Based on the endlessly-quotable classic film (“You go, Glen Coco!”), the Broadway musical Mean Girls begins its national tour this fall, and it arrives in Philly on November 19. Tickets have just gone on sale, and to celebrate, its fabulous writer—and Philly-area native—Tina Fey came to the Kimmel Center and answered all of our most important questions, including the obligatory “Pat’s or Geno’s?”

For the record, she prefers Jim’s Steaks on South Street, which we cannot argue with.

Other Philly food musts when Fey comes to town? Tastykakes, tomato pie from Pica’s, and of course Wawa. And when she found out about their annual Hoagiefest, she excitedly asked if she could be Grand Marshal. You are grand marshal of our hearts, Tina Fey.

Photograph by Laura Swartz.

She also talked about her Philly roots, describing how she got her start at Upper Darby Summer Stage as a teenager, and regularly attended plays at Walnut Street Theatre growing up. Interviewing her was fellow Summer Stage alumnus and close friend Damian Holbrook (if you recognize that name, he is the inspiration for the character of same name in Mean Girls).

Fey remains a Philly girl through and through, talking about how our gritty character continues to inform her comedy writing. Speaking of things that are gritty, she also loves Gritty, and was honored when Philadelphia Magazine recreated her Bossypants book cover with the Flyers mascot in her place.

Switching gears to talk about Mean Girls, Fey described the years of hard work to bring her movie to the Broadway stage, and how the stage adaptation goes even further in its message of empowerment, especially for girls. As Fey put it, Mean Girls teaches kids (and parents) “not be afraid to be yourself and be different, and also to not try to lift yourself up by tearing someone else down.” Because of these important themes, she was sure to keep the play—like the movie—age-appropriate for teens.

Mean Girls will be at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia from November 19 through December 1. Tickets are on sale now online and at the Kimmel Center box office.

Lead photograph courtesy of the Kimmel Center.