Legally Blonde
at Mariemont High School
Reviewed on March 8, 2020
Isabella Saylor
Ross High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 1
What better way to celebrate International Women's Day than to watch a tale of empowerment which includes the shattering of a glass ceiling? Mariemont High School's production of Legally Blonde highlights the importance of female empowerment and understanding women are more than their outward appearance.
Legally Blonde is the musical adaption of the beloved film and book witten Heather Hach . The story focuses on Elle Woods , a stereotypical blonde beauty from California, discovering her power from within. Rather than the anticipated engagement with her Harvard-Law bound boyfriend, Warner dumps her because she is only a pretty face. Convinced Warner is the love of her life, she applies, gets accepted, and follows him to Harvard . The musical focuses on Elle blossoming into a high achieving lawyer.
The performances put forth by the cast created a high energy atmosphere. Gabby Tollefsen portrayed Elle's full arc: ranging from being an appearance-obsessed blonde in the song Serious to a bright, impactful attorney defending Brooke Wyndam , played by the jump-roping queen Tierney Rasmussen . The kind hearted Emmett Forrest , portrayed by Lucas Wilner , made the audiences' hearts collectively melt when he showed his unwavering support for Elle's potential. Other noteworthy performances were by Shannon Renner (Paulette ) and Ellison Van Scoy (Vivienne Kensington ) for their jaw-dropping vocals and female-empowering-female dynamic. The ensemble brought to life each character with relatability, whether playing playful and bubbly sorority sisters or the serious, scholarly Harvard Law students.
The crew did an excellent job quickly moving the story along. Each transition was smooth, well thought out, and effective. The lighting crew adequately directed the audience to different areas of the stage, and highlighted important characters for the scene. The lighting even added humor to many scenes. whenever Paulette mentioned Ireland, the lights would instantaneously shift to orange, white and green which humored the audience.
Makeup and hair, designed by Chris Wood and Sam Flerlage , was exceptionally created and executed. They kept the hair and makeup natural, as a true college student would. With Elle's character in mind, Wood and Flerlage made her look slightly more dramatic and standout.
Mariemont High School's production of Legally Blonde inspires everyone to not define who they are based on their outward appearance, but to become truly greater by showing who they are on the inside!
Elizabeth Volk
Saint Ursula Academy
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 10
For the class of 2022, Harvard Law School admitted only 12% of applicants. With such a low acceptance rate, potential students must go to great lengths to stand out. One idea is to parade into the admissions office performing a song complete with sequins and lifts. In Mariemont High School's production of "Legally Blonde" such a stunt does succeed, just like their production did.
Based on the 2001 film with Reese Witherspoon, this musical follows Elle Woods on her quest to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III. To do this, she must become serious by studying law at Harvard like he does, a difficult task because of unsupportive classmates and the ruthless Professor Callahan. However, she befriends the kindhearted teacher's assistant Emmett Forrest who makes her realize that she does not need Warner to find happiness. Armed with this knowledge and the support of her hairdresser friend Paulette, she endeavors to win her first trial and prove that she is not a stereotypical blonde.
The company's enthusiasm anchored Mariemont's production. The cast's effort shined when they energetically and accurately executed the choreography. The crew conducted efficient scene changes that kept up the show's fast pace.
Wonderfully leading the cast as Elle was Gabby Tollefsen. Her bright voice matched Elle's bubbly personality, especially when leading the company in an elaborate show-stopping number to gain admission to Harvard. She also demonstrated her wide emotional range in an emotional moment where Elle laments about not fitting in. Alongside her, Lucas Wilner gave a heartfelt performance as Emmett, always supporting Elle. Shannon Renner, who played Paulette, excellently balanced humor and poignancy like when singing about her dreams of Ireland or getting her dog back from her ex-boyfriend. Her melodious vocals and powerful stage presence made her performance memorable.
