Question on "Stop" from MEAN GIRLS

[carolinaguy]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 2:49pm

I can't stop listening to the cast recording from Mean Girls, in spite of all its problems. But the song "Stop" bothers me. It seems... let's say, uncomfortably similar to "Turn It Off" from The Book of Mormon. Was this a deliberate attempt to parody or reference the same director/choreographer's earlier work? If so, it seems odd and random for a show that's otherwise not built on that kind of thing.

[schubox]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 2:51pm

carolinaguy said: "I can't stop listening to the cast recording from Mean Girls, in spite of all its problems. But the song "Stop" bothers me. It seems... let's say, uncomfortably similar to "Turn It Off" from The Book of Mormon. Was this a deliberate attempt to parody or reference the same director/choreographer's earlier work? If so, it seems odd and random for a show that's otherwise not built on that kind of thing."

Had the same thought when I saw it last week. There is a big tap dance number lead by Damien as well

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 2:53pm

I think it doesn't help (subliminally at least) that Grey Henson was a celebrated Elder McKinley for quite a while.

[Notreallysilent 2]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 3:00pm

I agree it sounds very much like turn it off but there were a few parts that also reminded me of brotherhood of men from how to succeed. There is one part of the melody that sounds very similar at least to me

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 3:06pm

The composers outlined the song in a Playbill article earlier this week.  Not only to give Grey a number in Act Two, but the song that was originally in its place in DC was more on the subject of how Cady felt after becoming head of the Plastics, when an outsiders' perspective would have given much more of a push towards the action in Act Two with people being affected by her actions.

[Kad]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 3:09pm

The song is extremely reminiscent of "Turn It Off," even in its staging.

[greenifyme2]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 3:10pm

Agreed. I also think the chorus of “Stars” sounds like “Somewhere in the Middle Of Nowhere” from Come from Away.

[RicardoMagon]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 3:14pm

I thought all the songs in the show were pretty bad except Gretchen's song. "Stop" was one of the worst offenders.

[TJJ1296]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 3:30pm

I do think some of the comparisons were intentional (not "Stars" but at least "Stop". Jeff Richmond is by and large a comedy composer who writes songs as gentle nods to genres and songs people already know (ie 30 Rock, SNL, Kimmy Schmidt). So I think the references are there as easter eggs where some people will get the joke and others will think it's just another number. I can't say for sure, but that's how I felt while watching the show and knowing his other work. The recent playbill video starring Kerry Butler and the Kyle Selig singing his other popular songs makes me think this is the case as well, but I could be totally wrong. 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 3:37pm

One of my least favorite numbers in the entire show. It was the least original thing I’ve ever seen.