My daughter and I went to see Mean Girls at Paramount Theatre in Aurora last night, and it was hilarious! This one is a perfect pick for a night out with friends.
Paramount does the best professional theater in the suburbs that we’ve seen. The quality and talent, set design, and costumes are always top notch, and this show was no exception. The characters were amazingly done, and the energy in the room was contagious, both onstage and in the audience. It was a packed house!
We were invited to Paramount Theatre; all opinions are my own.
A Note for Parents
Mean Girls leans more mature than some of Paramount’s other family-friendly offerings, so here’s what to know before you go. There are references to drugs, sex, and alcohol woven throughout the show, plus plenty of sexual humor . Early on, there’s also a joke referencing the Dalai Lama being “canceled” and Jesus being “privileged,” which may be offensive to some audiences based on their faith.
That said, the show does land on some genuinely redeeming messages, including the importance of being yourself rather than molding yourself to fit in with the crowd, which is really the heart of the story. If the mature humor would bother you or your teen, it’s worth knowing going in, but if you’re comfortable with that brand of comedy, it makes for a genuinely funny night out with a message underneath the jokes.
The story, if you’re not familiar: Mean Girls (based on the 2004 movie of the same name) follows Cady Heron, a teenager who’s been homeschooled in Africa her whole life and suddenly has to navigate an American high school for the first time. She gets pulled into “The Plastics,” the school’s reigning clique led by queen bee Regina George, and slowly loses herself trying to fit in before finding her way back to who she really is.
Performance Dates & Tickets
Mean Girls runs at Paramount Theatre from August 26 through October 11, 2026. Tickets start at $34 when purchased in person (additional fees apply for phone and online orders). Accessible performances are also available, including ASL interpretation on Friday, October 9 at 7 p.m. (use code ASLPARAMOUNT), open captioning on Wednesday, September 30 at 7 p.m., and audio description available upon request. There are also two Pay What You Can performances, on Thursday, August 27 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, August 29 at 2 p.m.
Getting to Paramount Theatre
Paramount Theatre is located at 23 E. Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL 60506.
Parking: Paramount doesn’t operate its own parking, but there are plenty of options nearby. We found street parking, which worked out great. If you’d rather not search, the municipal garage near Stolp Ave. and Downer Pl. (two blocks south of the theatre) is a solid bet. It’s free for the first hour, $2 for the second, and $1 each hour after. Cash works at the machine by the garage elevator, and credit cards are accepted on your way out. Just note that this garage fills up fast, so build in extra time or have a backup plan.
One tip: skip the Hollywood Casino garage at Galena Blvd and River St. It’s not an authorized lot for the theatre, rates jump on show nights, and the lines to get in and out can be long.
Valet parking is also available at the main entrance starting an hour before showtime, for $19–$24 for standard vehicles ($30 for larger trucks and SUVs).
Taking the train: If you’re coming from the city, the Metra BNSF Line drops you about 5 blocks from the theatre at the Aurora Transportation Center.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Doors open 1 hour before showtime, with theater seating starting 30 minutes prior.
- Age policy: Kids 2 and under aren’t permitted in the theatre. Ages 3 and up can attend at a parent’s discretion, and need their own ticket.
- Coat check is free and located to the left of the Grand Gallery staircase.
- Accessibility: Free assistive listening devices and noise-reducing headphones are available. Just stop by the coat room before the show.
- Late arrivals are seated during scene transitions, so try to be in your seats at least five minutes early.
- Food & drinks: Full bar service is available in the lobby, and there’s an ATM on site if you need cash. Bring ID if you’re planning to order alcohol.
- Photos: No photography, videography, or audio recording is allowed during the show, but there’s a Mean Girlsphoto backdrop in the lobby if you want to snap a picture beforehand.
Fun extra: Paramount is offering themed concessions and specialty cocktails inspired by the show for this run. Think drinks named after The Plastics and The Mathletes. A fun way to lean into the theme!
Should You Bring the Kids?
If you have older teens who can handle some sexual humor and a couple of edgy religious jokes, this is a genuinely fun night out. The talent, the energy, and the packed-house buzz make it worth it. For younger kids, we’d steer toward one of Paramount’s more family-geared productions instead.
Looking for More Kid-Friendly Theater? Check out our Guide to Theater and Live Performances.
Highlights From Past Performances
Our team has been enjoying shows at Paramount Theatre for years! Here are the highlights:
Paramount Theatre is an absolutely gorgeous venue and we have always been impressed with not only the talent that they cast, but the amazing sets that are coupled with it.
Jill Borkowicz about School of Rock on April 30, 2023
Paramount Theatre definitely rivals theaters in the city in terms of sets, actors, and the overall experience — this holiday production is not to be missed.
Nicole Majewski about The Sound of Music on November 25, 2022
With colorful, extravagant costumes, dancing, and a 15-piece orchestra, there is plenty of grandeur, lights, songs, and characters for all ages.
Annie Tandy about Cinderella in 2021
The Paramount Theatre has such high quality performances, talent, and sets, and Beauty and the Beast was spectacular — live orchestra music, dazzling costumes, and elaborate set designs.
Nicole Majewski about Beauty and the Beast on November 24, 2019
The Paramount Theatre in Aurora never disappoints. The actors’ voices were unbelievable, the sets were dynamic, and Toto was adorable.
Annie Tandy about The Wizard of Oz on November 21, 2018
The building is beautiful, the staff is so kind, and the actors deliver their humorous lines flawlessly with amazing singing voices.
Annie Tandy about Elf The Musical on December 4, 2017
