Interview by Jana Letonja

Actress Allison Winn will be starring in the highly anticipated Paramount Pictures musical film ‘Mean Girls’, which is coming to theaters on 12th January.  

Allison, how big of a fan were you of the original ‘Mean Girls’ film before auditioning for this upcoming musical version?

Such a big fan. I grew up with the 2004 movie and can quote 90 % of it, so being a part of its newest incarnation is beyond exciting. 

What can we expect of this musical adaptation of the story we all know? What would you say will surprise us the most?

You can expect to see the classic characters we all love, some phenomenal fashion and incredible dancing. A lot has changed since 2004, including technology and social norms, so I think audiences will be pleasantly surprised by how that affects certain situations in the 2024 film. 

In the film, you will portray Caroline. Tell us more about her and her story in this upcoming musical.

Caroline is smart, confident and Cady’s biggest competition during the Mathletes’ final showdown. As I mentioned before, a lot has changed since 2004, including Caroline.

Your passion for performance comes from a young age. You started it with dancing, before taking interest in other avenues of art. What attracted you to acting?

My parents spent a lot of time introducing me to classic films and New York theater, and I was just desperate to climb onto the stage and screen with the other actors. Performances by Vivien Leigh, Bette Davis, Sissy Spacek, Audrey Tautou, Madeline Kahn and Helena Bonham Carter really inspired me while growing up. 

Can you tell us what you love the most about ‘triple threat’ performances and what does this term actually represent?

I have always been attracted to roles that showcase an actor’s range of abilities, whether it’s a true triple threat performance or some variation of it. And for me, not everyone has to be Gene Kelly or Julie Andrews to be impactful. You can learn a lot about a character when music and movement is introduced. A few examples that really move me are the tango scene in ‘Scent of a Woman’, the ‘Fools Rush In’ song in ‘Buffalo 66’ and Oscar Isaac dancing with the robot in ‘Ex-Machina’. All are moments that, for better or worse, reveal the character’s soul and intentions.  

We’ve heard that you are a total cinephile. What kind of films are your favorite? 

My favorite films usually serve as a time machine or a passport to the world. I love William Wyler, Luca Guadagnino and Mike Leigh films especially, and fashion centered films like ‘Phantom Thread’, ‘Made in Paris’ and ‘The Love Witch’.

You also enjoy exploring New York, your favorite city, on your days off. What are some of your absolute favorite spots in the city?

Cafe Sabarsky, John Derian Shop, the free fashion exhibits at FIT, Lincoln Center and The Met Cloisters.

What kind of roles and projects would you like to explore next?

I would love to join the casts of ‘And Just Like That’, ‘Severance’, ‘1923’ and be part of the Mike Flanagan universe.  

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects, besides ‘Mean Girls’?

More updates to come soon. Follow me for all news on my Instagram @allisonwinn