Reneé Rapp, whose blend of powerhouse belt and emotional gravitas earned her a 2018 National High School Musical Theatre Award (known more commonly as the Jimmy Award), will make her Broadway debut in the musical adaptation of Mean Girls.
She'll take on the role of Regina George full-time beginning September 10, stepping in for original star Taylor Louderman. Before then, however, she'll join the cast for a limited summer engagement June 7–26.
Louderman, who received a Tony Award nomination for her performance, will take her final bow at the August Wilson Theatre September 8. She was recently announced to star in the CBS comedy pilot The Emperor of Malibu from Crazy Rich Asians author Kevin Kwan.
Rapp, a graduate of North Carolina's Charlotte Northwest School of the Arts, heads to Broadway as her fellow 2018 Jimmy Awards winner, Andrew Beth Feldman, makes his debut in the title role of Dear Evan Hansen.
Other notable Jimmy Awards alumni currently on the New York stage include current Tony nominee Eva Noblezada (Hadestown), Ryan McCartan (Wicked), Stephanie Styles (Kiss Me, Kate), and Mean Girls' own Kyle Selig.“It's hard to imagine anyone can replace the great Taylor Louderman, but just like high school, when one Queen Bee graduates, a new one spreads her wings,” said Tina Fey, writer of both the original movie and musical's book. “I think Reneé Rapp has everything it takes to thrill and terrify us all! I can't wait to see her do this.”
