Legally Blonde
at Sunny Hills

Reviewed on November 5, 2015

Erin Doolin
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Sunny Hill Shines with Legally Blonde

Erin Doolin is a Senior at Capistrano Valley High School

Sorority sisters with perfectly styled hair and outfits straight from the runway bumble around stage with a captivating energy and a perfectly sung "Oh My God, You Guys" as the lights come up on Sunny Hill's adorable production of Legally Blonde, which features exciting musical numbers, stylish pink outfits, and an energetic cast.

Tessa Githens plays the role of Elle Woods, the pretty- in-pink sorority sister who follows the love of her life to Harvard Law School. At Harvard, though, she discovers who she truly is and meets the man of her dreams. Tessa Githens embodies Elle through her bouncy step and huge smile both when she dances with her Delta Nu sisters and when she works with her team in the courtroom. Her bubbly energy captivates as she sings with a clear, powerful voice in "So Much Better". Githens is also able to show off her sensitive side as she cries in a soft tone during "Legally Blonde", when she wonders if she truly belongs at Harvard.

Elle's friend and law school mentor Emmet Forrest, played by Jedidiah Pak, shows his quirky but charming character through his use of finger guns and his endearing smile. His love for Elle shines through as he longingly glances towards her, drapes his jacket over her shoulders, and each time he tenderly grabs her hand.

Sammie Cano plays a convincing Vivienne Kensington through her perfect posture and pursed lips which shows Vivienne's aggressive confidence. Cano shows Vivienne's change of heart when she befriends Elle, inspiring her to continue law school.

Carlos and Nikos, played by Marcus Reveles and Michael de Leon respectively, offer humor and pizzazz to the show. Announcing their love for each other in "Gay or European", the two tango and strut around stage with a flamboyant energy.

The lighting, designed by Alex Cortes, effectively established the mood of each scene. With a lower light during Elle's sad moments and brighter lights during the happy moments, the lighting effectively highlighted the tone of the show. In the last song, "Find my Way", a pink tint on stage highlighted Elle's triumph and created a romantic tone for Elle and Emmet's engagement!

Sunny Hill's inspiring and upbeat production of "Legally Blonde" reminds us that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Erin Doolin
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Sunny Hill Shines with Legally Blonde

Erin Doolin is a Senior at Capistrano Valley High School

Sorority sisters with perfectly styled hair and outfits straight from the runway bumble around stage with a captivating energy and a perfectly sung "Oh My God, You Guys" as the lights come up on Sunny Hill's adorable production of Legally Blonde, which features exciting musical numbers, stylish pink outfits, and an energetic cast.

Tessa Githens plays the role of Elle Woods, the pretty- in-pink sorority sister who follows the love of her life to Harvard Law School. At Harvard, though, she discovers who she truly is and meets the man of her dreams. Tessa Githens embodies Elle through her bouncy step and huge smile both when she dances with her Delta Nu sisters and when she works with her team in the courtroom. Her bubbly energy captivates as she sings with a clear, powerful voice in "So Much Better". Githens is also able to show off her sensitive side as she cries in a soft tone during "Legally Blonde", when she wonders if she truly belongs at Harvard.

Elle's friend and law school mentor Emmet Forrest, played by Jedidiah Pak, shows his quirky but charming character through his use of finger guns and his endearing smile. His love for Elle shines through as he longingly glances towards her, drapes his jacket over her shoulders, and each time he tenderly grabs her hand.

Sammie Cano plays a convincing Vivienne Kensington through her perfect posture and pursed lips which shows Vivienne's aggressive confidence. Cano shows Vivienne's change of heart when she befriends Elle, inspiring her to continue law school.

Carlos and Nikos, played by Marcus Reveles and Michael de Leon respectively, offer humor and pizzazz to the show. Announcing their love for each other in "Gay or European", the two tango and strut around stage with a flamboyant energy.

The lighting, designed by Alex Cortes, effectively established the mood of each scene. With a lower light during Elle's sad moments and brighter lights during the happy moments, the lighting effectively highlighted the tone of the show. In the last song, "Find my Way", a pink tint on stage highlighted Elle's triumph and created a romantic tone for Elle and Emmet's engagement!

