Legally Blonde Jr. presented by First Act KC

PRESENTS

Music and Lyrics by LAURENCE O’KEEFE AND NELL BENJAMIN

Book by HEATHER HACH

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture

Original Production by Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals, Dori Berinstein, James L Nederlander, Independent Presenters Network, Roy Furman, Amanda Lipitz, Broadway Asia, Barbara Whitman, FWPM Group, Hendel/Wiesenfeld, Goldberg/Binder, Stern/Meyer, Lane/Comley, BartnerJenkins/Nocciolino and Warren Trepp; Produced in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

Liz Golson Director

Connor Hodes

Music Director

Stephanie Krug

Production Coordinator

Lucy Hutchison

Elizabeth Phillips Assistant Director/Stage Manager

Becca Graham Choreographer

Becky Ochoa

Lighting Designer

Joel Gray

Stage Management Apprentice

Sound Designer

from the director

Picture the scene: it is early 2001, the tragedy of 9/11 has not yet happened, and for now, the country lives in relative contentment The overall sense of safety and comfort feels stronger than today Our show takes place in the height of Y2K fever where the youth of America felt invincible, filled with optimism and endless possibilities If you dreamed it, you could do it! Remember back to a time where the days feel like spring, where the sunlight is somehow brighter, and the joy of youth is at its zenith Neck ties were worn as belts and starlets wore dresses over flared jeans on the red carpet! A Camelot in its own way, before that tragic September morning, before we all grew up too quickly watching the events unfolding on our tv screens “The time before ”

It is with this attitude that I hope you approach the performance today Legally Blonde the movie came out July 2001 At the time, the romcom reigned supreme at the box office Comedy had a different tone then, and silliness was as celebrated as overly dark toned “method acting” is today In the world of our play, the characters are free of the weight of the times to come, so they exist in an almost dreamlike reality

It is entirely possible to view Legally Blonde as a bubblegum, lighthearted romp with some catchy songs, and you’d be exactly right However, as an exercise for the actor or theatre enthusiast it is intriguing to delve deeper The themes of sisterhood in a patriarchal society, the feminine ideal vs striving beyond the stereotype, and the abuses of power color every page of this script. The idea of a beautiful young woman altering her life plans to attend law school on the other side of the country, all to follow the man of her dreams feels like a step forward and yet also a step backward for feminism. Elle Woods is a complex character, for a blonde. Perhaps in the pursuit of what society has taught her to want, she will discover that she is capable of so much more, that much like Dorothy and the ruby slippers, she already has everything she needs.

And along the way, the magic of Elle Woods (of any courageous woman!) is that everyone she meets is changed by her passion, her optimism, and the relentless pursuit of her best self. By watching Elle discover her own strengths, we the audience discover our own. Elle’s success is ours, too.

One could argue this show is almost a period piece, a time capsule of sorts, since it perfectly captures Y2K America in all its MTV, trucker hat glory I hope that as you enjoy the ride today, you remember what it was like for you in “the time before ” In that precious time when you aren’t quite a grown up but you’re also not a kid anymore That time when you’re encouraged to reach for the stars And maybe you’ll see a version of yourself up there onstage, whether it is with joy or cringing

May this performance remind us all:

- Who you are is exactly who this world needs

- That marching to the beat of your own drum is to be celebrated!

- And that whoever said orange is the new pink is seriously disturbed

Enjoy the show!

