by Natalie Creagh and Aurora Grisham

For years, the JHS Theatre Department has presented two shows per year.  Each show is usually an opposing genre, but this season, they are similar. They’re both set in a high school setting around students and their experiences.  

This season’s shows are Mean Girls, the Musical, a musical where a girl moves from Africa and attends a public high school and befriends the popular girls. Throughout the show, the main character, Cady, goes from an awkward new kid to hanging out with the most popular and powerful girls in school. 

Our Play is about a group of high school kids from different backgrounds putting on Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, a new show, published in 2025 by Jessica Moss.

“I think that they are the right fit for our students,” said theatre director Derrick Ledbetter. “I think it’s shows they can relate to.” 

Ledbetter said he chose these two shows with similar themes for a reason – the appeal they have for young audiences.

“I think it goes back to how the shows are in closer experiences to our students,” he stated.

Beyond the theme-related performances, Ledbetter said he has some more ambitions for this season, saying, “I hope we have a lot of people come out. I hope we get a lot of new experiences for people.”

Ledbetter also said these audiences will appreciate the performances of these two shows, stating, “I think it has to do with choosing authenticity over popularity.”

Theatre students are already preparing for the performances this season.

Junior Kahlani Hunt said she definitely has a favorite show this season.

“I’m most excited for Mean Girls. I’m hoping to do tech this year.”

Sophomore Lucas Dimmitt agreed, saying,  “I’m hoping to get a bigger role. I’m most excited for Mean Girls.”

Senior Jalen Nifong said, “I want to accomplish something I’m proud of. I’m intrigued to see Our Play because it’s a lesser known show.” 

The message for the Theatre Department is for teens to be their authentic selves and not to conform to social norms. Ledbetter said he selected these plays not only for entertainment, but also to send an important message to the audience.