If you like your plays with edgy dialogue, riotous dance numbers, and a side of cocaine, then Cruel Intentions is here to satisfy your taste for scandal. The Beacon Theatre, located in Plano, Texas, is a small and inclusive, supportive theatre for all with special focus on Latin, queer, and/or adults 30 and up, across the Dallas Fort Worth area. President of the Board, Executive Director, and playing the lead of Sebastian, Mario Estep, founded the non-profit organization in 2025 to provide a warm, flexible environment for performers with busy personal lives that need an outlet. From Shakespeare to Rivera, the Cox Playhouse has a diverse repertoire, and Cruel Intentions marks its’ first musical to date.
From the opening scene, you can feel the chemistry and camaraderie amongst the cast. And if you’re a fan of the original film, this stage adaptation has enough nostalgic hits to innovatively complement the iconic scenes you know and love. Putting the capital ‘B’ in bitch is Kathryn, (played by the stunning Necia Poulsen), who oozes confidence and commands the stage. Frustrated by her recent breakup with her boyfriend, Court, she discovers his new girl is nearby and about to attend their Manhattan prep-school. Thirsty for revenge, she enlists the help of her step-brother, Sebastian, to ruin her reputation and wage a little bet on his conquest to sleep with the new headmaster’s daughter, Annette (played by the adorable Bethni Joy Lown).
But not to be outshined, (Elena Butterfield) delivers the ditzy and naive role of Cecile (Kathryn’s enemy and new fake friend) with comedic candor. The most infamous kissing scene between the two (which won an MTV VMA award in 2000 for ‘Best Kiss’) broke major LGBTQ+ barriers for mainstream cinema in the late ‘90s. And this stage adaptation triples the celebration with a picnic of couples making out while the song “Kiss Me” serenades everyone in the audience.
Massive credit goes to the stage crew and choreographers for building a budget set and spicing up the scenes with flawless transitions into the ’90’s tunes we adore and worship. No Doubt you’ll be singing along and laughing at the hilarity and heart of this theatrical alteration! Cruel Intentions runs through October 10th, 2026 and tickets are available here. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a nostalgic trip to a time where everything was all that and a bag of chips!
