Gianluca Russo
It’s so fetch, you guys! Tina Fey’s long-awaited musical adaptation of “Mean Girls” opens up this spring on Broadway, and from what we can tell, audiences are in for a treat! It’s not surprising — the original film has become an iconic movie, with phrases such as “She doesn’t even go here!” and “Whatever, I’m getting cheese fries” being known by practically everyone.
But let’s be honest: You can’t have “Mean Girls” without the meanest, baddest, most fabulous queen bee out there. One of Broadway’s best talents, Taylor Louderman, is currently sashaying into the role of Regina George. At only 26, Louderman has already made a great name for herself as a performer. Meanwhile, we’re just over here stress-eating kalteen bars to see whether she’ll get a Tony nomination for the role next year.
Yes, the Tonys are pretty far away, and the anticipation has me getting ahead of myself. In the mean (girls) time, until the musical transfers to Broadway in the spring, here are some of our favorite Louderman videos that shows how amazing she is:
1. Louderman as Sandy in ‘Grease’
Regina has a sweet side, right? Either way, Louderman’s performance as Sandy in “Grease” at The Muny is quite perfect. Sure, she’s great at playing Sandy’s innocent side, but when she dons that leather and lights that cigarette, there’s no denying her performing excellence!
2. ‘Brave/Roar’ Mashup at Feinstein’s/54 Below
You’ll love listening to Louderman roar — sorry, belt — this mashup of Sara Bareilles’ “Brave” and Katy Perry’s “Roar.” We’re pretty sure Regina will have some high-belting moments in “Mean Girls,” and this video assures us the score is definitely in good hands.
3. ‘When Will My Life Begin?’ at the the Broadway Princess Party
When will your life begin, Taylor? Hmm, probably when you slay on Broadway. Louderman is no stranger to the Broadway Princess Party, and her rendition of “When Will My Life Begin?” from “Tangled” is one of our favorites.
4. Dueting with Derek Klena for the Broadway Princess Party
Yes, this is another “Tangled” cover here. But seriously, how could we not include this duet of “I See the Light” between Louderman and Broadway favorite Derek Klena? Hey, maybe Klena would be a good replacement for Aaron Samuels after he finishes his current run in “Anastasia.” Just sayin’.
5. ‘The One That Got Away’ at Broadway Loves Katy Perry
Hey, Broadway! Do us a favor and never let Louderman get away, okay? Not even for a big movie deal, because the Great White Way is where she belongs. This cover of “The One That Got Away” is the perfect mix of emotional and outstanding vocality.
6. ‘The History of Wrong Guys’ from ‘Kinky Boots’
We’re sure Regina George has dated some bad guys in her past, just like Louderman’s character Lauren in “Kinky Boots.” Don’t worry, we all have a past. Just hope yours doesn’t end up in the Broadway Burn Book.
7. Channeling Lady Gaga With Her ‘Mean Girls’ Costar
This one may be from 2013, yet somehow the universe knew Louderman and “Mean Girls” costar Ashley Park were meant to share the same stage. Watch them slay this cover of “Poker Face” before you see them on the Great White Way together this spring.
8. Showing Her Emotional Side With ‘Gone’ by Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich
In this performance of “Gone” by Heisler and Goldrich, Louderman shows that emotional heartfelt side we know Regina George has deep, deep, deep, deep down.
9. Comedy Excellence in This Comedic Sketch of ‘Life of an Actress: The Musical’
It’s impossible to not break out laughing during this video of “I Wish Was SAG: Life of an Actress the Musical.” It’s funny, it’s brilliant and Louderman sounds simply marvelous. Also, that brown-haired wig? We’re obsessed.
10. Bring on More ‘Bring It On’
Louderman’s big break was in Broadway’s “Bring It On,” so we had to include this clip of the show’s Tony Awards performance. We’re not sure how much tumbling Regina will be doing, but either way, good to know she could!
11. Soaring in ‘Peter Pan Live!’
Louderman wowed audiences in NBC’s “Peter Pan Live!” as Wendy, so this video was a must-add. Of course, she sounds beautiful showing her soprano side, but that outfit? We can’t get enough. Talk about glamorous!
12. Oops, She Did It Again!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1sSjkQM_W0
While the quality of this video might not be the best, Louderman sure is! Her cover of Britney Spears’ “Oops, I Did It Again” is sassy, sexy and downright fabulous. It’s also a pretty perfect way to wrap up this list and amp up our anticipation for “Mean Girls!”