With his deep voice and short shorts, Griffen Wilner gave a truly hilarious performance as Paulette's love interest Kyle. He sauntered around the stage using excellent comedic timing to make his role impactful. RJ Howe and Chris Wood, who portrayed Warner and Callahan respectively, admirably served as obstacles to Elle's success. The Delta Nu Girls, who are Elle's sorority sisters, blended well vocally while also creating their own individual characters. While occasionally drowned out by the orchestra, the cast made up for it with their immense energy and confidence.
Delightfully complimenting the cast were the technical elements. The lighting, designed by Reagan Kaiser and crew, effectively matched the tone and theme of each scene. Some highlights were them creating the Irish flag behind Paulette and flashing the lights green when Elle mentioned feeling sick. Faced with twenty-six scene changes, including some done in full lighting, the stage crew had their work cut out for them. Led by Sam Bonnell, they executed each change quickly while keeping the focus on the actors.
Overall, Mariemont High School's production of "Legally Blonde" exuded charm and energy. Just like the select few who have gained admission into Harvard Law School, this company stood out and can now celebrate their achievement.
Hannah Breitenstein
Campbell County High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 2
OHMIGOD YOU GUYS! Mariemont High School's production of Legally Blonde the Musical by Heather Hach will make even the toughest critics bend and snap. Adapted from the 2001 movie, this musical tells the story of breaking stereotypes and discovering who you truly are.
Elle Woods has it all until her boyfriend, Warner, breaks up with her to get "Serious" at Harvard Law School. Insistent on getting Warner back, she cleverly charms her way into the ivy league school. While there, she struggles to prove that she's not a dumb blonde, but a diligent valedictorian. With the help from some friends, she whips her life into shape and proves to the world that she's "So Much Better."
The choreography and vocals in Mariemont's production were comparable in quality to a professional production. The dancers were in sync with each other throughout the performance despite the difficulty of the footwork. Further, the challenging melodies and harmonies were executed masterfully.
At the beginning of the show, Elle Woods (Gabby Tollefsen) is a hopeless romantic who chases after a man that dumped her. By the end, Elle finds self-worth in a world that tells her she isn't good enough. Tollefsen's performance as Elle was breathtaking. Not only was she able to hit every note effortlessly, but she also showed how Elle transforms from a girl into a woman through intense emotion and physicality. Emmett Forrest (Lucas Wilner) is a sedulous, amiable student who ends up falling in love with Elle after helping her study to the top of her class. Wilner's chemistry with Tollefsen was palpable and comparable to the chemistry of true soulmates.
Paulette (Shannon Renner) is a humorous hairdresser that longs for her dog and a man from Ireland. Paulette and Elle become friends after Elle helps Paulette reunite with the dog her ex-boyfriend, Dewey (Casey Dutro), stole. Renner provided many comedic moments throughout the night and stole the show with an Irish jig in "Legally Blonde - Remix". Professor Callahan (Chris Wood) is Elle's teacher who chooses her to be one of the four students that helps defend Brooke Wyndam (Tierney Rasmussen) in a murder trial. Wood's performance was impeccable. He was able to portray the uncharitable professor without fault. One role that stood out was Grand Master Chad (Benny Mitchell), the lead frat boy. Mitchell's solo in "What You Want" was exceptionally entertaining and memorable.
What set this show apart from many others was the live orchestra. The orchestra sat behind the set eliminating all distractions and enabling more space. Reagan Kaiser and the rest of the lighting crew creatively changed the colors of the lights depending on the situation. For example, vertical green, white, and orange stripes lit up the background when Paulette sang "Ireland". Backstage crew (Lucy Gee, William Pettifer, Carter Scheeser, Jerry O'Hara, ect) was extremely efficient and unnoticeably changed the set between each scene without ever drawing a curtain.
Mariemont High School's production of Legally Blonde the Musical showed the strain of breaking out of stereotypes and finding who you truly are. It was an evening of pleasure and pink!
Clare Brennan
Walnut Hills High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 3
"What you want is right in front of you!" This sentiment was certainly true of Mariemont High School's Legally Blonde. With tons of energy, plenty of pink, and two adorable dogs, this production was a delightful tribute to the beloved story.
