Since day 1 of the 2024-2025 school year, the theater department, run by Theater and Studio Arts teacher Erin Allen, and supported by Band and Chorus teacher Miranda Fitzgerald, has been working diligently, preparing roles, costumes, choreography, set design, and perfecting sound and lighting.
But as practice and casting for the musical comes to an end and rehearsals become the focus of the theater department, time is of the essence for Wildcats in the production.
Rehearsals for Legally Blonde Jr. have been taking place every day in 7th period and occasionally after school. In addition to rehearsing daily, they need to arrange costumes, lighting, props, and microphones. The set itself took a week to construct; this means painting, hanging, fabric, arrangements, and more.
With there only being a month left, final preparations can be stressful.
“We are making sure that every scene plays clearly, looks amazing, and entertains the crowd – that’s a lot of work,” Allen said.
Freshman Abigail Woodford auditioned and was cast for the lead role of Elle Woods, a stereotypical ‘dumb blonde’ who follows the love of her life to Harvard Law School.
“As soon as I found out that we were doing Legally Blonde, I started listening to all the music and just practicing every day,” Woodford said.
In order to really understand the role and prepare to play it, she did as much research as she could, watching the movie and other productions of “Legally Blonde the Musical”.
“Before we start rehearsing, I usually take a minute to get into Elle’s mindset and really try and focus on becoming her character,” said Woodford.
The theater department is excited and eager to present this year’s production.
“I’m most looking forward to opening night and just all the excitement that comes with it,” said Woodford. “I also can’t wait to show everyone what we have been working so hard on.”
The story itself is a classic, from the movie to the musical.
Legally Blonde, the original movie, came out on July 13, 2001 and earned itself a 72% on the tomatometer. Elle Woods was played by Reese Witherspoon. It starred . In Feb., 2007, they released Legally Blonde the Musical where it opened on Broadway in April, 2007. In the musical production, the first Elle Woods was played by Laura Bell Bundy who had other roles that included characters Tina (Ruthless), Amber (Hairspray) and Glinda (Wicked).
Allen looks forward to portraying the classic movie-to-musical production.
“The story has humor with lots of big-personality characters, but it is also poignant. It highlights the importance of standing up against adversity, discovering one’s passion, and following that passion to fulfillment. We are super excited and happy to have so many talented students to tell this wonderful story,” Allen said.
The dates of the production are at 7 p.m., March 20 through March 22 and tickets will only be sold at the door.
