In case you’ve been hiding under a rock the past two decades, the cult-classic film, Cruel Intentions, centers around a pair of wealthy step-siblings, who play terrible games with people’s lives using sex, drugs, and sinister scheming to get their way, no matter who gets hurt in the process.
When the Kimmel Center invited me to opening night of Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical, I was a hard ‘yes’ – as a major fan of the movie, but even more so because the musical parody features some of THE BEST throwback hits by artists like Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, REM, *NSYNC, Britney Spears and, of course, Counting Crows for that iconic scene. Spoiler Alert: the blue button-down makes an appearance.
Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical pulls you into Kathryn and Sebastian’s manipulative world. Seduced by revenge and fueled by passion, the two diabolically charming step-siblings place a bet on whether or not sociopathic Sebastian (my ex – as of last week – comes to mind) can deflower their incoming headmaster’s daughter. As the two set out to destroy the innocent girl—and anyone who gets in their way—they find themselves entangled in a web of secrets, temptation, and the cruelest game of all: love.
Taylor Pearlstein, who plays Kathryn, was a standout. Not only was her voice ridiculously amazing, but she played the vixen – out for revenge on an ex – role “cruelly” well (I’m sorry, I had to). Pearlstein really made me root for Kathryn (in the moment) when she gives one of my favorite monologues ever – calling B.S. on the fact that Sebastian is excused for his sexual transgressions, while she is considered promiscuous because of them. Even though people have their issues with the film, this speech has and will always be absolutely on point.
Fun fact: I once performed said monologue in an acting class… in eighth grade, lol.
Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical is a full-on ’90s party. If you are in the Philadelphia area, the show is in town through this weekend, so snag your tickets HERE.
