By now you’ve probably heard that there’s going to be a musical adaption of a certain legendary TV show later this summer. If you watched The OC, I don’t have to tell you how amazing this news is – and I also don’t have to tell you that Summer Roberts was the best character on the show. In fact, the only character who could possibly give her a run for her money was her boyfriend, Seth Cohen.
Because the role of Summer is so beloved and so important, casting this character well is also incredibly important. Allow me to intervene – I happen to know the perfect girl for the part. You ready for it? My pick is…
Janel Parrish, aka Mona from Pretty Little Liars.
Why, you ask? Well, I’ve prepared answers and here they are.
1. “We get it, Mona. You can FREAKING SING.”
As any respectable PLL fan knows, Janel has some pipes. This would sort of come in handy since the whole production is a musical, yaknow?
2. Oh, and she can dance.
Did you watch Janel on Dancing With The Stars? She SLAYED. I don’t know how much dancing this production will involve but whatever it is, she can handle it.
3. She sort of looks like Rachel Bilson.
Dark hair, check. Cute little button nose, check. Petite stature, check. When you have someone so freakin’ lovable playing the original version of the character, you should probably find someone pretty similar.
4. It would make this show a convergence of the two best teen TV shows EVER.
The OC meets Pretty Little Liars? WHAT MORE COULD WE EVER WANT?
5. She’s already been on The OC.
Janel played a bit part (so did PLL stars Ashley Benson and Lucy Hale) but still – her familiarity with and ties to the show should count for something.
6. She can play sneaky-smart.
Summer turned out to be super intelligent on The OC – Janel’s work as secret genius Mona would definitely come in handy.
7. She can also play the lovable bitch.
Summer started off as sort of a mean girl…but Rachel’s performance made her a total fan favorite. Jane has managed to make Mona so much more than just a villain on PLL. We need someone who can play layers for the role of Summer, and Janel has that ability.
8. She has some involvement with the team that’s bringing the production to the stage.
The OC musical is being produced by the same people that brought us the Cruel Intentions musical, which is running now. Janel happens to star in that production. Coincidence? I think not.
9. She’s been active in theater for a while now.
Janel has appeared in a lot of LA musicals while balancing her work on PLL, which means we wouldn’t be losing her as Mona if she took on the role.
10. It would give us a chance to see some season 1 Mona-type action.
I am all for Janel playing a character who is happy, popular and bubbly – this whole tortured-girl-in-a-blonde-wig thing needs to go.
[Lead image via]