Sunny Hill's inspiring and upbeat production of "Legally Blonde" reminds us that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Kyra Kuhn
San Clemente
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Sunny Hills' "Legally Blonde" is positively pink

Kyra Kuhn is a Junior at San Clamente High School


In her pretty-in-pink clothes and artfully styled blonde hair, Elle Woods stands out from the other students at Harvard Law. But does solving a murder case and looking fabulous have to be mutually exclusive?

Full of energetic musical numbers and a myriad of diverse characters, Sunny Hills High School's fantastic production of "Legally Blonde the Musical" tells a story of overcoming life's obstacles and female empowerment.

Tessa Githens stars as Elle Woods, a stylish sorority girl who leaves Malibu to follow her ex-boyfriend to Harvard, in an attempt to prove she can be "Serious" and win back his love. Githens dazzles as she dances alongside her fellow Delta Nus, maintaining her bright smile and contagious energy. Her enthusiastic vocals shine in songs such as "What You Want" and "So Much Better" and her sensitive side is exposed in the emotional song; "Legally Blonde," where she wonders if her adventure to Harvard was worth the trouble.

Elle's shy and studious friend Emmett is played by Jedidiah Pak, whose calm disposition is a perfect balance to Elle's forceful presence. Pak stuns with his vocal ability in their duets "Take It Like a Man" and "Legally Blonde," his growing love for Elle clear in his wistful tone and endearingly awkward personality.

Elle becomes friends with a hair stylist Paulette, portrayed by Luna Floerke, and her client Brooke Wyndham, played by Zoe Thompson both of who stand out with their amazing vocals and diverse personalities. Floerke shines in the song "Bend and Snap" with her quirky movements and Thompson amazes with her ability to jumprope while keeping her brilliant voice during the song "Whipped into Shape."

The bright but understated lighting helps keep the focus on the radiant actors and energetic ensemble. Costumes by Miranda Fowles, Emmanuel Madera, and Ryan Mercer bring the Delta Nus to life by putting them in matching outfits like sororities in real life.

Sunny Hills' production of "Legally Blonde the Musical" shows audiences that fashion and academic success can go hand in hand.

Kyra Kuhn
San Clemente
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Sunny Hills' "Legally Blonde" is positively pink

Kyra Kuhn is a Junior at San Clamente High School


In her pretty-in-pink clothes and artfully styled blonde hair, Elle Woods stands out from the other students at Harvard Law. But does solving a murder case and looking fabulous have to be mutually exclusive?

Full of energetic musical numbers and a myriad of diverse characters, Sunny Hills High School's fantastic production of "Legally Blonde the Musical" tells a story of overcoming life's obstacles and female empowerment.

Tessa Githens stars as Elle Woods, a stylish sorority girl who leaves Malibu to follow her ex-boyfriend to Harvard, in an attempt to prove she can be "Serious" and win back his love. Githens dazzles as she dances alongside her fellow Delta Nus, maintaining her bright smile and contagious energy. Her enthusiastic vocals shine in songs such as "What You Want" and "So Much Better" and her sensitive side is exposed in the emotional song; "Legally Blonde," where she wonders if her adventure to Harvard was worth the trouble.

Elle's shy and studious friend Emmett is played by Jedidiah Pak, whose calm disposition is a perfect balance to Elle's forceful presence. Pak stuns with his vocal ability in their duets "Take It Like a Man" and "Legally Blonde," his growing love for Elle clear in his wistful tone and endearingly awkward personality.

Elle becomes friends with a hair stylist Paulette, portrayed by Luna Floerke, and her client Brooke Wyndham, played by Zoe Thompson both of who stand out with their amazing vocals and diverse personalities. Floerke shines in the song "Bend and Snap" with her quirky movements and Thompson amazes with her ability to jumprope while keeping her brilliant voice during the song "Whipped into Shape."

The bright but understated lighting helps keep the focus on the radiant actors and energetic ensemble. Costumes by Miranda Fowles, Emmanuel Madera, and Ryan Mercer bring the Delta Nus to life by putting them in matching outfits like sororities in real life.

Sunny Hills' production of "Legally Blonde the Musical" shows audiences that fashion and academic success can go hand in hand.

