NK High theater group presents ‘Legally Blonde — The Musical’

“I was absolutely thrilled when I was cast as Elle, and getting to be in such an amazing role has taught me so much as a performer. Being confident on stage, learning extremely demanding music and choreography, and acting with emotion are all important to my role this year,” Kilday explained. 

Paige Barlow, 17, and a senior, also plays Elle. “Elle Woods is such a dynamic character that truly inspires me throughout day to day life,” she said.

Yes, just like Elle Woods’ character in this NK High School production for the next two weekends, students are finding their own way and voice through a familiar tale.

“Legally Blonde: The Musical,” based on the book with a similar name, chronicles the journey of the famously perky Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy, University of California, Los Angeles, sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down when she is dumped by her boyfriend Warner Huntington III for his former girlfriend, Vivian Kensington.

To prove to Warner that she is more than just some blonde sorority girl, Elle follows him to Harvard Law School, where all three attend and she struggles to fit in and do well. Ultimately, she defies expectations and manages to stay true to her delightfully pink personality and triumphs in an interesting legal case that turns the tables for her.

While “Legally Blonde” is primarily known as a legal comedy with strong elements of empowerment and satire, its protagonist undergoes a significant personal transformation. Initially seen as a stereotypical “dumb blonde,” she defies expectations by challenging societal norms, pursuing a law degree, and, most importantly, discovering her own strength and intelligence. 

This journey of self-discovery, growth, and maturation aligns well with many of the core elements of a coming-of-age story that these students are learning by living experiences through these characters’ lives.

“I love playing Vivienne because of how much she grows over the course of the show and I have learned how to portray a new type of character. I have also expanded my ability to act out a character arc even when I am not actively speaking,” said 18-year-old Madison Donnelly, a senior. 

Aidan Boyd, a senior, plays the roles of Grandmaster Chad and Kyle.

“The roles I play are very likable and funny roles so I am basically comic relief for the show. For the role of Kyle I had to learn how to Irish step dance so that was an interesting thing to get out of the role,” he said, accenting how coming of age can mean learning new things.

It’s not only about role playing for learning, but also the technical assistance.

“I’ve always had a passion for both the performing arts and engineering, and stage management has allowed me to combine both disciplines,” said Kay Raymond, 18, a senior, and a stage manager and set designer for the production.

“From the engineering concepts behind set construction, to the software behind lighting and sound design, tech theater has allowed me to work at the intersection of STEM and art,” she said.

“I’ve been able to learn so many skills from the teachers, directors, and parent volunteers who dedicated their time to the show, and being in charge of the student tech crew has allowed me to develop my leadership abilities immensely,” Raymond added.

The faculty theater director, Katherine Boisclair, pointed to all the occasions and moments for self-discovery and transitioning into an adult world these young people experience in a high school production. 

“Theatre provides an opportunity for everyone to grow, regardless of their role in the show,” she said. “My goal is always to keep the educational aspect in focus in this program. We hope that our students will gain confidence, communication skills, and learn to work as a team.”

Then she hit the core message of Elle Woods and walk on her path and to her destination as a scripted experience can bring in the positive ways that life sometimes forbids.

“This is also an opportunity for them to walk in another person’s shoes; to learn empathy and perspective, and grow into compassionate and articulate young adults. I love seeing their growth over the four years of their high school careers, regardless of what they choose to do post high school,” the teacher said.

Hana Toler is 17 and about to graduate. She loves musical theater, the senior said, and sees it helping shape her coming of age known by so many other terms all focused on the psychological and moral growth of youth to adulthood.

“Theatre is absolutely a dream job for me and I plan on pursuing secondary education with musical theatre. I love it because of how community-based it is. I love working with a team of like-minded individuals to create a fantastic product, being positive and uplifting to each other (and this) absolutely makes a show,” she said.