Farmington Players Present LEGALLY BLONDE, Now thru 5/18

Blondes may have more fun, but Elle Woods proves she's "more than meets the eye" in the romantic musical comedy Legally Blonde running tonight, April 26-May 18 at The Farmington Players Barn in Farmington Hills.

The Broadway hit that earned 7 Tony nominations (music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, Book By Heather Hach) is based on a popular movie starring Reese Witherspoon. Despite any pre-conceived notions you may have from seeing the film, the story smartly transcends the stereotype, and is soaked with meaning for all ages to absorb.

You will find The Farmington Players production jammed with dazzling dances choreographed by Allison Boufford of Northville Twp. and Julie VanDerBeek of Ferndale. Additionally, Music Director Rachael Rose of Waterford Twp. conducts many toe-tapping tunes including: "Omigod You Guys," "Chip On My Shoulder," "Whipped Into Shape," "Bend and Snap," and "There Right There," (commonly referred to as: "Gay or European").

Director Jason Wilhoite of Commerce Township helms the entertaining and fast-paced "coming of age" tale that consists of 26 actors and 2 dogs. "Legally Blonde takes us on an unexpected journey where being true to yourself and finding your own way against any odds never goes out of style," says Wilhoite.

The tale focuses on Delta Nu Sorority President Elle Woods, played by Heather Dolan of Livonia who takes on Harvard Law School in a quest to win back Warner, the guy who jilted her, played by Bailey Boudreau of Ferndale. Upon arriving, Elle realizes Harvard is certainly not her old sorority, and she discovers Warner has a new girlfriend, Vivienne played by Jamee Perryman of Clawson. Nevertheless, Elle's legal skills prove better than she imagined. With the help of her hairdresser friend Paulette (Amy Poirier of Farmington Hills) and the underdog nice guy, her Law School teaching assistant Emmett (Nick Rapson of Canton Twp.), Elle defies expectations and discovers being true to herself is like, totally cool.

Dolan provides a "high octane" performance in a demanding role that keeps her onstage almost the entire show. Wilhoite describes her as a force who will "draw the audience in" with her "amazing singing and dancing." Her excellent comic timing and onstage rapport with both Warner and Emmett, also contribute to the show's success.

Other colorful characters include Rachel Biber of Huntington Woods as the fitness instructor Brooke who leads the cast in a jaw-dropping rendition of "Whipped Into Shape," Roy Sexton of Saline who shines as the morally dubious Professor Callahan, and Danielle Morris of Novi who plays Enid Hoopes, a radical lesbian feminist attending Harvard Law because (as Enid sees it) "this country's out of whack and only women have the guts to go and take it back."

No theater could perform Legally Blonde without an array of stunning costumes. Barbie Amann Weiserman of Farmington Hills whipped up marvelous creations with the help of Laura Wilhoite of Livonia. Their work supports 140 costume changes for one "pinkalicious" production. Weiserman says, it's not just (any) pink but "the right shade of pink" that breathes character into her costumes.

Jason Wilhoite believes Legally Blonde is a show often misunderstood, but loaded with "beauty" and powerful enough to impact lives. "People may walk into The Barn theatre thinking they understand what Legally Blonde will be about," says Wilhoite. "And BAM - we hit (them) with substance... they leave not only having a great time, but considering how they view the world and how they approach their own personal goals."

On opening night tonight, April 26^th, the Barn will throw a "pinkalicious" party complete with rose colored treats and drinks. Tickets for this show sponsored by Tru Vista Wealth Advisors (a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial) are available now at www.farmingtonplayers.org or at the box office (248) 553-2955.

SHOW DATES & TIMES:

Friday, April 26 8pm

Saturday, April 27 8pm

Sunday, April 28 2pm (Senior Sunday, $2 Off)

Friday, May 3 8pm

Saturday, May 4 8pm

Sunday, May 5 2pm

Thursday, May 9 8pm (Thrifty Thursday $2 Off)

Friday, May 10 8pm

Saturday, May 11 8pm

Sunday, May 12 8pm

Thursday, May 16 8pm (Thrifty Thursday $2 Off)

Friday, May 17 8pm

Saturday, May 18 8pm

Tickets are available at both www.farmingtonplayers.org and the box office at 248-553-2955. Prices: Adults: $18; Students: $2 off any performance; Senior Sunday: Only on Sunday April 28 ($2 off for Seniors); Thrifty Thursday: $2 off for everyone only on May 9 and May 16; Group Discounts: $2 off any show with a group of ten or more people.

