New and past Cabaret actors to grace the stage this summer in the story that became a film, Broadway musical and TV show
By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news
“Legally Blonde,” a novel that became a Broadway musical, comedy films and television series, is the summer offering at The Oregon Cabaret Theatre beginning Friday, July 5.
The play exploded into public consciousness with the 2001 film that starred Reese Witherspoon. “Legally Blonde” tells the story of Elle Woods. Her life was turned upside down when her boyfriend, Warner, dumped her to attend Harvard Law School. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charmed her way into the prestigious school and, with support from her friends, sets out to prove that she’s actually more than just a pretty face.
The novel was written by Amanda Brown and was based on her experiences while a student at Stanford Law School.
Lauren Blair, the “Legally Blonde” director, has extensive experience with the play.
“This is my second experience with ‘Legally Blonde’ — I choreographed and played Brooke Wyndham in a production in L.A. I am so looking forward to creating this show again,” Blair notes. “For people who don’t know the movie, they are going to love this story, and for those that love the movie, there is an added level of incredible music and dancing that makes this show wildly endearing and exciting!”
“Legally Blonde” features a bevy of Cabaret veterans including Galloway Stevens (“Sweeney Todd,” “Poirot”), Austin Miller “(Full Monty,” “Clue”), Brianna Gowland (“Full Monty,” “Kinky Boots”), Gabrielle Smith (“White Christmas”), Rigo Jimenez (“Buddy Holly”), Tyler Jack Ward Lemons “(Kinky Boots”), Julia Funk (“Five on Fire”), and Aubrey Campbell (“Mamma Mia”).
In addition, several cast members will be making their Cabaret debuts, including Morgan Hecker, Marcus Brooks, Marissa Swanner, Andrea Hochkeppel, Alyssa Yard, Eva Dugré, and Tai Rosenblatt. Understudies include Mercedes DeGuchy, Alyssa Hertzog, Aidan Jenkins, Connor Lomeli, Dan Olson, and Alex Boyles.
Lauren Blair, the Cabaret’s Associate Artistic Director, will direct and choreograph, having previously directed “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Five on Fire,” “The Full Monty” and “Beehive.”
Others on the production team include music director Daniel Koh, assistant director/assistant choreographer Lili Fuller and stage manager Phillip Randall. The design team includes set designer DeAnne Kennedy, lighting designer Chris Wood, sound designer Tye Hunt Fitzgerald, prop designer Todd Nielsen, costume designers Kristie Mattsson and DeMara Cabrera, and projection designer Michael Stanfill.
If it were a movie, “Legally Blonde” would be rated PG-13 due to adult situations and mild language.
“Legally Blonde” opens Friday, July 5, and closes on Sept. 1. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 1 p.m. and evening performances begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday and Wednesday nights.
Reservations are required for pre-show dinner or brunch. Appetizers, cocktails, beverages and desserts are available without reservations. Tickets range from $32 to $49. The Cabaret offers a 15% ticket discount for groups of 12 or more for select ticket types and performances while $15 student rush tickets can be purchased 30 minutes before curtain with a valid student ID, subject to availability.
For additional information or to purchase tickets call the Oregon Cabaret Theatre box office at 541-488-2902 or visit oregoncabaret.com.
Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at 337lee337@charter.net.
