Fifty Blaine High School drama students have been busy reading lines and marking the stage for the opening weekend of their spring performance, “Legally Blonde: The Musical.”
Opening night was set for Thursday in the Performing Arts Center featuring an all-star cast that includes Danika Morecombe as Elle Woods, Toby Porter as Emmett, Riley Osborn as Professor Callahan and Blake Collins as Warner.
“I’m excited to see everything come together and to let all of our hard work show,” Morecombe said.
The performance is based on the Broadway adaption of author Amanda Brown’s book “Legally Blonde,” which was published in 2001 and became a box office success that same year. The musical follows Elle Woods, a Harvard law student as she navigates school and relationships.
Drama teacher Olivia Theilemann is directing the Blaine show, with music led by Andy Marshall and Mike Dahl. The performance is recommended for anyone 13 years or older, though Theilemann said families are encouraged to bring younger children if they feel comfortable with some cheeky humor.
Theilemann said she wanted the show to be an upbeat contrast to last year’s musical, the Greek tragedy “Hadestown.” This year’s performance also offered small roles that she said allowed many students to be part of the production.
“It’s a big boost of confidence,” Theilemann said. “Being on stage allows the students to open up and lets them shine.”
The high schoolers involved in the production each had a favorite moment or part they were excited to share with the audience. For stage manager Tommi Misquitta, it was the dancing she liked the most, while Collins said he looked forward to the “There! Right There!” musical number because of its humor.
Kaden Hansen, playing Kyle the UPS driver, said he was eagerly awaiting the last performances of his high school career.
“I want the audience to have fun and romanticize life,” Hansen said.
Rehearsals began in mid-February, with students dedicating four weekday evenings and Saturdays to the show. Theilemann said she was excited for the community to support her students who had put “blood, sweat and tears” into rehearsals.
“We can’t wait for Blaine to show up,” she said.
The performance starts at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, April 30-May 2 and May 7-9, with 2 p.m. Saturday matinees both weekends. The theater opens 30 minutes before each show.
Tickets cost $12 and are discounted $2 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at bit.ly/4eaZrjH.
The Performing Arts Center is in Blaine Middle School, 975 H St.
