“Every show is a miracle.”
Over the years, I’ve heard this and many different iterations of this same sentiment many times. On the outside of a production, and on the inside, the prospect of merging music, acting, props, dance, technical production, facility coordination seems miraculous. It’s straight alchemy! However, like alchemy, these miracles happen because of following principles and using knowledge to make the wondrous imaginary into reality.
Legally Blonde is our philosopher’s stone. Pink, glitzy, garish, and wholeheartedly itself, this show took a lot to bring together. Least of all, the powers that be tapped me on the shoulder to bring me to the director’s chair. The task arose as a large mountain before me. They told me all the setbacks and obstacles since I’d be starting the production later than usual. And yet, I looked at this mountain and thought: Let’s get climbing.
And I am so glad to have braved that mountain. Legally Blonde is a show exceedingly worth putting up for our community. It is so easy to look at this show and dismiss it as an early 2000s comedy filled with caricatures and not much else. But just like how Elle Woods is judged as nothing more than a pretty face, this show has a wrinkly, robust brain that powers its sharp writing. In all truthfulness, this show is all about digging deeper into people. Your hot mess of a hairdresser is actually a wise, encouraging friend with self-esteem issues. That scruffy, lonely law student becomes a loving, doting partner. A mousey, uptight, and prep-school-educated politician wannabee blossoms into an earnest ally for her fellow women. In a world where people are increasingly stereotyped through the news and social media, Legally Blonde goes against that grain with a story of empathy, triumph, and personal discovery. Yes, it is funny and a bit raucous and irreverent, but it also has a beating heart and genuine message.
Too many people need to be thanked for the creation of this phenomenal show. Every person from cast to crew to production deserves a whole page dedicated to them. Since we’re short on paper in this playbill, I want to extend my gratitude to every name you see attached to this show. No matter how trivial or grand, your support means the world to me.
And, of course, I would like to thank you, my humble audience member. It is through your ongoing support of this Drama Club that we can bring high-quality theatre to Palmerton. Not only do I hope that this is only the first show I get the honor of directing here, but I also dearly wish to bring my expertise, passion, and knowledge to elevate this Drama Club into greater heights. This may be a mountain, but I have higher summits I desire to conquer. Your continued support will be matched with my undying, ever-evolving aspirations for this program.
Yours Magnificently,
Mr. McElhinny
