Fans of the film "Legally Blonde" may want to head over to the Miller Performing Arts Center next weekend for Jefferson City High School's latest production.
Students are taking on "Legally Blonde the Musical," with shows set for Nov. 1-2. For those unfamiliar with the movie or Broadway show, the story revolves around Elle Woods, a blonde sorority girl who is dumped by her boyfriend for not being serious enough, leading her to enroll in Harvard Law School to follow him and prove he's wrong so she can win him back. As she learns more about law and how it can help people, she winds up selected for an internship with one of her law professors defending a woman who has built a fitness empire in a murder trial.
The cast and crew have been working for about a month and a half, ever since the first auditions for the musical.
Zachary McKinney, drama director, said the whole process has been a lot of fun. He said "Legally Blonde" is one of his favorite shows, noting he could probably do every line from memory. But what he really loves about the show is it's an inspiring message that can leave many, especially women, feeling empowered.
"This is a really feel-good kind of show," McKinney said.
Skylar Gaw, a senior, plays main character Elle. She said she's been involved in theater since her freshman year of high school and the cast and crew become like a family throughout rehearsals and productions.
"Everyone here is so supportive," Gaw said.
Like McKinney, Gaw said she really connects with the positive message of the show and what it says to women and girls watching.
"It's very empowering to women," Gaw said.
Carson Smith, a junior, plays Professor Callahan, the Harvard Law professor who puts together the defense team with interns from his class. Smith said he has done every show since entering high school and he enjoys on stage and backstage roles. He echoed Gaw's comments about how close the cast is in this production, saying the family atmosphere is his favorite part. Smith said he's a little nervous about the show, but that's normal.
"I always get a little jittery before," Smith said.
Austin Hartman, a junior, is playing the role of Warner Huntington III, the initial love interest of Elle and the reason she enrolls in Harvard Law School. This is his first on-stage role in a play, he said, though he's been involved as a crew member in past theatrical productions. He said he's "a little worried" before the curtain goes up but excited to perform in front of an audience.
Josephine Turner, a junior, is playing the role of Vivienne Kensington, the new girlfriend, then fiance, of Warner Huntington III. She said she's incredibly excited for the show, noting she has taken part in previous school productions.
"I love performing and playing different characters," Turner said, adding she's having fun with the role of Vivienne, who is initially a bit of a villain, but has another side to her nature. "I think (the show) will come together really well."
The high school production of "Legally Blonde" will begin with a free show that is open to the public at noon Nov. 1, though McKinney noted donations will be accepted. Tickets for remaining shows, which will be at 7 p.m. Nov 1. and noon and 7 p.m. Nov. 2, will be available for $5 for students and $7 for adults. All performances will be at the Miller Performing Arts Center at 501 Madison St.