Legally Blonde is based on the 2001 movie of the same name. The story follows Elle Woods as she chases her ex-boyfriend, Warner Huntington III all the way to Harvard Law School. Eventually, Elle grows to realize she never needed Warner and that she is a prolific lawyer in her own right. And of course, she finds love along the way. The story continues to be culturally relevant to this day, with the musical adaptation frequently getting produced across the country.
One would be hard-pressed to find a better Elle Woods than Gabby Tollefsen. A true triple threat, Tollefsen was continually a joy to watch as she took on this beast of a role. In a role so iconic to so many it would be easy to copy previous incarnations of Elle Woods, but Tollefsen made the role her own by finding new comedic beats and bringing an original quirkiness to the role. While making the audience laugh, Tollefsen seamlessly navigated Elle's emotional arch, making the 11-o'clock ballad "Legally Blonde" all the more poignant. Aside from acting, Tollefsen's vocals navigated this challenging score spectacularly, with nary a missed note and wonderful tone quality. Tollefsen beautifully rose to the challenge of this iconic part.
As for supporting roles, Shannon Renner made a wonderful Paulette, Elle's hair stylist, manicurist, and greatest support system at Harvard. With a terrifically exaggerated Boston accent and impeccable comedic timing, Renner's characterization was incredibly engaging. Additionally, Renner's vocals were also quite impressive as she belted out the wistful "Ireland". Chris Wood as Professor Callahan was another enjoyable addition to the cast. During his big number "Blood in the Water", Wood was clearly having fun as he made multiple distinct acting beats that enhanced the already imposing number. Overall, the performances in the supporting cast held their own against Tollefsen's Elle.
As for the technical aspects of the show, the lighting, lead by Reagan Kaiser, was striking. Many numbers and scenes were washed with bright colors, often reflecting the inner feelings of the characters. Most notably, the lights crew seized a comedic opportunity in the song "Ireland" by projecting an Irish flag onto the backdrop. Although subtle, this choice enhanced the earnest yet comedic nature of the song.
With all of these top-notch performances, dazzling lighting, and such a fun show, it's no wonder Mariemont High School's production of Legally Blonde was not to be missed.
Lacie Ollberding
Campbell County High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 4
"What? Like It's Hard?" seemed to be Mariemont High School's slogan for their wonderful production of Legally Blonde .
Legally Blonde is an award-winning musical, based on the beloved 2001 film, written by Amanda Brown . The story is centered around determined Elle Woods , who after being dumped by her boyfriend Warner , attends Harvard Law to be with him. The story focuses on her struggle to stay at the prestigious law school. With the help of her new friends, Elle discovers her developing talent and proves herself to anyone who ever doubted her.
Mariemont High School's take on this beloved musical was exquisite, to say the least. Every member of their cast and crew, helped to bring the story to life, always with high energy and a smile on their face. The show was secured by the beautiful music and near-professional level talent. At times, sound was a problem, as it was hard to hear, but Mariemont adapted to their challenges.
Gabby Tollefsen depicted Elle Woods fabulously allowing her character's outgoing, strong personality to fill the stage. Tollefsen never let the audience down with her energetic movements , loveable facials, and ,not to mention, her show-stopping emotion. Alongside Woods was none other than Emmett Forrest , portrayed by Lucas Wilner . Emmett's genuine , sensitive nature made the audience fall in love with Wilner's character and made for a memorable performance. Together, the pair blew away the audience as they harmonized in singing "Legally Blonde" beautifully.
Shannon Renner , who played Paulette , kept the audience entertained with her superb vocals and fun numbers such as "Bend And Snap '' . Beside Paulette , Griffen Wilner (Kyle UPS Guy ) took the stage by command in his hilarious UPS costume, with his comical facials and silly spirit. The Delta Nu Girls always had Elle's back throughout the show, and always kept their energy and optimism on stage and through the aisles. Appearing in many of the show's musical numbers , The Delta Nu Girls were always bubbly and upbeat.
