AMARAH GHORI
DEI Chair & Asst. Opinion Editor
This fall, the courtroom is coming to Fredonia.
“Legally Blonde: The Musical” will be performed by SUNY Fredonia’s Department of Theatre and Dance at the Robert W. Marvel Theatre, inside Rockefeller Hall. Performances will be held on Oct. 25, 26, 27, 31 and Nov. 1 and 2.
According to the director, Dr. Jessica Hillman-McCord, the production is “…one of the largest shows we’ve done in a long time. [It has a large] cast of 35 students, a lot of big dance numbers, a big pit band and huge design elements that will look really impressively professionally scaled.”
There will even be two real dogs for the roles of Bruiser and Rufus at these performances. Hillman-McCord said that having real animals is not usually something recommended for live shows but, “So far it’s been fun, and the dogs have been doing a great job!”
“Legally Blonde,” the movie, starring Reese Witherspoon, made its way to theaters in 2001. The film was a true hit during its time because it portrayed themes of empowerment, resilience and challenging societal norms.
The movie lives on as a legend in pop culture and was nominated for over 13 awards.
As the movie is about a young college girl wanting to do more for herself, it resonates deeply in college productions. The message of this musical remains relevant, even in 2024.
“Legally Blonde: The Musical” opened on Broadway in April 2007. According to the Playbill website, the original Broadway show had 595 performances and 30 previews before closing in 2008.
The show had seven Tony nominations: Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Actress in a Musical, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, Best Choreography and Best Costume Design of a Musical.
Hillman-McCord continued to share her excitement for getting the opportunity to put this amazing show on. “It was the students’ suggestion to do ‘Legally Blonde,’ and once they pitched it, I realized how fitting it was for our program this year,” she said.
Hillman-McCord also highlighted the pre-professional training this show offers the students. “The tech process, where we get all the set changes, light cues, costumes and the band working together, is going to be painstaking, but it’s such a valuable learning experience,” she said. “I think this show showcases not only the talent of our students but also their hard work and dedication.”
The show encapsulates themes that will remain prevalent in the thoughts of many audience members.
The main idea is having a deeper connection with yourself and developing self-worth beyond just your appearance. You can do anything you put your mind to and this show makes that idea possible. “The idea of a woman realizing she can be valued for more than her looks is incredibly empowering,” Hillman-McCord emphasized, noting the show’s relevance in today’s #MeToo era.
Alina Wiley, a senior BFA musical theatre major, is taking on the incredibly complex role of the protagonist, Elle Woods.
Wiley expressed her initial worries about playing a character who seemed so different from who she is. However, Wiley was able to find herself within the character due to Hillman-McCord granting her a lot of creative freedom.
Wiley feels very passionate about playing this character. “Elle is the most resilient woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. She faces so much ridicule, but she never lets it stop her,” she said.
“I’ve had moments in my life where people told me I wasn’t good enough, but Elle’s journey has taught me the importance of staying true to yourself and pushing through. I hope the audience walks away understanding that you should never underestimate someone based on their appearance.”
Another cast member, senior Talia Mobley is playing Pilar.
Pilar is one of Elle’s best friends in the musical and Mobley has had the fun challenge of getting to know this character, along with also being an ensemble member.
Mobley spoke about the idea of closeness within the cast. “There are no small parts in this show,” she said. “Even as part of the ensemble, the energy is so high that we all have to bring our A-game. I’m excited for people to see the hard work we’ve all put into it and to leave the theater feeling energized.”
Hillman-McCord spoke more about the current relevance of “Legally Blonde,” stating, “This musical touches on issues that are very current, like workplace sexual harassment, especially in the #MeToo era. The idea that women can be more than what society tells them is incredibly empowering. It’s a fun, lighthearted show, but it also tackles important themes in a way that’s accessible to all audiences.”
As Mobley said, “We’ve all worked so hard, and I think people are going to leave feeling happier and more energized than when they came in.”
Get your tickets in person at the campus ticket office in the Williams Center or online at: https://gp1.glitnirticketing.com/gpticket/web/ev_list.php.