I confess, I have never watched Legally Blonde, the movie, in its entirety. I know that this movie is iconic to so many, but I just never got interested. Maybe I am just not a Reese Witherspoon fan? Maybe I just never got past the stereotypical west coast valley girl sorority sister presented at the top of the show? When it became a Broadway musical, my bias immediately carried over as I thought “No way!”.
Then, I heard the score of Legally Blonde, the musical, with catchy tunes like “What You Want”, “Legally Blonde Remix” and “Omigod”. The songs were so fun and really stuck in your head. So, I decided to give the musical version the respect I never afforded the movie - I watched the whole thing (MTV filmed it live in 2007 and it lives on in YouTube). The story of Elle Woods and her triumph over all that is against her was fantastic. I was an instant fan.
Since then, I have wanted to direct the show but realized the immense requirements of the vocal ranges that the show requires. So, I have patiently waited until we had just the right mix of talent and style to take this show on. How fortuitous that it is during this time in our history that we had the necessary components to cast this show. In this age of #girlpower and the #metoo movement, we are able to show the story of Elle Woods and her ability to overcome stereotypes, the glass ceiling, and harassment. A truly triumphant presentation of the female spirit, possibly more alive today than when the movie was originally screened almost two decades ago. Legally Blonde was clearly a voice way ahead of its time.
In all aspects this show was bigger than we ever expected. The music is incredibly challenging as we push high school students to hit and sustain notes that are outside the realm of many musicians. The book requires that scenes change multiple times mid song, requiring a creative solution to set construction and design within our small stage. The upbeat numbers lend themselves to serious dance, which we have not had in our recent productions. And the costumes, oh the costumes. Thirty seven actors, many playing multiple roles from cheerleaders to judges to admissions officers to sales clerks, makes for a lot of costumes. Technically we are sharing twenty microphones, using 13 televisions, and are using combinations of almost 50 lighting fixtures to help convey the message and locations of the show. And of course, there is the story and all of the acting and inflection needed to tell this wonderful story in a fresh and exciting way. The staff and students of the Colonial Players bound together wonderfully to tackle these challenges and I am so thankful for their dedication and talent.
Special thanks go out to my team (Eric, Maria, Megan, Val, Josh, Paul, Adam, Barb, Jeramie, Melissa, Jen), our stage manager Anastasia Cwietniewicz, and our principal actors who have been able to take the vision from my head and make it a tangible reality on stage. Additionally, the Colonial Players are lucky to have the Colonial School District’s continued support for the performing arts. Special thanks to Dr. Bacani, Dr. Christian, The Colonial School Board, and PW administration and support staff for providing the resources and support necessary for students to fulfill their potential in a variety of areas, especially in the arts.
Finally, a well deserved thanks to my wife, Carrie, and children, Luke, Lance, and Bryce, for putting up with me each year as we take this crazy journey that is musical theater. Their support and belief in me are the key factors that allow me to continue to be a part of this wonderful world of the Colonial Players. I love you all.
By the way, if you are wondering, I have still haven’t watched the whole movie. Enjoy the show.
M. Engel
