As Ex Curia caught a glimpse of the uOttawa Faculty of Law’s production of Mean Girls, it quickly became clear that this student-led show was far more than a casual extracurricular; it was a lively, confident production that had the audience hooked from the opening moments. From the outset, the cast brought a level of enthusiasm and polish that carried through the entire performance, with plenty of moments that had the audience laughing and dancing along. The show’s playful tone translated easily to the stage, making for an evening that felt both energetic and genuinely fun to watch. The writing also held up well on stage: the lyrics were sharp and witty, and the story remained faithful to the spirit of the film while staying easy to follow (even for those who hadn’t revisited Mean Girls since high school!).

Word around the theatre suggested this might be the strongest production the group has staged in years; one enthusiastic 3L was overheard declaring it the best show in the past three. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, that claim didn’t feel like exaggeration. Waves of cheers and bursts of laughter rolled through the audience at several points, the kind that only happen when a cast fully wins over the room.

The casting, in particular, stood out. The performers playing Regina George (Kate Ferguson), Cady Heron (Nina Hutsulak), Janis Sarkisian (Lauren Miller) and Damian Hubbard (Jarek Landori-Hoffmann) delivered standout vocal performances, showing off impressive vocals that became highlights of the night. The ensemble also deserves credit, bringing plenty of energy to the stage, particularly in the dance numbers, where the choreography added another layer of fun to the show. Their musical numbers drew some of the loudest reactions of the evening and showcased just how much talent the law school community has beyond the classroom.

All told, the production was funny, and full of energy. It was, indeed, fetch.

If this year’s show is any indication, the Faculty of Law’s theatre troupe has clearly set a high bar for productions to come.