The Theatre Department performed “Legally Blonde”, March 5-8. Led by Director Mrs. Jamie Warren, the students had been practicing since late November, running scenes, and preparing songs. Music rehearsals started at 7:00 a.m. and continued until the first bell, while daily after-school rehearsals continued until 6:00 p.m.
As the performers neared the opening night, they started tech week. The usual 10-hour days shifted into 16-hour days as they ran through the entire musical, set the lights, and rearranged the set, staying as late as 11:00 p.m.
The set was one of the most complicated parts of the show.
“We have these two tall periaktoi (a three-sided moving set piece) in which actors can go in and out of, and actually on top of it as well. They are about 12 feet tall and 9 feet wide. [We] also have two-sided moveable walls we are using to make rooms,” Mrs. Warren said.
Stage Manager, junior El Hiland, said, “During the song ‘Chip On My Shoulder’, we have to transition from the Harvard Quad to Elle’s dorm in less than 10 seconds. There are a lot of moving parts required to make that switch, so it can be a little challenging to get it completed in time.”
The endless days of rehearsals, painting, and building the set all created excitement and various funny moments throughout the multitalented cast.
Senior Lauren Baker, who played Elle Woods, said, “I [was] just so excited to perform with all the various talents we have here, like everyone is really good at what they do and the role they play.”
Mrs. Warren said, “I [was super excited for the song ‘Legally Blonde’, as well as ‘Oh My God’, I think they’re such fun songs, and it’s a super inclusive musical, it’s very ensemble heavy, which is perfect for us.”
Amid the ruckus of singing, bending, snapping, and managing the set, the students have found time to crack jokes and make friends.
Hiland said, “As cliché as it may sound, it’s definitely the people. I find that it’s really easy to make connections and laugh with people who share the same ‘theatre kid’ mindset.”
Freshman tech crew member Addison Braatz agreed.
“Honestly, my favorite part of the program is just the people, and it’s been so welcoming to everyone, especially me,” said Bratz.
As the curtain prepared to open, it was clear that the dedication, creativity, and drive of everyone involved made this production of Legally Blonde just as Garrison described it: “Hilarious, powerful, and pink.”
The actors were eager to share their hard work with the audience. Senior Zion Roberts, who played lead Emmet Forrest, said, “I [was] most looking forward to getting to tell this wonderful story with my best friends and getting the chance to play the opposite of Lauren, who is an extremely talented performer.”
Hiland summed it up well.
“After weeks of prep, the cheers and reactions from the crowd make all the long days worth it,” Hiland said.
They performed four sold-out shows and had a cast party after the Sunday matinee to wrap up a hectic but successful musical.
