H-H Presents 'Legally Blonde: The Musical'

is one of the first high schools to bring to its stage, according to the musical's theatre director.

"I have been talking with Musical Theatre International for quite some time awaiting the release of the rights for this show. I really was excited for the chance to perform this show because it appeals to current audiences and it had great success on Broadway," Theatre Director Lisa Stunder said. Stunder is also the co-producer of the theatre department and an H-H alum.

"Legally Blonde" is based on the novel of the same name and the 2001 film adaptation featuring Reese Witherspoon as leading lady Elle Woods. Woods is a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner, who broke up with Woods because she wasn't serious enough for him. Though Woods struggles shaking off the "dumb blonde" stereotypes at first, she eventually discovers her knowledge and passion for law, and successfully defends fitness queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial.

"It has current themes that kids can relate to and also carries a great message," Stunder said.

In addition to the message of the show, Stunder said she wanted a musical that would highlight Hatboro-Horsham's talented students.

"We also have a ton of very talented girls in our program and I wanted a show that would highlight our up-and-coming principals and also something extremely challenging for our current leading ladies and gentlemen," she explained. "Hatboro-Horsham has such fantastic arts programs available to its students and it really shows. We were also able to incorporate a bunch of athletes in the show. What other school district can you find the quarterback of the football team Riverdancing?"

On April 9, the cast and crew came together for the first night of dress rehearsal.

"Monday night (was) the first night of a week most refer to as 'hell week,' but in a loving way," Stunder said.

Roughly 100 students auditioned for the spring musical, and 70 were cast with roles, including members of the indoor drumline ensemble. The ensemble performs during a scene when Woods bursts into the Harvard admission office backed by the drumline and a squad of cheerleaders in lieu of a personal essay.

In addition to orchestrating the large cast, crew and musicians, the musical also incorporates actual dogs into the performance. Stunder said they decided to use real animals to portray Bruiser, Woods' chihuahua, and Rufus, an English Bulldog.

"Adding wildlife always enhances the thrill of live theatre for both the actors on stage and the audience alike," Stunder said. 

If you go

To see how it all comes together, head to for one of four performances: April 12 through 14 at 7:30 p.m. and April 14 at 2 p.m.* Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students with proper student identification.

*April 12, Cast B, which includes as Elle and Ali Pollock as Brooke, will perform; April 13, Cast A, which includes Sara Gallo as Elle and Skye Hewish-Schmid as Brooke, will perform; April 14 at 2 p.m., cast B will perform; April 14 at 7 p.m., Cast A will perform.