SCHOOL GIRLS; OR THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY Has Found Its Cast And We Are Already Freaking Out

Earlier today it was announced that Jocelyn Bioh’s hit play School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, which will be directed by Tony nominee Whitney White, has found its company. The play, which premiered Off-Broadway at MCC in 2017 will land on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre beginning Tuesday, September 8, and open Monday, September 28. 

The production will feature Lucia Aremu, Tony nominee Denée Benton, Tony winner Patina Miller, Theatrely31 alum Erin Morton, Nia Otchere-Sarfo, Jordan Rice, Jasmine Amy Rogers, and Heather Alicia Simms. 

Becoming Miss Ghana 1986 would mean fame, fortune, and prosperity. At least, that’s what Paulina—the queen bee of Aburi Girls Boarding School—believes. When the pageant recruiter comes to school, Paulina and her crew pull out all the stops. But to their surprise, a new transfer student from America kicks the competition into a higher, far more personal gear. 

Joining the production’s creative team are Teresa L. Williams (Scenic Design), Tony Award winner Qween Jean (Costume Design), Tony Award nominee Stacey Derosier (Lighting Design), Tony Award winner Cody Spencer (Sound Design), Tony Award recipient Nikiya Mathis (Wig, Hair and Makeup Design), Dawn-Elin Fraser (Dialect Coach). Casting is by Caparelliotis Casting & Kelly Gillespie, Sara Gammage serves as Production Stage Manager.

Since its Off-Broadway production, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play has gone on to receive over 75 regional productions including a UK premiere in 2023. 

Besides for School Girls, Manhattan Theatre Club will also program The Unbelievers by Nick Payne, Clifford Odets’ Awake and Sing!, and Montauk by David Hare and starring Laura Linney