“Legally Blonde,” the stage musical based on the hit Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture, will open Friday night, June 22 for a seven performance run at the Theatre in the Park. With Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and Book by Heather Hach, “Legally Blonde” will continue its run through Sunday, June 24 and again Thursday, June 28 through Sunday, July 1. The high-energy production is directed by Greg Shaw, with vocal direction by Laura VanLeeuwen and choreography by Liz Ernst.
Show time for all productions in the 2012 season is 8:30 p.m.; gates open to the theatre bowl at 7:30 p.m.
The Theatre in the Park is a program of Johnson County Park and Recreation District, and is the largest outdoor community theatre in the country. TTIP produces a five-show season of high-quality Broadway-style musicals and hosts a wide variety of special events.
“Legally Blonde” centers around Sorority star Elle Woods doesn’t take “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law School. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.
“This show offers theatergoers an evening of guilty pleasure fun that should not be missed,” Shaw said. “With its comically witty dialogue and the occasional use of legal jargon, you’ll find a show about one thing: being yourself and never letting others knock you down because of it.”
The young cast of “Legally Blonde” comes from all walks of life and there are some unique connections. Characters Emmett (David Thompson) and Serena (Celia Thompson) are married; the Thompsons’ four cousins are in the show as well. Lead actress Beth Benedict (who portrays Elle) has come home from LA for the summer to play her dream role—and her dog Bella is in the show, too!
Picnic lovers will be happy to hear that the Theatre in the Park and PANERA are partnering this summer to offer Picnics in the Park. Visit Theatre in the Park’s web site, www.theatreinthepark.org/picnics , select the performance night, select the Panera sandwiches or salad being offered, then pay right on-line. It’s that easy! The best part, of course, is that your picnic will be packed and waiting for you when you arrive at the theatre!
Also new this season is the Theatre in the Park Wine and Beer Garden, available for Friday night performances only. Have a tough day at the office and need to unwind before a night under the stars at the theatre? From 6 -8:15 p.m. enjoy a glass of beer or wine with friends. Sodas and Smoothies are also available for purchase. (You must be 21 or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.)
Following “Legally Blonde” is a full plate of entertainment including:
- Double feature of Disney’s “The Jungle Book Kids” and Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty Kids” – July 6-8 & 12-15;
- “Urinetown” – July 20-22 & 26-29; and
- “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” – August 3-5 & 9-12.
For more information, call the TTIP office at (913) 236-1237 or visit www.theatre in the park.org
Cast of “Legally Blonde”
Role/Actor
Elle: Beth Benedict
Serena: Celia Thompson
Margot: Maggie Stuckey
Pilar: Linnaia McKenzie
Kate: Heather Layher
Leilani: Hailey Esch
Holly: Lily Kaufman
Paulette: Jessica Alcorn
Brooke: Christina Brewer
Enid: Maggie Gremminger
Vivienne: Sofia Belhouri
Chutney/Whitney/Bookish Client: Katie Bartow
Courtney/DA Joyce Reilly: Buffee Gillihan
Store Manager: Kendra Way
Elle’s Mom/Salesgirl/Harvard Student: Cassaundra Sutherland
Cashier: Bronwyn Troxel
Whitney: Katie Bartow
Gaelen/Stenographer: Alexis Leikam
Store Manager/Judge: Kendra Way
Bookish Client: Amy Hurrelbrink
Emmett: David Thompson
Warner: Brian Houchin
Callahan: Joe Nuzum
Kyle/Frat Boy: Alex Rorie
Aaron (Harvard Student): Christian Owen
Padamadan: Dan Venezuela
Nikos/Harvard Student/Frat Boy: Brad Clay
Carlos/Harvard Student/Frat Boy: Derrick White
Grandmaster Chad/Harvard Student: Matthew Swenson
Elle’s Dad/Baliff/Kiki Colorist: Mike Forsythe
Pforzheimer: Charlie Weber
Lowell/Frat Boy: Anthony Gasbarre
Winthrop/Dewey: Mike Peterson
Jet Blue/Prison Guard/Harvard Student: Maximillian Mammele
TV Reporter: Kelsie Davidson
Lead Drum Line/Harvard Student: Drew Szczesny
Perfume Girl: Emy Blake
Delta Nus
Sara Lancaster
Bronwyn Troxel
Amy Hurrelbrink
Elle McClenney
Amy Arnott
Amelia Jones
Dana Arnott
Nicole McCroskey
Lauren Mylin
Madison Cole
Michaela Jamison
Olivia Rezac
Maggie Meyer
Michaela Whitmore
Christina Brewer
Harvard Students
Kelsie Davidson
Emy Blake
Drew Szczesny
John Wooten
Cody Gadberry