Liz Golson Director

artistic team

Liz, Elizabeth, Becca, Connor & Stephanie

Musical numbers

ACT ONE

"Oh My Gosh You Guys"

Elle, Margot, Serena, Pilar, & Delta Nus "Serious" Warner, Elle, Waiters, & Restaurant Patrons "Daughter of Delta Nu"......................................................................................Delta Nus "What You Want"…….....................Elle, Kate, Grandmaster Cher, Harvard Board, Delta Nus, & Frat Boys

"Ireland"…..................................................................................................................Paulette

"Chip On My Shoulder".............................Emmett, Elle, Warner, Callahan, Sunny, Enid, Erin, Delta Nus & Harvard Students

"Run Rufus Run"…….....................................................Elle, Paulette, Dewey, Emmett "So Much Better" Elle & Company

Musical numbers

"Whipped Into Shape"

ACT TWO

Brooke, Sabrina, Callahan, Enid, Elle, Emmett, Vivienne, Warner & Inmates

"Delta Nu Nu Nu"..........................................................................................Brooke & Elle

"Bend and Snap"..................................................Kiki, Paulette, Elle, Cashier, Stylist, Bookish Client

"Legally Blonde"...........................................................................................Elle & Emmett

"Legally Blonde Remix"……...........Vivienne, Elle, Margot, Serena, Pilar, Paulette, Kyle, Callahan, Brooke, Delta Nus & Harvard Students

"Find My Way/Finale"……........................................Elle, Vivienne, Paulette, Brooke, Emmett, & Company

cast of characters

IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Winnie Albrecht.....................................................................................................Delta Nu

Jonas Beyer....................................................................................Warner Huntington III

Elizabeth Bird………........................................................Erin Schultz, Harvard Student

Harper Borton Harvard Student

Isabel Buckingham Vivienne Kensington

Mary Beth Casey……….................................................Enid Hoopes, Harvard Student

Shea Coselmon………............................Saleswoman, Delta Nu, & Featured Dancer

Maddie Cure……….................................................................Delta Nu, Featured Dancer

Lizzie Cure……….......................................................Kiki, Delta Nu, & Featured Dancer

Lucy Dandurand………...............................................................................................Serena

Joy Dee………....................................................Chutney, Delta Nu, & Featured Dancer

Eloise Dixon………....................................................................................................Delta Nu

Esme Dixon………..............................................................................Paulette Buonafonte

Jamie Eigensee Lowell, Prison Guard, & Harvard Student

Kellen Eppler Dewey, Kyle the UPS Guy

Finleigh Eppler………..................................................................Bailiff, Harvard Student

Violette Feuerborn.................................................................................Harvard Student

Ava Florian.................................................................................Bookish Client, Delta Nu

Abraham Girard........................................................................Sunny, Harvard Student

Bonnie Golson.........................................................................................................Delta Nu

Amelia Grabbe.............................................................................Jet Blue Pilot, Delta Nu

Halle Gray....................................................................................................................Margot

Caroline Hammett..................................................................................Harvard Student

Kanyon Hancock Kate, Delta Nu

Beatrice Hillier Delta Nu

Riley Holk………......................................................................Whitney, Harvard Student

Cast of Characters

Ori Kahm………...........................................................................................Harvard Student

Isabella Kiser……….............................................................................................Elle Woods

Kate Kiser………........................................................................................Cashier, Delta Nu

Lily Krumm……….......................................................................................Harvard Student

Emily LaBarge Pilar

Hannah Lange Delta Nu

Addison Larson……….................................................................Judge, Harvard Student

Amelia Matthews………..........................................................................................Delta Nu

Isabel McCoy………...................................................................................Harvard Student

Tatum McGinness-Wood……….....................................Brooke Wyndham, Delta Nu

Palmer Nicholas………............................................................................................Delta Nu

Elliot Owen……….............................Pforzheimer, Prison Guard, & Harvard Student

Finley Papuga………............................................................Winthrop, Harvard Student

Audrey Poling.......................................................................Delta Nu, Featured Dancer

Gennie Poling Grandmaster Cher, Store Manager, Delta Nu, & Featured Dancer

Lucy Shively.............................................................................................Gaelen, Delta Nu

Lila Shove.................................................................................................................Delta Nu

Carter Smith.................................................................................................Emmett Forest

Maggie Stultz...........................................................................................Harvard Student

Jolee Tindle..........................................................Stylist, Delta Nu, & Featured Dancer

Harper Ward....................................................Sabrina, Delta Nu, & Featured Dancer

