Staples Players Presents LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL

Photo: Sam Mandelbaum (SHS '19) as Warner Huntington III and
Georgia Wright (SHS '19) as Elle Woods. Photo Credit: Kerry Long.

A fabulously fun award-winning show based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and a catchy score, this feel-good show whips up a pink storm of frothy entertainment but with a serious-and timely-message. David Roth (SHS '84) and Kerry Long (SHS '97) co-direct the cast of 73 who will appear in six performances from November 9 - 17.

When Elle Woods' boyfriend Warner gets into Harvard Law and promptly dumps her, the bubbly blonde is determined to charm her way into the prestigious school and get him back. During her journey from sorority sister to self-discovery, what she gains is way better than a pompous beau, but there is no shortage of challenges and chauvinists along the way.

"The humor of the film and show, the fun music, and the large number of interesting roles are what originally drew us to the piece," says Roth. "Since we started working on it, we are very excited about what the show has to say about empowering women. It is a great show to do during the #MeToo Movement."

Georgia Wright (SHS '19) and Camille Foisie (SHS '21) share the role of Elle, and both have discovered she's a much more complex character than your average pink-clad fashion-obsessed miniature dog-owning (yes, Bruiser Woods will be played by a real dog) gal. "Elle is strong, bold, kind, and, most importantly, smart," comments Wright. "The joy and struggle of playing her is how much she changes throughout the play but always stays her same quirky 'Elle' self." Foisie says, "With someone as optimistic and bubbly as Elle, it can be easy to lose sight of the fact that she is also very vulnerable and emotional." Foisie is having a ball with the physicality of the part: "Elle's gestures towards people and her walk are very different from any character I've played. I like being creative with this!"

Sam Mandelbaum (SHS '19) is loving playing Warner, "a cad," and sharing the role with one of his best friends, Max Herman (SHS '19). Mandelbaum says, "Although audiences may be expecting to see some 'dumb blonde' jump around on stage for two hours, what they will get below the surface is much more than that."

Co-Director Kerry Long comments, "The students have been so enthusiastic about the comedy and dance, so it's fun to work on something that they are so passionate about. We were a little wary going in since it was based on a movie, but everyone has grown to love the show. It has a huge heart."

Ben Roland (SHS '19) plays Kyle B. O'Boyle, a hunky delivery man. "This role has been so fun because of its absurdity and the exuded sex appeal," says Roland (who is double-cast with Justin Dusenbury, SHS '20. Both also play Grandmaster Chad, a reggae-loving frat boy at UCLA). He raves, "The Legally Blonde soundtrack is to die for, and the show is uplifting and spreads a positive attitude. It doesn't hurt that you might catch me on stage in a skin-tight UPS uniform too!"

Students also will be tickled to see their principal, Mr. D'Amico, on stage playing Winthrop, the Dean of Harvard Law Admissions. "The cast has been having so much fun seeing their principal act (and even dance a little)," says Long. "It's a great way to bridge the gap between students and administrators. He's been a wonderful sport." Roth adds, "Mr. D'Amico actually did some acting as a child at the old Candlewood Playhouse, which was professional theater." This will be the first guest appearance by an administrator since Principal John Dodig appeared in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in 2008.

Georgia Wright is confident this how-to-succeed-in-heels show, which requires a huge effort from cast and crew, will be a big success. "The mark of a great show is one that can make you laugh, cry, and everything in between," says the senior. "I think the audience will leave the show feeling charmed by Elle's sunny disposition and inspired by her one-of-a-kind journey from Malibu Barbie doll to Harvard Law student, one that proves anything is possible."

Show details and tickets: StaplesPlayers.com

 

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