A certain simplicity of Mean Girls that sticks with you, no matter how many times you’ve watched it. It’s timeless. The snappy lines, the outrageous high school drama, the way it instantly became a comfort movie for so many of us. It is one of those movies you can watch anytime whether it’s on a rainy day when you need a laugh, or when you just want to relive a glimpse of teenage life’s absurdities that can easily send you down a spiral.

That’s the vibe MUMPAC tried to bring to life in their year-end production, turning the badminton court into a cozy, makeshift theater. Held on the 17^th and 18^th of October, from 6:15 to 8 PM, the event drew a decent crowd. As someone who hasn’t attended their previous events, I was intrigued by how this one might go.

Right from the opening, the atmosphere was energetic. The lighting played a significant role in shaping that mood. Shifting from warm inviting tones to sharper white lights during Cady’s introspective monologues. As the characters came to life, it was clear that the cast had thrown themselves into their roles. Olivia Roman’s portrayal of Cady felt genuine, like the awkwardness and the confusion of trying to fit in. The Plastics, Fareesay Najeeb as Regina George brought all the attitude you’d expect from a queen bee. There was something about her delivery that made justice to Regina’s manipulative yet charismatic persona.

I can’t say I know too many sidekicks personally, but Kirara Otawara really nailed it. Kirara’s performance made Gretchen feel like so much more than just a sidekick.  She really leaned into the neurotic, insecure side of Gretchen, and her comedic timing was spot-on. And lastly, Cristen Ng’s portrayal of Karen’s air-headed innocence. Each had their own moments that played well as the play went along.

But the standout for me? Janis, without a doubt. Kavya De Silva, who took on the role, delivered a performance that felt both authentic and fresh. I loved how she carried Janis’s sarcasm effortlessly, while also making me feel the vulnerability in every line. I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t have been as impactful without her Damian, played by Michael Ng, who was another crowd favorite. His comedic timing paired with Janis’s dry wit created a great dynamic. Finally, Terence Ooi’s Aaron was just as we’d expect, a lost but charming in his own way, playing off Cady’s awkwardness well.

The dance performances were undoubtedly some of the highlights of the night. Jingle Bell Rock had the audience buzzing, as everyone joined in singing along. And, of course, the moment when Regina got hit by a cardboard cutout bus? Genuinely hilarious. Never gets old.

Of course, costume changes were noticeable, and while they weren’t always seamless, it’s all part of the charm in a live, student-run production. You could tell how much effort went into capturing the essence of these characters, even if the resources were a bit limited. I found myself wishing MUMPAC had more funding to bring their ideas to life fully because the creative potential was clearly there. The attention to detail in the small things, like the quick transitions between scenes, could have really shone with a bit more support.

As the play wrapped up, the President of MUMPAC ended the event successfully with a heartfelt curtain call that left everyone feeling uplifted. The play shared a thoughtful message about identity and friendship, which tied everything together nicely. And who could forget about the Burn Book? It was a light-hearted nod that reminded us of all that behind every drama, there are stories that connect us. Overall, it was a night filled with good vibes, laughter, and that familiar high school chaos we all love.

Article by Jananee Jagadeesan

Photos by Li Lyn and Kai Xuan