Maggie Weiss.......................................................................Delta Nu, Featured Dancer

Reagan Werner......................................................................................................Delta Nu

Hayley Williams Harvard Student

Grayson Zars Professor Callahan

Meet the Cast

Isabella Kiser as Elle Woods

Issy is 17 years old and a senior at LEAD Innovation Studios. This is her 3rd show with First Act Theatre Arts. Issy’s favorite role is Elle Woods in Legally Blonde Jr. Off stage, Issy enjoys hanging out with family and friends, being outside, singing, eating peach rings, and thrifting. Issy would like to thank the Academy, her JBL speaker, and her bejeweled script. But seriously, she would like to thank her parents, who’ve nurtured her love and passion for theatre, Kate, who is her #1 cheerleader, Matthew and Tyler, who always manage to stay awake during the shows, Noah, Alli, and Ben for showing her love and excitement from afar, and her grandparents, for always showing her support! And thank you to First Act for giving her the opportunity to shine as ELLE WOODS!!!

Carter Smith as Emmett Forrest

Carter is 18 years old and a senior at Olathe East High School This is his FIRST show with First Act Theatre Arts! Carter’s favorite role is Morris Delancey in Disney’s Newsies. Off stage, Carter enjoys hanging out with friends, playing disc golf, and thrifting. Carter would like to thank his family and friends, but most importantly, Jonas Beyer for making him audition!

Meet the Cast

Jonas Beyer as Warner Huntington III

Jonas is 18 years old and a senior at Blue Valley North. This is his 18th show with First Act Theatre Arts Jonas’s favorite role is Kerchak in Tarzan Off stage, Jonas enjoys running, playing basketball, and hanging out with friends. Jonas would like to thank his parents and his friends

sme Dixon as Paulette Buonafonte

Esme is 14 years old and an eighth grader at Summit Trail Middle School. This is her 2nd show with First Act Theatre Arts. Esme’s favorite role is Ursula in The Little Mermaid Off stage, Esme njoys watching silly Hallmark movies, reading, aking bad cookies, playing volleyball, basketball, nd throwing in track and field. Esme would like to hank her director, Liz, who is amazing and has aught her so much. She would also like to thank all of the First Act staff, the incredible cast, her amazing family and friends for their support, her mother for staying up late and practicing with her (and for her notes), her dad for helping with sets, her super supportive grandparents and uncle Andy for always coming to everything she does, her uncle Dave for his love and inspirationally vast knowledge of musicals. A special shout out to her sister Eloise, she loves sharing the stage with you and loves your late night quiet giggles before mom makes you all go to sleep.

Meet the Cast

Grayson Zars as Professor Callahan

Grayson is 10 years old and a fifth grader at Millbrooke Elementary. This is his FIRST show with First Act Theatre Arts! Grayson’s favorite role was being in the Disney Broadway version of Frozen with the Olathe School District this past fall. Off stage, Grayson enjoys hanging out with his brothers, playing outside, soccer, bowling, and cheering for Sporting Kansas City and the Chiefs. Grayson would like to thank his mom, dad, Camden, and Keaton.

Isabel Buckingham as Vivienne Kensington

Isabel is 15 years old and a freshman at Blue Valley Southwest High School. This is her 5th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Isabel’s favorite role is Miss Shields in A Christmas Story. Off stage, Isabel enjoys reading and going to school because it keeps her busy. Isabel would like to thank her parents for letting her do this show and driving her to all of the rehearsals. She would also like to thank all of the cast and directors for putting a lot of hard work into this show.

Meet the Cast

Kellen Eppler as Dewey & Kyle the UPS Guy

Kellen is 17 years old and a homeschooled junior. This is his 13th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Kellen’s favorite role is this one! Off stage, Kellen enjoys hanging out with friends, playing video games, and sleeping. Kellen would like to thank his family and friends for their support, his directors for their teaching, and God for always being there.

