"An adrenalin rush of a musical with lots of fun. Yet a show that the audience can get into finding its essential message behind the sweetness," said award-winning musical director David Rohde of the Reston Community Player's (RCP) production of "Legally Blonde: The Musical."
Where and When
Reston Community Players production of "Legally Blonde: The Musical," at CenterStage Theater, Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods Village Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, VA 20191. Performances, Oct. 12-Nov. 3, 2012. Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m.. Matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 21 & 28. Tickets: $20-$23. Call 703-476-4500 or visit: www.restonplayers.o….
Nearing its 50th season, the RCP is bringing the multi-Tony Award nominated "Legally Blonde: The Musical" to the CenterStage Theater. The story takes off with lyrics “Omigod, omigod you guys / Looks like Elle’s gonna win the prize / If there ever was a perfect couple, this one qualifies." But, it doesn't quite work out that way.
A seemingly air-headed Elle Woods, a California sorority girl, is cast off by her boyfriend. She is not quite serious enough for him. Rather than folding her cards and disappearing into a heaven of shopping she heads off to Harvard. There she finds her true calling. Along the way she helps others who have been overlooked in life.
The musical is based upon the movie "Legally Blonde," and the book by Heather Hach, with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin. The show features jaunty songs including “Omigod, You Guys,” “Positive,” “Find My Way,” and “So Much Better.”
According to director Joshua Redford, "it is a big musical featuring a cast of two dozen talented musical theatre artists and a cute dog. We want to give the audience a big brassy approach." There will also be some clever design elements by set designer James Villarubia and crew with moving scene parts throughout the production and even a three-story house.
"A savvy, sharp 12-piece orchestra" will be powering the production with its upbeat, jazzy score of more than two dozen songs according to Rohde. Choreography for the fast-paced production is by Mark Hidalgo.
The crucial role of the ever-resilient Elle is played by Maureen Rohn. While new to RCP, Rohn has considerable theater background including a featured role in the DC Theater J production of "The Rise and Fall of Annie Hall." Rohn is a 2004 graduate of Robinson High School. She went on to Northwestern University to earn a musical theater degree.
In a recent interview Rohn described her connections to the role as quite strong. "I understand how life can sweep us along. Elle's journey of discovery is one I understand; it is so accessible. And the show and the music are sparkling and fresh."