Stage West’s production of Legally Blonde Jr was absolutely amazing. If I didn’t have prior knowledge that the cast was comprised mainly of teenagers, I wouldn’t have believed it. Not only was the acting superb, but the choreography was spectacular and dancing was flawless. Director Jennifer Vilardi of Hernando Performing Arts Academy definitely knows what she’s doing!
Legally Blonde Jr. is a story about what we are willing to do for love. It’s a story as old as time. Boy breaks girl’s heart. She is devastated, so she changes in an attempt to get him to see her value. She tries to change her hair color, dresses differently, and gets into a great school to win him back. She even subjects herself to tons of humiliation in order to get his attention. (The “Costume Party” scene is especially cringe-worthy). But just like real life, none of this works.
At first glance, Elle Woods seems like a horrible role model. She’s obsessed with material things, fashion, and boys. She gives up her own identity in a desperate attempt to steal a man from another woman. Her entire life now revolves around him. However, along the journey, Elle discovers that she is worth so much more than that and that no relationship is worth changing who she is. She learns to just be herself and that she is special the way she is. Elle also makes some great friends along the way and empowers other women to be themselves.
Elle Woods ends up being a great role model and the moral of the story is wonderful for the younger generation to see. Hopefully everyone who sees this amazing production, as well as all the hard-working cast and crew will take this lesson to heart and avoid making the mistakes so many of us have made on our own quest to find love. You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone and you definitely don’t need to change yourself to earn someone’s love. You are perfect the way you are.
When asked why she chose to direct Legally Blonde Jr. Vilardi said, “Honestly, I just wanted to work with the teens again. I missed working with them and it’s been over 3 years since I directed the kids. They had already chose the play when I put in to direct it. I’m actually really glad it was this play though. There is such a positive message in this. Yes, she starts off changing for some man but she ends up changing for herself. She pushes herself to do things she never thought she could and she grows as a person. In the process of her transformation she changes the lives of her friends as well. I think Elle Woods is a really positive role model for young women.”
Legally Blonde Jr runs until August 21 at Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd Spring Hill, FL. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students. Contact the box office at 352-683-5113 for more information.