Tatum is 14 years old and a freshman at North Kansas City High School This is her 16th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Tatum’s favorite roles include Terk in Tarzan and Ariel in Footloose. Off stage, Tatum enjoys hanging out with her friends and family and dancing. Tatum would like to thank her parents for always being so supportive and her brother for being the best

Tatum McGinness-Wood as Brooke Wyndham

Meet the Cast

Joy Dee as Chutney, Featured Dancer & Delta Nu

Joy is 15 years old and a homeschooled freshman. This is her 16th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Joy’s favorite role is a Leg Lamp in A Christmas Story. Off stage, Joy enjoys reading, writing, and doing art projects, but always likes to work on improving her dancing, singing, and acting Joy would like to thank her family and teachers at First Act for always being supportive and helping her grow not only as a performer but a person

Lucy Dandurand as Serena

Lucy is 11 years old and a fifth grader at Holy Trinity School. This is her FIRST show with First Act Theatre Arts! Lucy’s favorite role is Amanda in Matilda Off stage, Lucy enjoys dancing at Miller Marley and listening to Taylor Swift. Lucy would like to thank her family, friends, dance teachers, and her voice teacher, Kristi Tucker

Meet the Cast

Halle Gray as Margot

Halle is 16 years old and a sophomore at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. This is her 8th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Halle’s favorite roles include Karl in Freaky Friday and Mother in Tarzan. Off stage, Halle enjoys hanging out with her friends, drinking coffee, and singing. Halle would like to thank her parents for driving her to rehearsal and for all of their support throughout the show process. Also, God for giving her the ability to perform for his glory.

Emily LaBarge as Pilar

Emily is 15 years old and a freshman at St. James Academy. This is her 14th show with First Act Theatre Arts Emily’s favorite roles include Monica in Freaky Friday and Urleen in Footloose. Off stage, Emily enjoys dancing with the First Act Dance Company and begging her parents to let her drive them around. Emily would like to thank her family, her voice teacher, Ashley Pankow, for always believing and supporting her no matter what, for all her friends and family who convinced her to do this show, and you for taking time out of your day to

Meet the Cast

Elizabeth Bird as Erin Schultz

Elizabeth is 14 years old and an eighth grader at Walden Middle School This is her 10th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Elizabeth’s favorite role is the Winkie General in The Wizard of Oz. Off stage, Elizabeth enjoys hanging out with her friends, family, and pets. She also enjoys traveling. Elizabeth would like to thank her parents for their encouragement and support

Mary Beth Casey as Enid Hoopes

Mary is 16 years old and a sophomore with Classical Conversations. This is her FIRST show with First Act Theatre Arts! Mary’s favorite role is Mrs Phelps in Matilda Jr Off stage, Mary enjoys sewing, make-up, baking, and anything crafty. Mary would like to thank her parents and siblings, they are all so supportive and are willing to drive her anywhere she needs to be so she can act.

Abraham Girard as Sunny Padamadan

Abraham is 12 years old and a sixth grader at Corinth Elementary. This is his 5th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Abraham’s favorite role is Ape Ensemble in Tarzan. Off stage, Abraham enjoys singing, doing art, and playing Roblox. Abraham would like to thank his parents and friends for supporting him.

Featured Dancers

Saleswoman & Delta Nu Delta Nu

Kiki & Delta Nu Delta Nu

Grandmaster Cher, Store Manager, & Delta Nu

Stylist & Delta Nu p Sabrina & Delta Nu

Bookish Client

Jet Blue Pilot

Kate

Kate Kiser Cashier

Gaelen

Harvard Students

Lowell & Prison Guard

Bailiff

Whitney

y

Judge

Isabel McCoy

Pforzheimer & Prison Guard

Finley Papuga Winthrop

Maggie Stultz

Congratulations!

