Musical theatre has sailed with Titanic, escaped with Fiddler On The Roof, and fell in love with Guys and Dolls, but now it prepares to challenge the stereotype of blondes with this year’s production of Legally Blonde.
Detailing Elle Woods’ journey from a sorority house is Southern California to the halls of Harvard Law School in hopes of winning back the heart of her ex-boyfriend, Warner, Legally Blonde is also a well-known movie starring Reese Witherspoon. The musical version has been performed on Broadway and theatrical stages in nine countries.
Choir Teacher Mark Roberts said that Legally Blonde is a more contemporary musical with little dialogue and a lot more dancing. While Guys and Dolls, Titanic and Fiddler on the Roof are classics, Legally Blonde is modern. He hopes it will reach out to the whole community.
Roberts looked for confidence and preparation in the recent auditions. “There is no priority given, but upperclassmen have more experience,” he said.
Freshman Julia Kaufmann tried out for a part. “I think it’s a good way to get involved with Campo,” she said. She also stated she was auditioning to be with her friends.
Even though Kaufmann would be happy to receive an ensemble part, she would also love to have a speaking role. “I’m not good at singing in front of people, so I’m nervous,” she stated. On the other hand, junior Cole Whitley, a veteran of other productions, was confident in his audition. “I was in two Campo shows,” he said, referring to Guys and Dolls and Fiddler On the Roof.
Junior Anna Talken believes that the main part should be played by an upperclassman. Freshman Claire Mangels agrees with Talken that an upperclassman should play the part, because she likely has more experience acting. However, freshman Gavan Gillespie believes an underclassman could do just as well in the role of Elle Woods.
Mangels is excited to see this year’s musical production with her friends. “I’ve been to some Campo plays before, and I thought they were all really good,” she said.
The auditions for this year’s musical took place on October 3rd and 4th at the Performing Arts Center (CPAC).
The show will debut in March 2013.