The lighting crew created a beautiful atmosphere, as the lights switched from pink, to green, to blue, depending on Elle's emotions. This was a clever and loveable way to light the stage, perfectly capturing the mood of the moment. Similarly, the backstage crew presented great stamina throughout the show, as they pushed and pulled various parts of the set on and off stage; from Paulette's salon, to the "Scene of the Crime" , to Professor Callahan's classroom. In doing so, the backstage crew never missed a beat, and helped to make the show's location clear and unique.
For a well-known story with a skilled approach, Mariemont deserves much applause, as it was "So Much Better" than the audience could have imagined.
Maddy Kennebeck
Seven Hills School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 5
Breakout your best pink business suit and top off the line accessory, Mariemont High School's taking you to court with their production of "Legally Blonde" . The musical, adapted from the novel Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown and the 2001 hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon , is the classic story of an underdog, albeit a somewhat unorthodox underdog, finding purpose and acceptance and the talented cast and crew of Mariemont serve up some justice to the beloved property.
The story follows Elle Woods , a Malibu-based sorority girl who becomes devastated after her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III , breaks up with her the night she thought he was going to propose, saying she's not "serious" enough. Determined to prove him wrong and get him back, she enrolls at Harvard Law School , arriving as a stark contrast to the typical incoming class and taking the campus by storm. Throughout the show, no one seems to have faith in Elle in the field of law. With the help of her friend/eventual love interest Emmett Forest and salon worker Paulette , she sticks to her guns and proves how much she deserves to be there, successfully defending exercise queen Brooke Wyndham in a near-hopeless murder trial with her knowledge of both femininity and fashion.
Like any good musical, the plot only serves to set the stage for the songs and dance; and the cast and sound crew at Mariemont did a marvelous job. One highlight, in particular, is Gabby Tollefsen , who plays Elle , who managed to overcome the heavy orchestra with her voice and spirit, standing out in high-energy numbers like "What You Want" and "Bend and Snap" . The other actors and ensemble perform well, a bit drowned out by the spectacle of the show but still managing to hold their own with impressive stamina and vigor throughout the show's intense choreography and vocal range. Some standouts in this talented ensemble include Shannon Renner , who played Paulette , keeping the comedic role fresh and lively throughout her multiple excellent comedic moments. Lucas Wilner also stood out as Emmett Forrest , with a tireless work ethic that really played into his characterization. Never once letting up on their character or spirit, the cast at Mariemont did an excellent execution of the comedic and emotional script, showing impressive range and maturity in their handling of the show's central themes of justice and staying true to oneself.
Mariemont's tech crew kept the show running at a steady pace that kept the whirlwind show feeling crisp and well-executed. The stage crew made use of a limited stage to pull off a sedentary, but impressive set, with several large set pieces to change the scenery that were transitioned near perfectly. The numerous costumes also deserve praise, which combined with the hair and makeup done by Chris Wood and Sam Flerlage , capture the visual style of the show in it's pizzazz and premium quality.
Mariemont's production of "Legally Blonde" manages to capture the vitality and wit of the adapted musical with the effort of their cast and crew, making it hard to give an objection to this truly spectacular performance.
Elizabeth Mitan
William Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 6
There is no show more fitting to see on International Women's Day than Legally Blonde . Mariemont students celebrate women as they tell the story of a ‘dumb blonde' who discovers she may be capable of more than everyone thought.
Gabby Tollefsen is cast perfectly as the titular blonde, Elle Woods . The vocal demands of Elle's character are challenging and Gabby tackled them head-on. Mariemont's theatre lacks a pit and thus the orchestra was put onstage and above the cast. This meant that the singers could not see the conductor. While this caused some singers to fall out of rhythm at times, this unique situation never affected our leading lady - another testament to her skills. The chemistry between Elle Woods and the love interest Emmett Forrest , played by Lucas Wilner , was palpable. Actors playing more collected characters like Emmett can easily fall into the trap of being bland, but thankfully Lucas managed to avoid that pitfall and kept the audience engaged during his scenes.
