As the pit band began the overture for Heather Hach’s “Legally Blonde: The Musical” and audience members settled into their seats, the cast of the Pascack Theatre’s production anxiously awaited their cue to begin the three-hour-long performance.
The musical follows the story of UCLA sorority girl: Elle Woods on her journey to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, through Harvard Law; and, ultimately finding herself and the knowledge of law through the murder case of Brooke Wyndham.
The 2007 musical with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin is based on the novel “Legally Blonde” by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film of the same name.
Valley junior, Maya Teckwani, portrays the peppy, pink, and persevering Elle Woods alongside Hills sophomore, Henry Paikin, who plays Emmet Forrest: the smart and sensitive law student who shows Elle the ropes of Harvard Law School.
When asked about the experience of Pascack Theatre’s spring musical, Paikin stated, “It’s been so much fun. I’ve just loved everything about this show and can’t wait to finish out these next few shows strong.”
Unlike the past years of Pascack Hills Players’ shows, Pascack Theatre has entered unexplored territory with a two-weekend show. In order to accommodate for the vast crowds being drawn in, Pascack Theatre will be showing the musical seven times. With the four shows this past weekend, each night brought in over 300 ticket sales.
“It’s been difficult. I’ve had two-show days before so that part hasn’t been the worst but having to come back and remember everything next weekend is slightly stressful,” states Evie Eggers, a Hills Freshman, in the role of Enid Hoopes: the spunky Harvard Law activist. “It’s going to be a new experience but I’m excited for it.”
In the role of Warner Huntington III, Hills junior Anderson Moss explains, “It’s a lot of work; but, I think it’s worth it.”
Pascack Theatre first combined Hills and Valley with their fall play “When This is Over.” However, according to Hills Junior, Caitlin Buckley, the experience and connections built during a spring musical differ vastly.
Buckley, who takes on the role of Serena- UCLA Cheer Captain and Elle’s sorority sister- explains “It’s been a really great experience…Because of the amount of rehearsals and how much time we’ve spent together, we have grown to be really close.”
On Sunday, March 16th, the first show weekend came to a close with a successful matinee performance. The cast and crew will be given a short break before performing on Tuesday for the senior citizens of the Pascack Regional area; and, then opening for the second time on Thursday, March 20th.
If you weren’t able to attend the first weekend; or, loved it so much you need to experience once more, tickets can be purchased at www.pascacktheatre.org or at the door. However, it is suggested to purchase your tickets ahead of time online; because- what? Like it’s hard?
