Daily Dose — Satire is Queen in May at the Capitol Theatre with Legally Blond: the Musical
By Ari Lord
Legally Blonde: the Musical hits the Capitol Theatre stage May 23-26.
Preparations are well underway for the show, says Darren Fuss, Director of the show, being put on by Black Productions.
“The show is high energy and has a glossy veneer that is meant to look pristine and effortless, much like the main character of Elle Woods,” says Fuss.
“But that is only accomplished by a full team of talented individuals who are putting all the moving parts together and keeping the show flowing in constant motion – like a theatre tornado that has Elle at the eye of the storm.”
The show is based on the book by Heather Hach, popularized by the 2001 film Legally Blonde, starring Reese Witherspoon.
Legally Blonde: the Musical tells the story of Elle Woods, a fashionable and bubbly sorority girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School in hopes of winning him back. Despite facing skepticism and judgment from her peers, Elle discovers her own strength and determination as she tackles the challenges of law school and proves that she is more than just a pretty face.
This is Fuss’ directorial debut. He works at Hall printing, which is owned by his partner. He says he has learned a lot on the job and has had to be flexible and adaptive.
“It’s been great. It’s a lot of work, a lot of pre preparation, and we’re just past the halfway point, it’s amazing what we’ve accomplished in a short amount of time.”
Thematically speaking, the show is quite complex.
“It’s multilayered and challenging and deals with a lot of issues through satire. It’s a great show and has great messaging,” says Sydney Black, Artistic Director at Black Productions.
Fuss mirrors this perspective.
“There are a lot of deeper themes about finding yourself and believing in yourself and kindness to yourself as well as to others.”
The show has a cast of 28. Some people are playing multiple roles because the show has a large number of characters. Fuss couldn’t be happier with the cast’s performance.
“The cast is one of our most talented casts that we’ve ever had. We live in a small area, and the amount of talent that is here and is attracted to this area is pretty phenomenal. For this show and those who are in the show, it’s quite incredible.”
There are many actors who have worked with Black Productions in the past, and a whole slew of new players bringing new talent to the stage, says Fuss.
The audience can expect to be delighted by some surprise elements of the show.
“I encourage [the community] to come out, especially even if they aren’t fully aware of what the show is. It is a blast. It has so many fun elements, amazing songs and dances,” says Fuss.
Tickets are $39 for an adult and $35 for 17 and under and can be purchased here.
There are many other events going on this month at the Capitol.
May 1st brings a stream-on-demand showing of the film “Tzeporah Berman – Lean in and Listen: Building Bridges in a World on Fire,” wherein renowned environmental activist Tzeporah Berman reflects on 30 years of advocacy for old growth forests and climate justice.
May 4-5th brings the “Tales of the Earth,” the Discover Circus School Showcase.
May 10th features “Alice in Wonderland,” performed by the students of Nelson Waldorf School.
Learn more about May’s Capitol events here.
Darren Fuss is directing his first show, Black Productions — Legally Blond: the Musical. — Submitted photo