Paulette was played flawlessly by Shannon Renner . She managed to keep a consistently high energy, befitting of her character, throughout the entire show. Her performance felt deeply authentic - not overplaying the character to the point where it was a caricature. Vivienne Kensington was played by Ellison Van Scoy who possesses a wonderful voice although her character does not sing as often. Another strong vocalist was Chris Wood who plays the unfavorable Professor Callahan . Although his character also does not sing very often, Chris's vocal technique stood out among the male cast. The supporting cast overall was very strong and the performances of Sam Flerlage as Enid and Benny Mitchell as Grand Master Chad should be acknowledged. The ensemble was enthusiastic and fun, however, the orchestra was very loud and overpowered them at points.
The lighting for Mariemont's production was done by students which is rare to see. The lighting crew was led by Reagan Kaiser . It was very impressive and there was only one dark spot. The light cues were timed perfectly and the ops crew overall deserves a lot of credit for the work they put into the production. The stage crew was also admirable and did a fantastic job of adjusting to the very limited wing space available. Publicity for the production was very cute. The Tik Tok videos and backstage photos posted at the entrance succeeded in hyping up the show. All the technical aspects of the show were solid although not everything was entirely student done.
Watching a largely female cast wow an entire auditorium was the best way to celebrate a day dedicated to women. A fabulous closing to a show everyone involved should be extremely proud of.
Josie Bird
Campbell County High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 7
Omigod, omigod you guys! Mariemont High Schools production of Legally Blonde was totally this season!
Elle Woods is the over the top sorority girl who applies to Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner . Elle wants to prove to Warner that she can be serious. Elle goes through the challenges of staying true to herself but learning about her new passion for law.
The cast and crew made the audience want to bend and snap! From the cast coming through the audience to dance and sing and to the crew quickly moving sets, it was perfectly enjoyable. The cast and crew worked hard to make this story come to life right in front of our eyes.
Elle Woods (Gabby Tollefsen) was sassy, funny and real. She was always making the audience laugh but touched the hearts of so many. Something that stood out was the song "Legally Blonde." Tollefsen was able to show emotion and sing beautifully. It made the audience feel and go through the emotions with her. But she was also so energetic and fun! Gabby Tollefsen was the perfect Elle Woods .She also had amazing chemistry with Emmett Forrest (Lucas Wilner) . They were captivating to watch and whenever they were together so many were smiling at the two. Lucas Wilner did amazing at the progression of falling for Elle . The two were undeniably the perfect match.
Paulette (Shannon Renner) stood out with her comedic talent. She was always so funny and her progression was enjoyable to watch. Not to mention she had amazing vocals and upbeat dances. Renner made Paulette come to life and made her so genuine. Her love interest Kyle (Griffen Wilner) was amusing. His UPS costume and his dancing really took off and made the audience roar in laughter. They were the funnest pair but also had the audience rooting for them to find happiness.
The lighting crew (Reagan Kaiser and Crew) was diligent. They really captured the show with the pink lighting and the spotlights. Elle Woods emotions were also shown with the lighting. For example, when Elle saw her ex-boyfriend propose to Vivienne (Ellison Van Scoy) she felt so many emotions running through her head. The lighting crew was able to catch that with different colors flashing going from red to green to purple. Another example is when Elle was broken up with the lights being blue to show her sadness. The running crew was also a crew that worked hard. Although, you could see them they weren't distracting. The pieces were out and were taken away fast. They had multiple pieces to bring out like school benches, the hair affair cart, dorm room things and more. They were able to do all of the moving flawlessly.
Mariemont High Schools production of Legally Blonde definitely ‘qualifies because the audience loves you guys'!
Allison Kiehl
Loveland High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 8
An excited buzz filled Mariemont High School's packed auditorium even seconds before the performance, capturing the excitement and anticipation that occupied the room. From the first moments of the show, the cast and crew of Mairemont's rendition of Legally Blonde seemed to capture this energy and, with ease, translated it into a very entertaining performance on Sunday afternoon.
Legally Blonde is an illustrious musical that features Elle Woods , a flamboyant protagonist who adventures to Harvard Law School to win back her love, Warner Huntington III. Along with this journey, Elle finds more than love; she finds herself and self-confidence derived from hard work and personal success. Her strong character and achievements come to represent the misfits and underdogs and advocate for the ideals of hard work and acceptance.
