Red Bank’s Count Basie Center for the Arts is totally making "fetch" happen this month.
The hilarious smash hit musical "Mean Girls" is hitting the local stage on May 14 and 15 as a part of the production's second North American tour.
The musical follows Cady Heron, a homeschooled math whiz from the African Savannah whose life is moved to suburban America. Heron soon learns that no wildlife creature from her old home could compare to the hectic jungle that is high school, or the vicious queen bee that is Regina George.
For Asbury Park native Kayla Goins, who grew up watching "Mean Girls," landing a role in the musical’s ensemble as Rachel Hamilton is "such a dream."
“I grew up watching 'Mean Girls,' probably younger than I should have,” Goins laughed. “I just remember it being funny. Do I remember all of the jokes from it as a kid? No. But now being able to go back and watch it as an adult and then also perform the show as an adult is insane.”
'Mean Girls' national tour
Adapted from book writer Tina Fey’s 2004 Paramount Pictures film of the same name, the musical explores backstabbing, secrets and the endless cliques of girl world.
Like the iconic film, the musical has left an imprint in our cultural bloodstreams with its endless quotable phrases, enduring themes of adolescence and endlessly catchy songs from composer Jeff Richmod ("The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt") and lyricist Nell Benjamin ("Legally Blonde").
And in the musical, the dancing goes beyond The Plastics’ "Jingle Bell Rock" number, with dazzling jazz and hip hop choreography from "The Book of Mormon" choreographer Casey Nicholaw.
Following her dreams
As a professional gymnast growing up, Goins followed a rigorous routine that consisted of weekly competitions and 40-hour sessions at the gym before life changed drastically.
At the age of 14 she broke both of her feet and suffered two broken bones in her left arm. Despite going through these injuries at a young age, Goins was determined to employ her ambition and skills in a new way: through singing and dancing.
She then started her career as a performer with Phoenix Productions in Red Bank. She performed in over 10 shows including "Mamma Mia!", "Annie" and "The Wiz" with the troupe.
It only made sense that Goins would become a part of the Basie family; her father, Kris Goins, used to help build sets for shows and her mom, SoVonna Day-Goins, currently has a seat on The Basie board.
“Even when I’m away from The Basie I’m still with The Basie, and I think that’s one of the most beautiful things; that I’m so connected to the place that gave me my start,” Goins said. “I am so excited to come home and perform on the stage that I’ve been performing on since I was 14 years old.”
The excitement isn’t limited to Goins ? Phoenix Productions managing director James Grausam describes having something similar to a "proud parent moment" witnessing Goins return to The Basie.
“We think of them as our kids, especially when they start with us so young. It’s always great when someone you know can turn it into something special,” said Grausam, who managed all of the shows Goins has performed in at The Basie.
Even traveling all across North America and performing in dozens of unique cities, like any Jersey Shore native who is away from home for too long, she misses the beach.
“When I come home, it’ll be local summer and I can’t wait to just be a local on the beach again,” the 22-year-old said.
In the meantime, she encourages audiences to pay a visit to see "Mean Girls" for a guaranteed good time. The run starts on a Wednesday, so you better wear pink.
GO: "Mean Girls"; 7:30 p.m. May 14 and 15; Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank. For tickets, $49.50 to $99.50, and more information, visit thebasie.org.