The Farmington Players Barn is located at 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills Michigan 48334. It's the big white barn on the north side of 12 mile between Orchard Lake and Farmington Rd.

Cast Members:

Elle .......................................................................Heather Dolan (Livonia)

Emmett ....................................................................................... Nick Rapson (Canton Twp.)

Warner ................................................................................. Bailey Boudreau (Ferndale)

Paulette ..........................................................................Amy Poirier (Farmington Hills)

Callahan ........................................................................................ Roy Sexton (Saline)

Vivienne ...............................................................................Jamee Perryman (Clawson)

Brooke ........................................................................................ Rachel Biber (Huntington Woods)

Margot .........................................................................................Laura Zenni (East Lansing)

Serena ........................................................................................ Taylor Alfano (Livonia)

Pilar ...................................................................................Alisha Gellin (West Bloomfield)

Leilani .......................................................................................Shannon Allen (Southfield)

Gaelen/D.A. Joyce Riley .......................................................Cari Sue Murphy (Ferndale)

Kate .........................................................................................Shannon Hurst (Warren)

Enid .........................................................................................Danielle Morris (Novi)

Aaron/Frat Guy/Carlos ........................................................ Connor Rhoades (Plymouth)

Courtney/ Whitney/Chutney ................................................... Donna Wolbers (South Lyon)

Kyle/Dewey/Pilot .......................................................................Michael Rose (Waterford Twp.)

Padamadan/Frat Guy/Kiki the Colorist..........................................Mark Drum (Farmington Hills)

Elle's Dad/Pforzheimer/Guard ...........................................Tony Targan (West Bloomfield)

Elle's Mom/Salon Customer ....................................................Kristi Schwartz (Canton Twp.)

Harvard Student/Hair Affair Cashier/Stenographer................. Joelle Schade (Garden City)

Store Manager/H&H Sales/Judge ...............................................Pat Rodgers (Novi)

Winthrop/Salon Customer ..................................................Karen Southworth (Plymouth)

Grandmaster Chad/Salon Customer/Nikos .......................Jarrod Henderson (Farmington Hills)

Lowell/Guard/TV Reporter ........................................Gary Weinstein (Farmington Hills)

Frat Guy/Harvard Student/Bailiff................................................. Kyle Kimlick (Canton Twp.)

Bruiser (Dog).........................................................................................Emmy (Royal Oak)

Rufus (Dog)..........................................................................................Aiden (Waterford Twp.)

Crew Members:

Director ........................................................ ...Jason Wilhoite (Commerce Twp.)

Asst. Director .....................................................Keshia DaiSy Oliver (Plymouth Twp.)

Music Director....................................................Rachael Rose (Waterford Township)

Producer............................................................Maureen Mansfield (Farmington Hills)

Choreographer.................................................... Allison Boufford (Northville Twp.)

Choreographer.................................................... Julie VanDerBeek (Ferndale)

Stage Manager.....................................................Kelly Little (Ann Arbor)

You can find The Farmington Players at www.farmingtonplayers.org and also on Facebook. The Barn began as an off-shoot of the American Association of University Women. Their first production, The Torchbearers, was performed at a local church. After performing in various city and educational locations, The Farmington Players moved into an old dairy barn located on the site of their present facility on West Twelve Mile Road.

Initially, productions were staged downstairs on a dirt floor. Over the years, improvements to the original Barn transformed it into a more finished space, with the theater itself eventually moving upstairs into a traditional and finished setting.

Since 1953, The Farmington Players have staged more than 194 different musicals, dramas, mysteries and comedies, all as a community theater with 100% volunteer membership.

People from Farmington, Farmington Hills and beyond have come to recognize the group as a true community resource. Since the completion of its state-of-the-art facility in 2003, The Farmington Players Barn Theater has expanded its mission, serving as the site for city-sponsored events such as youth theater camps in the summer, concerts with groups as varied as Blackthorn and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and as a meeting place for various groups.

The Farmington Players have been saving money over the years to enhance the onstage experience at The Barn. In November, 2009 they installed a new rigging system in the vast fly space. Show Directors are thrilled to finally have the ability to fly in flats and use drops to set scenes in a matter of seconds.

Pictured: Heather Dolan of Livonia as "Elle" and Jamee Perryman Of Clawson as "Vivienne". Photo Credit: Jim Kelly.

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