Pre-Show Ponders: Interview with English Bernhardt

English Bernhardt is currently touring as Cady Heron in the North American Tour of "Mean Girls." She previously worked in the show as a standby for Cady, Regina George, and Janis Sarkisian before taking over the role of Cady full time. In this Pre-Show Ponders interview, Bernhardt discusses what it's like to fill those pink, sky-high stilettos and how she makes this iconic role her own. Check out the full interview below and stayed turned for a full review of the production coming soon! Interview answers were received via email. Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

You’ve been a part of the "Mean Girls" tour for quite a few years and had the opportunity to cover three of the production’s leading ladies. Can you talk about what it was like working as a standby versus what it’s like taking on the role of Cady full time?

Yes! Being the standby was exciting and thrilling and challenging - never knowing when I’d be on and for whom, sometimes as two different characters in the same day! Being Cady full time, I know exactly what I’m walking into each day, have the chance to settle into the role, make it my own, and can establish more of a routine. I drink a lot less now and sleep a lot more, but it is still very exciting!! Just in different ways!

"Mean Girls" has had such a cultural impact over the years and these roles have become so recognizable and quoted in pop culture. What does it mean to you to get to be a part of that legacy, and how do you make sure to keep the integrity of the character while still making it your own?

It is such an honor and a privilege to be a part of this legacy and continue to bring this story to life to audiences around the country. The story is still so relevant and relatable that I try to remember who I was in high school and the types of similar challenges I faced with fitting into friend groups, not knowing who I was at the time, and bringing those memories and experiences to my version of Cady Heron. The magic of "Mean Girls" is the heart that shines through and how it has cultivated such a community, family, and following from people of all different ages.

One cannot discuss Mean Girls without discussing the costumes that were the fashion dream of so many back in the 2000s. Do you have a favorite piece to wear? What makes it special/why is it your favorite? This can be any of the costumes you’ve worn in the show; it doesn’t have to specifically be one you’ve worn as Cady.

Absolutely! As Regina George, it’s the iconic “R” diamond necklace that just reminds me so much of not only that time period but just the movie in general. I had a similar “E” necklace growing up that I adored, and stepping into the queen bee role and putting the signature jewelry piece on was always my favorite part. Similarly in the accessory department, my favorite piece for Cady is the “Africa bracelet.” It’s also referenced in the movie but takes on a larger role in the production, at least for me, as a symbol of home. Cady says that her mom made the bracelet (in both the movie and musical), and as she continues to shift into versions of herself and loses her way at times, the bracelet is always on and always there. When I start that downward spiral journey in the show, I often reach for the bracelet as a reminder of my own mom and hope and to remember who I am deep down. It keeps me grounded.

Pictured (L - R): English Bernhardt (Cady Heron), Jasmine Rogers (Gretchen Wieners), Nadina Hassan (Regina George), and Morgan Ashley Bryant (Karen Smith) Photo Credit: Jenny Anderson

How/when did you find out you would be taking over the role of Cady full time? What was the rehearsal process like, or were you able to slip right into the track since you knew it already?

I found out I had been offered the role back in December, but I had to figure out logistics and negotiations and still keep it quiet until the company found out in March and the public found out in April! I officially took over on May 3rd in Dallas, and I did re-rehearse. But because I was already very familiar with the role, it was a much shorter process, and was more just settling in with new cast members and revisiting the intention for each scene.

Will you miss playing the other girls?

I do miss playing the other two, often!!! But everything works out how it is supposed to, and if I wouldn’t have been the standby, I wouldn’t have been pushed in those ways as a person and performer and actor, and ultimately wouldn’t have had the opportunity to take over Cady! It feels very much like the journey I was supposed to be on with this show and it’s all very much a dream come true.

Do you have a favorite Mean Girls fun fact or behind-the-scenes secret? What is it?

I do!! In our show, the “kalteen bars” are really LÄRABARS and there’s a scene in the show where Regina takes a bite and spits it out. Nadina Hassan (who plays Regina George) runs offstage and shares the rest of the bar with me and our head props person Max, and every show it’s a new flavor!!! So we find a fun little family snack time in judging our favorite flavors and sharing a little mid-show treat.

You've mentioned that you had the opportunity to perform alongside Idina Menzel in the musical If/Then, so of course I have to ask. What was the highlight of that experience?

Oh my gosh the whole thing felt surreal. I was, and still am such a fan of Idina’s, but to work with her at age 19 on a first national tour was just beyond my wildest dreams. I would sit in the wings every single night, watch her sing her 11 o'clock number.

Feature Photo: Courtesy of the Hippodrome Theatre.

"Mean Girls" will run at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore from July 12-17, 2022