Jawbreaker The Musical, a stage adaptation of the 1999 teen cult film, is making a notable change to one of its central characters by explicitly reimagining outcast Fern Mayo, who transforms into the glamorous Vylette, as a trans character. Writer Darren Stein said the decision followed years of trans fans, including actress Eve Lindley, telling him the character's journey of transformation, exposure and eventual self-acceptance resonated as a trans narrative, prompting him to "take the subtext and make it text" for the musical.

Non-binary Chicago actor AJ Paramo plays Fern/Vylette in the production, directed by Matt DiCarlo with choreography from RuPaul's Drag Race alum Laganja (Jay Jackson) and music and lyrics by Jeff Thomson and Jordan Mann. Paramo said Stein contacted them directly to explain the character's significance before rehearsals began, deepening their connection to the role, while original film star Rebecca Gayheart, who now plays Principal Sherwood, praised the cast's talent as the story moves from screen to stage.