THUNDER BAY – A musical version of Legally Blonde will see a large cast of young actors take on the film classic later this week.
Like the 2001 film, the play follows sorority girl Elle Woods as she tries to win back her ambitious boyfriend by enrolling in Harvard Law School. The production adds a series of energetic musical numbers drawing from pop and blues, with choreography and splashes of bright colour adding visual interest.
“Audiences can expect a really good time,” says Gabby Carlin, who plays Margot. “It’s a lot of fun that we have on stage, and I think that will really show.”
While it’s mainly a comedic romp, Elle’s fight against gender stereotypes adds some depth to the play, says director Denise Krawczuk. She sees it as a story of a young woman evolving into her own person, and realizing she doesn’t need a man to do it.
“I think for young women, it’s an empowering message, for sure,” she says.
The play is put on by Krawczuk’s Applauze Productions, which focuses on providing opportunities for young people in theatre. Nearly 30 actors from ages 14 to 19 make up the cast.
Legally Blonde will run from Jan. 8 to 11 at the Finlandia Hall Theatre. Shows are at 7:30 p.m., except on Jan. 11, which is at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at The Hoito or Applauze Productions’ website. Concession proceeds from the event will be going to Hospice Northwest.
