"In her first solo directing assignment, Devon Hayakawa has thoughtfully influenced and guided their actors with wisdom and empathy, staging the musical with unbelievable electricity. The show nicely fills the enormous Paramount stage with so much color and energy that theatergoers might need sunglasses. This production of MEAN GIRLS is a winner. It’s another polished Paramount presentation that’s funny, tuneful, and features comedy, drama and strong acting and singing. The talented cast overflows the stage with star power and strong choreography. But in addition to being entertaining, this is a  musical with a message, making a strong case for the importance of being kind." - Chicago Theatre Review  

"Based on the 2004 film with a book by Tina Fey, the musical retains the movie’s rapid-fire wit while giving its characters room to explore the insecurities, ambitions and social hierarchies of adolescence. At Paramount Theatre in Aurora, director Devon Hayakawa keeps the production brisk, energetic and surprisingly heartfelt." - PicksInSix

"Director Devon Hayakawa guides the production with a steady, clear approach, keeping the story moving and giving the cast room to shape their characters. Paramount’s production of Mean Girls the Musical proves to be a smart, engaging take on the material, carried by a committed cast and a creative team that understands how to translate the story’s humor and heart to the stage. It moves with confidence, lands its character beats cleanly, and offers enough freshness to make revisiting this world worthwhile." - Buzz Center Stage