Elle Woods is making her debut in Red Deer as Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School presents Legally Blonde The Musical.

Shows run March 12-13 and March 16-17 at Red Deer Polytechnic.

“The aim is to offer students a new style, genre or era of musical theatre each year, so that by the time they graduate they have experienced a variety of styles. Last year, we worked on Annie, so this year, Legally Blonde came from wanting to do something a little more contemporary. It’s got a pop-rock score and some more challenging content, which the high school students were excited for,” said Tara Koett, Teacher at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. “The show is based on the film, which is based on a book.”

According to Lindsay Thurber’s website Legally Blonde The Musical is, “A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!”

“It’s really campy and self aware, ridiculous and clever. For those familiar with the movie, it’s quite similar and maybe a little cheekier,” said Koett. “It’s been a lot of fun, it’s very high energy, and it has a really beautiful and empowering message.”

photo of castPhoto courtesy of LTCHS

About 70 students (and two canine actors) are involved in the production, which includes the cast, pit band, and technical theatre students. Koett added the students are giving their all.

“It’s been a really steep learning curve given the fact that in the past two years, their learning has been interrupted because of the pandemic,” she said. “It’s daunting and so exciting to see them start to revisit the skills they haven’t had the chance to use. It’s also the first time in two years that we’ve been able to have our cast and the pit band performing together. It’s really exciting and the energy is palpable.”

Koett said she encourages people to purchase tickets, even if they don’t have a connection to the school community.

“If you love live theatre and you love to laugh - the breadth and depth of work that these students have accomplished is incredible,” she said. “Our pit band is playing the same score that a Broadway Pit Orchestra would play; they are working so hard. The cast and technicians are also working so hard - I am amazed every day. The quality of their work is exceptional.”

Tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit the Red Deer Polytechnic ticket website, or https://www.rdpsd.ab.ca/lindsaythurber/_ci/p/82938. For a sneak preview of the process, follow @thurbertheatre on Instagram or Facebook.