by tony reverditto
Gavin Leahy, who portrays Damian, talks about theater, identity, and why Mean Girls still matters.
Mean Girls began as a razor-sharp cultural phenomenon when Tina Fey adapted Rosalind Wiseman’s Queen Bees and Wannabes into the now-iconic 2004 film directed by Mark Waters. The story follows Cady Heron navigating the ruthless social hierarchy of high school, led by the unforgettable Regina George.
With its biting humor, endlessly quotable dialogue and surprisingly grounded emotional core, Mean Girls quickly became a generational touchstone with equal parts satire and social commentary on identity, belonging and the cost of conformity.
More than a decade later, the story evolved into a full-scale theatrical experience. Premiering in 2017 and opening on Broadway in 2018, Mean Girls: The Musical reunited Fey with composer Jeff Richmond and lyricist Nell Benjamin, bringing a fresh, high-energy dimension to the material.
The stage version amplified the emotional arcs through music and choreography, while updating the cultural lens to reflect the influence of social media and modern teenage dynamics. Songs like “World Burn” and “I’d Rather Be Me” gave characters deeper emotional resonance, allowing audiences to experience their inner conflicts in a more immediate, visceral way.
Landing April 10 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, this Southern California regional theater premiere promised to deliver all the wit, bite and high-octane energy that made the Broadway production a 12-time Tony Award nominee.
Under the direction and choreography of Dana Solimando, with musical direction by Anthony Zediker, the production will pulse with contemporary staging, bold visual design, and a cast that fully leans into both the comedy and the emotional undercurrents that make the story resonate across generations.
From the savanna to suburban Illinois, Cady Heron’s journey remains both hilarious and cautionary, reminding audiences that climbing the social ladder often comes with unexpected consequences.
At the center of this production will be Gavin Leahy, stepping into the scene-stealing role of Damian Hubbard, the fiercely loyal, quick-witted outsider whose humor and honesty cut through the chaos of high school hierarchy. He’s a New York-based triple threat originally from Glenview, Illinois, and his journey reflects both discipline and creative curiosity.
After early conservatory training and six summers at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp, he continued his path at UCLA, earning a degree in musical theater with a minor in European languages and transcultural studies — an academic blend that speaks to both his artistry and global perspective.
Local audiences may recognize him from La Mirada’s record-breaking Fiddler on the Roof, where he shared the stage with Tony Award winner Jason Alexander. His additional credits include Hairspray and Too Darn Hot! with standout performances in Something Rotten! and Sweet Charity.
A recipient of the Illinois High School Musical Theater Award for Best Actor, Leahy says he brings a grounded, contemporary sensibility to every role. Offstage, his fluency in French, love of literature and musical versatility continue to shape an artist whose work is as thoughtful as it is entertaining.
THE RAGE MONTHLY TALKED WITH GAVIN LEAHY BEFORE THE OPENING OF THE PRODUCTION, WHERE HIS THOUGHTFUL AND PERSONAL CONNECTION TO THE ROLE IS CLEAR.
Your training spans conservatory work, UCLA and international study. How have those experiences shaped your life and performance style?
Growing up, theater was my life. Between classes after school, weekend rehearsals and everything in between, I ate, slept and breathed it. When I decided to pursue this as my career at UCLA, I knew I also wanted to expand my horizons beyond just performance.
I chose UCLA in part for its exchange program with Université de Lyon in France. During my time abroad, I stepped away from formal theater training but ended up learning more about the art form than I ever expected. Living in a new country forced me to become more independent and to reflect deeply on the human experience.
When I returned to conservatory-style training, I was able to combine that personal growth with my craft. It made me a more curious, versatile and informed artist. I feel I can now approach each role with authenticity because I’ve taken the time to grow as a well-rounded human being.
You’ve worked across regional theater and high-profile productions. What has been your favorite role or production, and why?
That’s a tough one but performing in Fiddler on the Roof at La Mirada has been a highlight of my professional career. Not only did I have the opportunity to work at such a renowned theater right after graduating, but I was surrounded by an incredible cast led by Jason Alexander.
It was a formative experience for me. I learned so much about the professional world from artists I deeply admire and learned what it really takes to keep up for eight shows a week! It really lit a fire in me to keep growing and performing.
Having previously performed at the acclaimed La Mirada Theatre, how does it feel to return in such a high-energy, iconic production?
I truly could not be more excited! La Mirada itself is a dream theater to work at, so being invited back feels like I have a seat at the cool kids’ table. I always feel so incredibly supported working here by the entire team, and it means so much to do so with a show that is so near and dear to my heart.
What excites you about playing Damian Hubbard in Mean Girls, and how are you making him your own?
Mean Girls is nothing short of iconic. I grew up as an openly gay kid with big dreams on the North Shore of Chicago, spending my weekends at the real Old Orchard Mall — so this story has always felt like a heightened version of my own high school experience.
Taking on a role as beloved as Damian is definitely daunting, but it’s also incredibly exciting. There’s a balance between honoring the character people already love and bringing your own truth to it. I see so much of myself in Damian, and I’ve approached the role by grounding him in my own experiences while staying true to what makes him so special.
And of course, it helps that I get to play within Tina Fey’s brilliant script and just have fun with it.
Mean Girls blends comedy with deeper themes through music. Do you have a favorite song, and what makes it special to you?
I remember listening to the original Broadway cast recording when it came out and immediately putting “I’d Rather Be Me” on repeat. Like, concerningly on repeat. It’s not just catchy, it’s also incredibly empowering.
The message of living authentically and being your own best friend, regardless of what others think, really resonates with me. It’s something I try to carry into both my life and my work.
What message do you hope audiences take away from Mean Girls at La Mirada beyond the laughs?
To me, the message of this show revolves around being unapologetically yourself. I hope that people who see this show can take that message away with them and use the story to reflect upon how they choose to present themselves to the world and treat others who may be different from them. It’s a simple message, but I think it rings incredibly true, especially today.
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