D&E presents ‘Legally Blonde The Musical’
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ELKINS -- The Davis & Elkins College Theatre and Film program is excited to present "Legally Blonde The Musical." Performances will be held April 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Harper McNeely Auditorium on the campus of Davis & Elkins College.
"Legally Blonde the Musical" is based off of the novel by Amanda Brown and the forever classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Motion Picture that came out in 2001. The story was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2007, first starring Laurel Bell Bundy as Elle Woods and Christian Borle as Emmett Forrest. The production ran successfully for a year on Broadway. The story follows the protagonist Elle Woods as she gets into Harvard Law to win back love. She ultimately discovers her self-worth and finds that she is so much more than just a stereotypical blonde. She objects to the life she came from, finds true love, friendship, and passion at Harvard.
It's as if the role of Elle Woods was created for Nicole Schumacher, sophomore at Davis & Elkins College and second-time lead actress in a performance.
"I'm very excited to be playing Elle Woods! She has been one of my dream roles for the longest time! I grew up watching movies like Legally Blonde and listening to the musical soundtrack, so Elle has always had a special place in my heart," she said.
Schumacher replied when asked what it's like playing this dream role, saying, "I have always related to Elle as a character, she has taught me to stay true to myself and my passions. This is my first musical at Davis & Elkins. Being the lead role in such a big production is a lot of fun and an amazing opportunity. All my fellow castmates and crew are very talented and wonderful!"
Junior Ryan Rasco, who plays Emmett Forrest, reflects on his choice to join this production. "This whole production has been a rollercoaster for sure. It is hard work, and a lot of work, but the best things in life are worth working for. I'm especially grateful to Lonnie, Cindy, Donna, Aubrey, and the cast that I've recently joined. They have created a very warm and welcoming environment as I've pursued this endeavor this semester."
Lonnie Martin, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Film, is the director of the show.
"In terms of scale, this is easily the biggest show I've worked on since arriving at D&E," Martin said. "We have 25 cast members, plus another six to eight tech students helping backstage. Twelve-foot turning walls, multiple furniture pieces, singing, and dancing... There's a lot of moving pieces.
"With a different group of students I'm not sure this show would have been possible, but everybody is so dialed in. We're making magic every night at rehearsal. I'm really excited for folks to see this one!"
Choreographer Cindy Marie Martin said, "Legally Blonde provides opportunities for both small and large scale dance numbers. We're having a lot of fun incorporating several different styles of dance and movement, including some unique props, into the show."
To reserve tickets, go to https://linktr.ee/dnetheatre, or call the box office at 304-637-1255.