Learning Lines

“Lights, camera, action!” are common words often associated with theater, although most of the time there’s no camera. It should be “lights, curtain, action!”

Regardless, Lyric Theatre’s Thelma Gaylord Academy certainly brought the action with their recent production of the hit musical Mean Girls. Everything from the set, music numbers, costumes, and cast performances was so fetch. I could hardly believe the cast was made up of high school aged students, because they truly put on one of the best shows I have seen live.

Mean Girls is a show packed with energy and emotion as the character of Cady Heron learns to navigate the wilds of American high school rather than the actual wild-land of Africa. She learns the ups and downs of the social hierarchy and the supposed proper way to engage in and with the stereotypical cliques.

A Thelma Gaylord Academy cast performed Mean Girls at Oklahoma City's Lyric Theatre earlier this month. Photo courtesy Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

For those of us that grew up watching the original movie and those that were introduced to the Mean Girls world by the resurgence of the musical, Lyric’s show could not have been a more perfect way to relive the story and support local theater. The actors nailed every joke, character personality, and musical number. The set design made perfect use of the stage space and was creatively put together to allow the show to run smoothly. The costuming was flawless as every character’s clothing matched their personality greatly—including the iconic pink for the plastics.

Although the spring season has come to an end, the academy will have multiple shows throughout the summer from its production camps. These include Frozen Kids, James and the Giant Peach Jr., Finding Nemo Jr., and more. Alongside these performances and production camps, the Thelma Gaylord Academy offers a variety of classes for kids and teenagers. The classes vary by age group, starting at age five and ranging all the way up to high school seniors. Classes include tap, dance, acting, and vocal, as well as college performance prep for high school juniors and seniors. For more information on classes, shows, and upcoming events, check out Lyric Theatre Thelma Gaylord Academy at thelmagaylordacademy.com.

Find more about upcoming Thelma Gaylord Academy shows by visiting their website. Photo courtesy Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

As a former theater kid myself, I have a special love for the arts, especially the performing arts. Learning about the academy as an adult makes me wish I would have known more about it as a teenager, because it provides wonderful opportunities and valuable lessons. I highly recommend for anyone interested to get involved in the arts through one way or another, and more than anything, support local arts programs.

Written By

Kiersten Stone

Just a small town girl living out her city dreams, Kiersten Stone is the Research Editor for Oklahoma Today. Stone previously worked at a local newspaper and at her university’s student news organization before coming to work at the magazine. She loves the Sooner State and all it offers, from the city to the outdoors and the wildlife.