Should I Bring My Kids to See "Mean Girls: High School Version" at ICS?
As Indian Creek is a Pre-K through Grade 12 school, the directors of Mean Girls: High School Version have provided some extended guidance to help parents understand what "mature content" they can expect in the show, why Indian Creek has labeled it PG-13, so that they can make the attendance decision that is best for their family.
The ICS musical directors have designated this production PG-13 due to language, gestures, and depictions of risky teen behavior. We recommend it for audiences in eighth grade and above. We also encourage parents and guardians to learn more about the show and use their own judgment when deciding what is appropriate for their families.
Mean Girls: High School Version is high-energy adaptation of the Broadway Musical which explores bullying, social hierarchies, and teen drama. While the High School Version does tone down or eliminate many of the issues, it still features sexual references, bullying, crude humor, and alcohol use by teens. Ultimately Mean Girls delivers a positive message about integrity and self-worth.
Key insights for parents:
Indian Creek will also hold a school wide "On Wednesdays We Wear Pink" non-uniform day to highlight the importance of kindness.
Ultimately, each family will make its own decision about attendance, and we respect and support those choices. Our hope is that, whether you join us in the theater or engage with the story in other ways, Mean Girls: High School Version sparks meaningful dialogue, deeper understanding, and genuine connection.
The information above was created in consultation with Common Sense Media.
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The ICS musical directors have designated this production PG-13 due to language, gestures, and depictions of risky teen behavior. We recommend it for audiences in eighth grade and above. We also encourage parents and guardians to learn more about the show and use their own judgment when deciding what is appropriate for their families.
Mean Girls: High School Version is high-energy adaptation of the Broadway Musical which explores bullying, social hierarchies, and teen drama. While the High School Version does tone down or eliminate many of the issues, it still features sexual references, bullying, crude humor, and alcohol use by teens. Ultimately Mean Girls delivers a positive message about integrity and self-worth.
Key insights for parents:
- Sexual Content: The musical includes sexual innuendo, a song about sexy costumes on Halloween, and some catcalling.
- Language & Humor: The show includes some cursing, middle finger gestures during a musical number, and mature comedic references.
- Bullying/Themes: Mean Girls depicts bullying, gossip, weight references.
- Drugs/Alcohol: The script contains a party scene with alcohol and references to drugs (marijuana, "molly").
- Age Appropriateness: While based on the 2004 movie, the modern update includes digital-age social media bullying. It is largely considered appropriate for teenagers, but parents of younger viewers should exercise caution.
- Strategies to manage online drama and bullying.
- The difference between being popular and being kind.
- Navigating the pressure to change oneself for others.
Indian Creek will also hold a school wide "On Wednesdays We Wear Pink" non-uniform day to highlight the importance of kindness.
Ultimately, each family will make its own decision about attendance, and we respect and support those choices. Our hope is that, whether you join us in the theater or engage with the story in other ways, Mean Girls: High School Version sparks meaningful dialogue, deeper understanding, and genuine connection.
The information above was created in consultation with Common Sense Media.
Indian Creek School
Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland. Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.
