The winning legal antics of Elle and her dog Bruiser will be featured in the musical “Legally Blonde” to be presented at Lyons Township High School.
Fifty students are participating in the cast, crew and orchestra of the musical that is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwn-Mayer movie that starred Reese Witherspoon.
The musical tells the story of Elle Woods, whose life takes an unexpected turn when her boyfriend breaks up with her to attend Harvard Law School. Elle charms her way into the school with the goal of getting him back, but ends up discovering her own potential and a new love interest.
The lead role is being played by Jenny Deneen, 16, of Western Springs. She thinks audiences will enjoy Elle Wood’s adventures in law school.
“She’s just a really fun, bouncy character,” said Deneen. “There are a lot of layers to her. She ends up being a really dynamic character.”
Kevin Dillon plays another main character, Emmet Forest, who becomes Elle’s friend and love interest. Dillon, 17, of La Grange, said audiences shouldn’t expect a performance that mirrors the movie.
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“People will be surprised at how different it is from the movie. It’s more fantastical,” he said.
The musical has a lot of catchy songs that he thinks audiences will like.
“This musical, as a whole, is fun and energetic. When I first heard the songs I caught myself humming them,” he said.
Deneen said a challenge of playing the role of Elle is the skills it requires including singing, dancing and acting.
“It’s a solo thing, but you have to work with those around you,” she said.
Faculty member Eugene O’Reilly, who is directing the musical, said he chose it “for the strong female characters.”
“I think people will enjoy seeing the characters from the film come alive,” he said.
The character of the dog, a chiwawa named “Bruiser,” is being played by Jaq, a female silky terrier owned by special education teacher Colleen Gibbons of La Grange.
“She’s channeling her male chiwawa,” said Gibbons at a recent rehearsal.
She said the dog is enjoying being in the spotlight.
“She loves it when she does the right thing on stage and she gets a treat,” Gibbons said. “But then the real treat is being here with the kids.”
It’s showtime
What: “Legally Blonde”
When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 and 19; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 21
Where: Reber Center, Lyons Township High School North Campus, 100 S. Brainard, La Grange
Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children/senior citizens and LT students with ID. Available at the door one hour before each show.
The theater opens 30 minutes before each performance.