Legally Blonde is Not as Pink as you Think

This Tony Nominated Musical and Winner of London’s Laurence Olivier Award for Best Show, is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture of the same name. The story is about the always pink-wearing Elle Woods who can handle anything. Her boyfriend, Warner, suddenly dumps her to go to Harvard Law School, so she decides to follow him and and win him back. The idea of a silly, rich, pink-wearing blonde at Harvard Law School is preposterous from the beginning, and those who have not seen the play, book or movie will think it’s about a ditzy chick who makes friends by doing their hair. But the students from the Conejo Valley who perform in this production will tell you that it is about far more than that.

McKenna Tedrick, who is 16 and lives in Moorpark, plays Elle. She says, “The message of finding yourself, is really strong and I think everyone can take something away from the show.”

Parker Apple, who plays Emmett, says, “Legally Blonde has a lot more depth than I initially thought and it has been really interesting finding the reality in such an animated premise.”

These young actors, singers and dancers are thoughtful and have spent some time finding this message.

“It’s easy to look at this show and see nothing but pink,” says director Michael Fischer. “But just like Elle Woods, it has a lot more than anyone can truly expect.”

Lauren Alexander, of Newbury Park, says, “It’s one of those stories that just works and truly hits everyone in different ways. We all know girls like Elle or boys like Warner but we never see such powerful and meaningful stories about how those girls can rise above the stereotypes they were assigned just for being blonde.” Lauren describes her character, Enid Hoopes, as “your stereotypical ultra-feminist.” She says it’s a complicated character. “It is really challenging to let myself play the role because I still have so much pent up fear of the character. It has really taught me a lot about myself and how to open up to things that are beyond my normal environment.”

Lauren’s dog, Nina, plays the role of Bruiser, Elle’s Chihuahua. Nina was a rescue dog and has learned quickly to deal with the chaos on the stage. Nina says, “Please don’t tell anyone that I’m a girl, playing a boy dog. I love it because I have all my own costumes, but I do get confused with the cues.” Nina was most likely a puppy mill dog and was likely abused because she is often fearful and has lost some of her teeth, and her back legs were previously broken. Nina hopes other will adopt dogs like her who need loving homes.

Natalia Vivino, who lives in Simi Valley, says “What appeals the most to me about this musical is the way it crushes stereotypes. Of course, most (if not all) of the characters are inspired by a specific “type” in the beginning of the show, but by the very end they prove those images wrong by achieving things that go against what is expected of them.”

The musical’s Book is by Heather Hach with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin. This production has the orchestra director and conducted by Susan Treworgy-Calkins, with musical direction by Tom Walsh and Choreography by Kate Peltola.

Performances are July 31 – August 9, 2015 at the Thousand Oaks High School Performing Arts Center, 2323 Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks. Premium tickets for LEGALLY BLONDE are $21 Premium seats are $19 for adults and $17 for children, students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased by calling 805-381-1246 or at www.yaeonline.com. There is a 10% discount for groups of ten or more for a single performance. Call (805) 381-2747 or visit www.yaeonline.com if you have any questions.

Young Artists Ensemble has received many accolades in the past 35 years including the Encore Statue Award from the City of Thousand Oaks for Excellence in the Arts, and Best Innovative Program 2011, Large District from the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts. Most recently, it received seven top honors in the National Youth Arts Awards for the 2013 Teen Summer Musical 42ND STREET, including Outstanding Production, Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Choreography, and Outstanding Direction.