, so make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss any of that content."
(11:45)
Final Remarks:
Concluding with enthusiasm, Mickey-Jo signs off with a signature phrase, fostering a sense of community among his listeners.
"Have a stagey day. Subscribe."
(12:47)
Vibrant Launch Event: The "Mean Girls" West End premiere is marked by enthusiastic fans, strategic marketing, and a strong visual identity dominated by pink hues, aligning with the show's themes.
Strategic Marketing and Merchandising: Extensive use of themed merchandise and consistent branding enhances fan engagement and promotes the musical effectively.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: The production offers multiple accessibility options, ensuring a diverse audience can enjoy the performances.
Competitive Casting and Market Positioning: While casting remains speculative, the show's alignment with current West End trends positions it well to attract both new and nostalgic audiences.
Future Content and Engagement: Mickey-Jo commits to providing in-depth reviews and continuous coverage of the "Mean Girls" musical, encouraging audience engagement through subscriptions and feedback.
Mickey-Jo on the Savoy Theatre:
"It just looks like the Savoy Hotel right now, but there's a Y there... very famous, very fancy Savoy Hotel."
(00:51)
Barbara on Merchandising:
"We got these very cute little Mean Girls popsockets that can stick on the back of your phone."
(08:05)
Mickey-Jo on Marketing Ease:
"The gift of a show like Mean Girls is you don't have to work hard with this branding and marketing. It is all really all right there for you."
(06:00)
Barbara on Casting Possibilities:
"I think for sure we will be seeing some alumni of Six, some alumni of Heathers... Grace Moat might be in this show."
(10:00)
Mickey-Jo's Sign-Off:
"Have a stagey day. Subscribe."
(12:47)
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing insights into the "Mean Girls" West End launch, the host's perspectives on marketing and casting, and the broader context within the London theatre scene. Notable quotes enrich the summary, offering direct attributions to speakers and specific timestamps for reference.