Mariemont's performance featured a large cast with many actors highlighted throughout the two acts. Gabby Tollefsen , in the role of Elle Woods , exemplified the essence of her character on stage with a strong and vivacious stage presence. Her strong vocals and advanced acting skills portrayed the values of a strong female protagonist. However, the aspect that rendered her performance as brilliant as her connection with the rest of the cast. She and Shannon Renner , portraying Paulette , were a dynamic duo on stage, their powerful voices filling every inch of the auditorium. Their performances were excellent, yet another wonderful attribute that this product possesses.
It is difficult to praise the cast without mentioning the fabulous ensemble. Their roles in the script may be more ambiguous, but this fact only makes their performance more impressive. Each Delta Nu Girl developed their own character and devoted them self to it, which highlighted their strengths and talents throughout the show. Kiersten Sounders and Avery Messner , playing the characters of Serena and Margot , through their excellent dance abilities and their aptitude for acting. In their supporting role, their roles in the show were highly anticipated: This skilled group certainly did not disappoint.
The show used a beautiful, multi-purpose set that dazzled the audience by both its looks and creative purpose throughout the show. Although this primary set was stationary, the stage crew efficiently moved smaller pieces in and out as the scenes demanded such as a salon and a courtroom. In minimal time, stage manager Sam Bonnell , and her crew successfully achieved scene changes both during blackouts and under the stage lights.
The creativity and quality of the production had the entire audience on their feet as the cast and crew came forward and bowed. This kind of appreciation makes it safe to say that from the very first note of the musical to the final downbeat, Mariemont High School's rendition of Legally Blond proved to be a very entertaining musical and a resounding success.
Sophia Rooksberry
Walnut Hills High School
Submitted for publication to Newspaper 9
Elle Woods is everything a sorority could possibly want in a sister - she's attractive, she's rich, she's good at shopping - but is she cut out for Harvard Law School? Her professor, her peers and her ex-boyfriend all say no, but over the course of her story, Elle proves that she fits in a courtroom just as well as in a dressing room. Since it's premiere in 2007, "Legally Blonde" has gained the reputation of being one of the most challenging musicals to produce. However, the dedicated students at Mariemont High School stood up to the challenge and brought the show to life with brilliant, comedic performances and some incredible backstage handiwork.
Owning the stage with every entrance she made was the multi-talented Gabby Tollefsen in the role of Elle Woods. With a sparkling vibrato, enormous stage presence, and energetic dancing, Tollefsen flawlessly delivered a hilarious and emotionally-rich performance. Brilliantly matching Tollefsen's energy was Lucas Wilner in the role of Emmett Forrest. Serving as a friend, mentor, and love interest, Wilner handled the demanding role with poise and professionalism. While not without their strong solo bits, the two actors earned the undivided attention of the audience every time they shared a moment on stage together. Not only was their chemistry remarkable, but it was heartening to witness a show with a strong female lead and a male love interest, especially on International Women's Day.
Playing the ditzy and eclectic Paulette was Shannon Renner, who was nothing short of superb in the role. From her longing ballad for the Emerald Isle, entitled "Ireland", to her heated romance with Kyle, the UPS Guy, played by Griffen Wilner, Renner was consistently hilarious and driven. Renner was faced with some of the show's most challenging tasks - belting exhausting high notes, interacting with live animals on stage, and wearing some unbelievably tall heels - but she never faltered and could always be counted on for a one-liner or a word of advice.
Considering that the show's title is linked directly to hair, top-tier makeup and hair design was expected, and Chris Wood and Sam Flerlage certainly delivered. The hairstyles were expertly suited to each character, both ensemble and lead alike, and succeeded in their subtly impressive design. Beyond the hair design, the makeup was also perfectly tailored for both sorority sisters and Ivy League students.
At first glance, "Legally Blonde" is nothing but a flashy, glamorous, and outrageously pink college story; but Mariemont High School conveyed the true message of self-discovery, true love, and having the willingness to take a chance on yourself, all without skipping a beat.