Fans of “Legally Blonde” were buzzing in May when Amazon Prime Video officially announced it ordered the prequel series “Elle” from Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine media company.
While fans await the TV show about main character Elle Woods’ high school years, they may want to check out Curtain Call Theatre’s “Legally Blonde The Musical,” which opened at 7:30 p.m. July 25 and continues at 7:30 p.m. July 26, 1 and 7:30 p.m. July 27 and 2 p.m. July 28 at Front Street Theatre in Mokena.
“It’s a summer stock production so it’s unique. It’s sort of a continuation of our summer camp. (It’s) for kids that are rising sophomores in high school through 23 years of age, which essentially gets you people who have aged out of camp,” said Matt Carey, director of “Legally Blonde The Musical.”
“The summer stock program is exciting for me because it gives an opportunity (to people) who love to perform to get to come and do that and be part of a show. We’ve got some really amazingly talented kids who came out for the show.”
Based on Amanda Brown’s 2001 novel “Legally Blonde” and the 2001 film of the same name starring Witherspoon, the musical features book by Heather Hach and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin.
“A lot of things are very similar. There are some differences in terms of the way some of the scenes are crafted simply because you can’t do it onstage the same way you would do it in a movie,” said Carey of New Lenox.
“You still have Elle Woods, who is a member of a sorority, who decides to go to Harvard, chasing a boy, and finds out that she is more capable of greater things than she thought possible.
“The message of the show is very important for young people.”
As the title suggests, “Legally Blonde The Musical,” which debuted on Broadway in 2007, includes song and dance.
“There are actually a lot of really big numbers in ‘Legally Blonde.’ There’s one that a lot of people may have heard — ‘Omigod You Guys’ — which is sort of the opening number,” said Carey, who also serves as secretary of Curtain Call Theatre’s board.
“There’s, of course, the song ‘Legally Blonde.’ Then there’s a really nice ballad that’s called ‘Ireland’ that Paulette sings. That is also super powerful.”
“Legally Blonde The Musical” features 19 actors including residents of Frankfort, Joliet, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, the Palos area and Tinley Park. Several cast members play multiple roles.
“They’re all pretty talented and super excited to be part of any production, and they bring a lot of energy,” Carey said.
“Especially in the Lincoln-Way district, we have three high schools that do good productions every spring at all sorts of different levels based on budgets. (Students) all get to come together and create their own tribe or troupe.
“They bond and for a moment they spend their summer with people who care about the things they do. They are delightful young humans. It’s an honor to be able to work with them and watch their energy and passion for creating this art.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
‘Legally Blonde The Musical’
When: July 25-28
Where: Curtain Call Theatre’s Front Street Theatre, 11112 Front St., Mokena
Tickets: $25
Information: 708-607-2281; ccctheatre.com