Samantha Pietenpol
El Dorado
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Sunny Hills's "Legally Blonde" is a vision in pink

Samantha Pietenpol is a Sophomore at El Dorado High School

"Legally Blonde" opens with the excited squeals of sorority girls, setting the tone for an energetic, fun-filled production. Lively musical numbers and emotional scenes show that girls can have it all- looks, brains, and love.

Love leads beautiful, blonde Elle Woods to Harvard Law School, where she discovers that she is more than just a pretty face. Despite being underestimated by almost every other character, Elle rises to the top of her class while solving a high profile murder.
Tessa Githens embodies the classic character of Elle Woods with a bubbly personality and powerful vocals. Her sassy strut and unwavering smile show the confidence of a true leader, backed up by the high energy of her Delta Nu sisters. Githens finds a perfect balance between the infectious energy of "What You Want" and serious emotions, shown in the ballad "Legally Blonde."

Elle's only friend and guide, Emmet Forrest played by Jedidiah Pak, motivates Elle to work hard for what she wants. Pak plays up Emmet's awkwardness to make his character lovable. Pak's vocal and acting abilities stand out as he falls for Elle in "Take It like A Man" and "Legally Blonde," blending perfectly with Githens.

Each character is given a chance to shine in the playful number "Gay or European." Enid Hoops, portrayed by Fiona Pratt-MacDonald, captures her character's strong feminist beliefs with her powerful demeanor and harsh attitude towards men. Another standout is Zoe Thomson, who plays Brooke Wyndham, former sorority girl and fitness mogul. Thomson shows incredible stamina and stellar vocals in her featured number, "Whipped Into Shape."

The technical aspects of the show perfectly complement the actors. The set, created by Sunny Hills Theatre Tech, features revolving, multipurpose pieces. Changes to the set pieces in every scene bring the setting to life. Elle's bedroom is decorated perfectly for her character. The various shades of pink and piles of beauty products show who Elle is. Lighting design by Maddy Githens, Alex Cortes, and Sophia Jang, while simplistic, highlights the actors' emotions.

Sunny Hills High School delivers an important message in this lively production of "Legally Blonde," that staying true to oneself will lead to the highest accomplishments and true happiness.

Samantha Pietenpol
El Dorado
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Sunny Hills's "Legally Blonde" is a vision in pink

Samantha Pietenpol is a Sophomore at El Dorado High School

"Legally Blonde" opens with the excited squeals of sorority girls, setting the tone for an energetic, fun-filled production. Lively musical numbers and emotional scenes show that girls can have it all- looks, brains, and love.

Love leads beautiful, blonde Elle Woods to Harvard Law School, where she discovers that she is more than just a pretty face. Despite being underestimated by almost every other character, Elle rises to the top of her class while solving a high profile murder.
Tessa Githens embodies the classic character of Elle Woods with a bubbly personality and powerful vocals. Her sassy strut and unwavering smile show the confidence of a true leader, backed up by the high energy of her Delta Nu sisters. Githens finds a perfect balance between the infectious energy of "What You Want" and serious emotions, shown in the ballad "Legally Blonde."

Elle's only friend and guide, Emmet Forrest played by Jedidiah Pak, motivates Elle to work hard for what she wants. Pak plays up Emmet's awkwardness to make his character lovable. Pak's vocal and acting abilities stand out as he falls for Elle in "Take It like A Man" and "Legally Blonde," blending perfectly with Githens.

Each character is given a chance to shine in the playful number "Gay or European." Enid Hoops, portrayed by Fiona Pratt-MacDonald, captures her character's strong feminist beliefs with her powerful demeanor and harsh attitude towards men. Another standout is Zoe Thomson, who plays Brooke Wyndham, former sorority girl and fitness mogul. Thomson shows incredible stamina and stellar vocals in her featured number, "Whipped Into Shape."

The technical aspects of the show perfectly complement the actors. The set, created by Sunny Hills Theatre Tech, features revolving, multipurpose pieces. Changes to the set pieces in every scene bring the setting to life. Elle's bedroom is decorated perfectly for her character. The various shades of pink and piles of beauty products show who Elle is. Lighting design by Maddy Githens, Alex Cortes, and Sophia Jang, while simplistic, highlights the actors' emotions.

Sunny Hills High School delivers an important message in this lively production of "Legally Blonde," that staying true to oneself will lead to the highest accomplishments and true happiness.