Goodman Theatre Presents SCHOOL GIRLS; OR THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY Review — Hierarchies and Hormones

Posted on by Lauren Katz

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Sitting in the Goodman’s Albert Theatre on Opening Night, it was impossible not to feel the excitement. Things were certainly different. Everyone was masked, and groups were spread out so that there was always a seat or two in between. There was perhaps a little less hugging, and there no were no drinks or concessions. 

However, that Opening Night buzz – the squeals, the fast-paced movement, and the laughter as artists and supporters came together to celebrate the show – was very present. After a 16-month hiatus, this play was finally returning to the stage. As the lights came down and the announcements began, you could just tell that everyone was ready to finally experience live storytelling.

Goodman Theatre’s SCHOOL GIRLS; OR THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY Examines Teen Rivalry

As soon as the queen bee enters the cafeteria, the girls jump and separate and prepare to dote on her every word until she leaves. Her name is Paulina Sarpong (Ciera Dawn). It is as if her followers worship her when she happens to be in earshot. The precision of the choreography clearly demonstrates the dynamics of this teenage clique; each word, each movement is crucial, as one misstep might reveal a follower of Paulina’s being disloyal. You, like this reviewer, might laugh nervously alongside the girls, hoping they avoid getting caught two-faced.

Written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Lili-Anne Brown, this fast-paced comedy transports the audience to Ghana’s most exclusive boarding school. The young women are all preparing for the Miss Universe pageant—and Paulina is a shoo-in for the crown. But her high school supremacy seems only so sustainable when the new girl, Ericka Boafo (Kyrie Courter), enters the scene. Ericka’s appearance not only brings competition but knocks Paulina’s fame down a tad and threatens to do worse.

Right off the bat we meet all the girls in Paulina’s clique—Nana (Ashley Crowe), Gifty (Adia Alli), Mercy (Tiffany Renee Johnson), and Anna (Adhana Reid). They sit close together and whisper about Paulina’s love life before the projected Miss Universe enters herself, and each girls’ unique personality goes sycophantic.

Bioh’s play throws the audience right into the world of these teenage girls, exploring all the highs and lows of high school energy. We feel their excitement and fears of what it might mean to not fit in, to be alone. Wrapped inside this laugh-out-loud comedy is a pointed critique that might just stick with you for hours as you unpack the story.

Warm Sense of Community

For those who have also been watching virtual theater for the last year and a half, you may have forgotten how much the audience can impact a piece of live theater. It was so easy to see how the audience’s support and excitement informed the energy on stage, which, in this reviewer’s opinion, heightens the experience for everyone involved.

In one scene, Ericka invites the other girls to her dorm room for makeovers, and all of them are incredibly excited. Music starts to play, and Lighting Designer Jason Lynch fills the space with neon purple and orange. The girls on stage all start to dance, demonstrating how Ericka is becoming a part of their clique. As the dance party grew, the Opening Night audience cheered. This writer could see audience members dancing along in their seats, and suddenly it felt like we were all a part of the fun. 

Dark comedy, strong performances, and a stand-out production make School Girls; or The African Mean Girls Play a must-see. It’s not at every play that audience members jump up right at the first bow for a standing ovation, and this writer was cheering right alongside them.

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WHEN:

Running through August 29, 2021

Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
Thursdays at 7:30 pm
Fridays at 8:00 pm
Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sundays at 2:00 pm

WHERE:

Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60601

TICKETS:

For tickets and information, visit the Goodman Theatre website.

Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago

Images courtesy of Goodman Theatre

Lauren Katz

About the Author: Lauren Katz

Lauren Katz is a freelance director and dramaturge, and new to the Chicago Theatre Scene. She recently moved from Washington DC, where she worked with Mosaic Theater Company of DC in Company Management, as well as directed around town with various theaters.

Click here to read more Picture this Post stories by Lauren Katz.

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