Mary Beth Casey

Mary Beth, we're proud of your diligence and desire to step into a new theater. Blessings and congrats! Love M&D

Shea Coselmon

We are so proud of you Shea! We love seeing you do what you love!Mom & Dad

Lucy Dandurand

Hi, Lucy! Always fun to see you do what makes you smile! Love you! Love, Mom, Dad, Eloise & Betsy

Finleigh & Kellen Eppler

Kellen & Finleigh, The verdict is in! You are guilty of killing it on stage!! Love, Dad, Mom, & Ethan

Caroline Hammett

Caroline, Your first show was Hercules at 8 years old and here you are closing out your time on the stage with a last hurrah at First Act. We are so proud of you! Love, Dad, Mom, Madeline, & Ben

Ori Kahm

You're so talented and we're excited to watch you in all your roles! Love, Mom, Dad, Sierra, Brenna & Emry

Kate Kiser

Kate!! Congrats on your 1st First Act show! You've caught the acting bug :-) We are so proud! You are our favorite Delta Nu Love- Mom & Dad along with all your siblings

Congratulations!

Tatum McGinness-Wood

Tatum - We are so incredibly proud of you and all your hard work! Keep reaching for those stars, and you'll continue to shine so brightly! We love you so much! Trish, Michelle and Nash

Palmer Nicholas

We love our Delta Nu! Palmer, we love you watching you shine on stage! Break a leg! Love, Mom, Dad and Payton

Finley Papuga

Finley, we're so proud of you. Break a leg! Love, Mom and Dad

Carter Smith

Carter - We are so proud of you for taking a chance & trying out for your 1st First Act Show! Thanks to Jonas for encouraging him - we love watching you on stage together! Love, Mom & Sierra

Grayson Zars

Grayson, Elle Woods once said that “most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.”

Congratulations on your first main role as Professor Callahan. We are so proud of you! Your dedication is about to show Take a deep breath and enjoy every moment. Lots of love from your BIGGEST fans! Mom, Dad, Camden, and Keaton

Congratulations Grayson! Break a leg. So proud of you always. I love you! Grandma

Congratulations Grayson for being Professor Callahan You are my shining star. I am so proud of you. Love, Grandpa.

Grayson, To the best Professor Callahan: Keep on shining and chasing your dreams. We love you, Nana, Doug and GG

Parent Committees

Backstage

Eppler*

Nicholas

Weiss

Werner

Costumes

Albrecht

LaBarge

Shove

Ward*

Green Room

Casey

Eigensee

Grabbe*

Owen

Papuga

House

Borton

Cure*

Florian

Golson

Krumm

Makeup

Dee*

Feuerborn

Matthews

Zars

Opportunity Baskets

Buckingham

Dandurand

Girard

Lange

Shively*

Production Support

McGinness-Wood*

Props

Bird*

Coselmon

Hillier

Stultz

Refreshments

Hammett

Holk

Kahm

Kiser*

Larson Sets

Dixon

Hancock

McCoy

Poling*

Tindle

Williams Tech

Beyer

Gray*

Smith

*Committee Head

Special Thanks

First Act Theatre Arts would like to extend special thanks to the following organizations and individuals for their generous contributions to this show.

Casey McDorman and the Bell Center Staff for hosting this production

Village Presbyterian Church for hosting our auditions

Evangel Church & Kaw Prairie Community Church for hosting our classes

Erin Hillier & Darci Foster for being our tireless class coordinators

Maggie Miller for her dedicated service to our HEART program

Erin Barton & Steve Kleinschmidt for their excellent show photos

Dennis Ryan for the terrific show recordings

Rick Aldrich & Totally His Graphics for our awesome show shirts

Dennis Hoge for his help with all things warehouse

Ginger Burns for her assistance with makeup

Cynthia Liggett for her help with props

Pam Bray & Gina Milbourn for their assistance with the organization of our costumes

Gennie, Halle, & Addison for being our student worship team

Audrey, Lucy, & Emily for being our student social media team

The First Act Board and Staff for all of their support

Our amazing parent committees and wonderful volunteers: without you, our show would never be possible!

Stephanie Krug for making our production run smoothly

Our wonderful Artistic Team for putting this show together

And most importantly, our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ through whom all things are possible!

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