“For what is clearly one of the past decade’s most loved plays, this Broadway debut is a beautiful homecoming.”
By Juan A. RamirezSep 28, 2026Full Review
PLAYREVIVALNOW PLAYING
School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre · 1h 20m
Opened Sep 28, 2026 · Closes Nov 15, 2026
18 Rave
10 Positive
1 Mixed
1 Negative
Critics' Take
Critics praise this exuberant Broadway revival of Bioh's comedy about Ghanaian schoolgirls, citing Whitney White's inspired direction and sharp performances that elevate a predictable but funny script exploring colorism and teen cruelty with cultural specificity.
Critic Scorecard
30 reviews18 Rave
10 Positive
1 Mixed
1 Negative
Sort:
Weighted by outlet tier · Counts
- Tier 1: 100%
- Tier 2: 75%
- Tier 3: 40%
- Tier 4: 20%
“Jocelyn Bioh's pageant comedy lands its laughs and its reckoning with colorism in equal measure.”
By Emily ChackerianSep 29, 2026Full Review
“Deeply funny, exceptionally smart, and impeccably staged, this School Girls earns top honors.”
By James WilsonSep 28, 2026Full Review
“School Girls or, The African Mean Girls Play...goes beyond the standard tropes of high schoolers being nasty about classmates' clothes, grades, or lack of cool to raise more profound questions about values, beauty, and prejudice.”
The Recs StaffOct 6, 2026Full Review
“Bioh, perfectly assisted by her sympatico director Whitney White and a no-weak-link cast, has done something quite amazing with this comedy-drama.”
By Greg EvansSep 29, 2026Full Review
Audience Scorecard
787 audience reviews
A+
Loving It
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicweek of 10/4/2026 · rank #28 on Broadway
1.3% market sharethis wk
This Week
Showtimes
This Week(Oct 5–11)
Get Tickets from $82
Schedule via bwayrush.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play?
Critics praise this exuberant Broadway revival of Bioh's comedy about Ghanaian schoolgirls, citing Whitney White's inspired direction and sharp performances that elevate a predictable but funny script exploring colorism and teen cruelty with cultural specificity. (CriticScore 84/100 from 30 reviews.)
Is School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play worth seeing?
Absolutely — School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play is one of the season's most acclaimed shows, earning a rare 84/100 from 30 critics. Don't miss it.
What is the CriticScore for School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play?
School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play has a CriticScore of 84/100 based on 30 professional reviews. This is considered a "Critical Gold" show.
Is School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play still running on Broadway?
Yes, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play is currently playing at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Broadway. It is scheduled to close on November 15, 2026.
Where is School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play playing on Broadway?
School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play is playing at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, located at 261 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
How long is School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play?
School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play has a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes with no intermission.
Is School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play appropriate for children?
School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play is recommended for Ages 12+.
Theater Scorecard
Great VenueThe Samuel J. Friedman Theatre offers good sightlines with minimal obstructions and a well-raked mezzanine, ensuring a clear view from most seats. The sound quality is consistently praised, and the seating is comfortable with decent legroom. The theater's ambiance is enhanced by its elegant design following renovation, though facilities like restrooms are average, leading to some congestion during intermissions.
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Current Cast
- Lucia AremuAmaBroadway debut
- Denée BentonPaulina Sarpong
- Tony GoldwynVoice of American TV HostRecorded voice only
- Patina MillerEloise AmponsahDid not perform 10/9/2026-10/11/2026.
- Erin MortonNanaBroadway debut
- Nia Otchere-SarfoGiftyBroadway debut
- Jordan RiceMercyBroadway debut
- Jasmine Amy RogersEricka Boafo
Original Broadway Cast
- Lucia AremuAmaBroadway debut
- Denée BentonPaulina Sarpong
- Tony GoldwynVoice of American TV HostRecorded voice only
- Patina MillerEloise AmponsahDid not perform 10/9/2026-10/11/2026.
- Erin MortonNanaBroadway debut
- Nia Otchere-SarfoGiftyBroadway debut
- Jordan RiceMercyBroadway debut
- Jasmine Amy RogersEricka Boafo
Notable Replacements
- Jocelyn BiohEloise AmponsahTemporary replacement for Patina Miller.
Creative Team
- Jocelyn BiohPlaywright
- Whitney WhiteDirector
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 84/100 (30 reviews)
- Status
- Now Playing
- Opened
- Sep 28, 2026
- Closes
- Nov 15, 2026
- Running
- Just opened
- Runtime
- 1h 20m
- Intermissions
- 0
- Age
- Ages 12+
- Synopsis
- "School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play" is a play set in 1986 Ghana that explores the dynamics and power struggles among a group of teenage girls at an elite secondary school as they compete for the chance to represent their school in the Miss Ghana pageant. The play delves into themes of colorism, privilege, and the social hierarchies that exist within the school's walls.
- Data Last Updated
- October 9, 2026
